Strategies for Success

by Stona Fitch

Thirtysomething Larkin Stride begins to question the validity of his "successful" life, evolving from New England yuppiedom to the truths found in his past. A first novel.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

I'm a novelist, former punk, ad man, and recovering Okie living in Boston. I write dark, politically inflected novels that have a redeeming sense of humor that pulls them out of the abyss. My books go on to foreign editions, film adaptations, and other lives. But most important to me is that my books connect with new readers, every day. Thanks to you for being one.

My latest novel is Death Watch, and it's a wild ride. Not as scary as it sounds. Or is it? Your call. I also write under the pen name of my Irish twin, Mr. Rory Flynn (Third Rail, Dark Horse). And I'm the founder of the Concord Free Press, which has inspired more than $5 million in generosity around the world. Our books are free in exchange for a donation to a cause you believe in or a person in need in your community.

https://www.concordfreepress.com/

Reviews

[Ronald Koltnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Larkin Stride is having a bad winter and spring. Prior to that, he had led a storybook life -- beautiful wife, top level career, and a gentrified condo within walking distance of Harvard Square. It's hard to tell exactly when his wheels went off the track but I suspect the real reason was in his blood. Part of the book deals with the career of Larkin's antecedent, and ostensible Civil War hero, Catlett Stride. Like great-grandfather, like offspring. Larkin is neither hero nor anti-hero in his own life; he's more like a casual observer. With all of the earmarks of success, he has no idea of who he is or what he needs. Fitch's debut novel belongs on a shelf with BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY and with the lesser known STAY HUNGRY by Charles Gaines. Larkin is essentially a ne'er do well in an Armani suit. The business book he is writing is called STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS (there are a few real business books with that title already). What he is actually living is Strategies For Delusion. Part comic, part tragic, STRATEGIES was an auspicious debut for young Stone (and one hopes the book isn't autobiographical).