Off Clark

by Walker Ryan

When a professional skateboarder disappears under mysterious circumstances, a podcaster seems to be the only person interested in finding him. She has her own motivations, of course, and so begins an exploration into the little-known and unpredictable world of international skateboarding. Walker Ryan’s second novel, Off Clark, is a tale of complicated friendships, hesitant romance and unexpected adventure.

“On top of his craft, Walker wraps innumerable facets of a skater’s psyche into one wild plot.” -Mark Suciu, Thrasher Magazine’s 2021 Skater of the Year

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2022

Reviews

[Poette gael · Rating 5 out of 5]

First. I am a skateboarder... Probably even a skate nerd. I guess it may be important for what follows. Second, I am French, sorry for the English.
I loved the book. I love the fact that the plot can be interpreted as a way to enter skateboarding and even the industry from a non skateboarder point of view. I love how the plot is kind of based on a real story (acknowledge in the book). I love the questions Nina have about skateboarding, I love the answers Mo has. In a kind of way, many skateboarders certainly have been asked these questions... I felt less lonely. The end is kind of astonishing. But I must admit my comments are almost independent of it. I hope Walker Ryan will go on writing about skateboarding and skateboarders.

[Jackson Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started mellow but once it got going the story really revved up quick. Mo’s adventures were totally alluring and I found myself getting super excited for each new place visited and each new escapade. I got some horror movie vibes in the sense that the characters are practically asking for trouble, and I was screaming for certain things not to happen. I appreciated how Mo wound up happy, especially after Henry from Top of Mason was left kinda heartbroken. The very end left me scratching my head a little, I reckon it was a cool little underlying aspect to the plot though. All around this novel was a struggle to put down and super captivating, cheers on another great piece of work Walker, can’t wait for more!

[Pilar O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so fun to read. I read Top of Mason a couple months ago so I was excited to start Off Clark and see what Walker would come up with. The pace and plot of the book kept me hooked the entire time. I really felt immersed within the world and by the characters we got to know extremely well. Walker does a great job with building realistic characters.

I’m a skateboarder but I’ve never experienced the industry side of it, so it was cool to peak into the business side of being a pro. I’m also a girl who’s happened to date guys/skaters just like Mo hahahaha so it felt very relatable in those interpersonal areas too.

Overall I hope Walker keeps writing😝!! Highly recommend.

[Josh Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walker is trailblazing in the world of skate fiction. This novel offers the satisfaction to skateboarders of seeing their culture beautifully encapsulated and embedded in a gripping narrative of travel, love, and mystery. For nonskaters, you’ll also take away wonderful insights into the absurd world of professional skateboarding.

Highly recommend to all!

[gabriel ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book because I am a skateboarder and one of my favorite skaters is Mark Suciu. Off the Clark was entertaining and relatable to almost all major characters. Even if you are not a skateboarder, I feel the twists and turns the story truly keep you on the edge of your seat page after page.

[Jack Dacus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walker Ryan is one of a kind in his field. You can see his approach to his craft and life through the worlds he creates in Top of Mason and Off Clark. Each book shows respect to his art and a deeper look into a culture that outsiders rarely look into.

[Colin Mahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. The skating world created a great backdrop to a wild ride. Loved that Henry made an appearance. The best part of the story was the intimate relationship that develops between the protagonists expertly written from both perspectives.