One night in Hunt’s life, his birthday and night of his senior prom, he’s out for the entire night. The events that unfold in those short hours wrap up what the years leading up to his 18th birthday - his thoughts, fears, regrets, instincts, and dreams - have led him to.

This is a quick read that offers a personal glimpse into the life of a Catholic boy coming of age and facing the realities of life as a man.

Thank you NetGalley and Livingston Press for the advance copy.

3.5 stars
A day in the life, a coming of age story of teenage boy in the Bronx in 1960. Hunt has a lot on his mind, not just the prom and Debbie Ann, the girl he loves, but he thinks every day of the little brother he lost. The prom is a disaster when he finds out that Debby Ann really wants to be with Sal. There are rumors of a gang coming to their neighborhood to fight and that adds to the tension. I couldn’t help but love Hunt, even with all the typical teenage angst that seeps through the pages. He’s serious and he wants to be a writer and a DJ. He’s is a feeling, caring young man, even though very naive and idealistic. There are funny moments, especially if you went to a Catholic school like I did, you’ll be able to relate to his waiting in line at the confessional. It’s poignant at times as his grief is reflected over his little brother, and in his genuine friendship with a homeless man, a former teacher who lost everything because of his drinking. This would be a perfect story for someone who could relate to the time and place, New York in 1960, as I’m sure it would provide a nostalgic journey down memory lane. It wasn’t that for me, but I found in Hunt to be a character to remember. He reminded me a little of Holden Caulfield.


I received an advanced copy of this book from Livingston Press/University of Alabama