The Streets: An LP Novel
by Tom Sheridan
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Pub Date Jun 01 2018 | Archive Date Jan 31 2019
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Description
A mixed martial artist has one last fight. To make things right. He just wants to train. Hop an NJ Transit train. Do some work in Newark. Rep his fight team and his fans across the nation. Outlast that international sensation. Hopefully raise a victorious glove. Maybe get back with his love. But he’s feelin the heat. On Jersey’s streets. They docked his dock job. He owes a favor to The Frog. And his teen son T’s bein bullied. His plan’s all gettin sullied. Not to mention dealing with issues of class. Race. The mirror's reflecting face. It’s like there’s no escapin ’08. But wait. Let the haters hate. Franco’s goin for great.
Fightin straight outta Woodbridge. Aka Hoodbridge. The Wood. The Hood. By any name, a town. Too small to be a city. Too broke to be a burb. Too rough to be rural. Just a tough little Turnpike town. Older than America yet representative of today’s America. Connecting north to south. Red to blue. Old to new. Either a perfect alchemy. Or an insane stew. In March of ’08, it was looking like the latter. One that would swallow up Franco and T both. All in a novel written lyrical. Nah not a miracle. Just Made in the USA. Like jazz. Stand-up. And MMA.
LP Novel: (n.) A novel that is written lyrical. At times. In its usage of wordplay. And rhymes.
A Note From the Publisher
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tom grew up in Jersey. On streets that show no mercy. Like the sun on a Hershey.
He then got a degree. Magna cum laude. From Rutgers. University. Worked in NYC. But had to flee. Had to pursue the writing dreams he harbored. As life rocked him from port to starboard.
But he got an MFA. From UCLA. Sold some projects, got into the WGA. So he's doin okay. Especially because of his beautiful bae. And their two babes. A home in the South Bay. Not to mention Tom's tutoring organization. Educating the next generation. He hopes his book, can expand the conversation.
P.s. you can also hit Tom up on Insta 24-7. The handle's @tomsheridan247.
Advance Praise
"An admirable story with shades of Rocky and Boyz N The Hood told in an uncompromising and original voice." -Kirkus Reviews
The entire Kirkus Review:
"In Sheridan's debut novel, a mixed martial arts fighter struggles to raise a teenage son while dealing with unsavory elements in Woodbridge, New Jersey.
In 2001, 20-something MMA competitor Franco--who evidently resembles both Sylvester Stallone and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson--trains hard when he's not busy supporting his wife, Julie, and son, TJ, by working as a temporary worker at the docks for a man known as "The Frog." But Franco's potential fighting career is cut short by a devastating loss, during which he breaks his ankle. Seven years later, he's divorced from his wife, but his MMA comeback may finally be on the horizon. He still handles unpleasant tasks for The Frog, such as cleaning up maggots or rat excrement at the docks. But his latest job is even dirtier: The Frog offers him a hefty sum to kill someone. Meanwhile, TJ, who lives with his mother, is staying with Franco for a few days. Father and son bond as Franco shows TJ some moves to use on a school bully. Unfortunately, criminal types soon threaten Franco's return to the MMA cage--and threaten his loved ones, as well. Despite offering a sometimes-harrowing view of Franco's life, Sheridan's novel is surprisingly upbeat in tone; its resolute protagonist trains relentlessly and never gives up on his family, no matter what. The tale also addresses issues of race and social class in inspired ways, as Franco is an orphan of unknown heritage. Along the way, Sheridan's exuberant prose entails rhythmic passages ("Had money for booze but not for shoes") and copious wordplay ("Then onto Elizabeth and all its asphalt. Exhausted immigrants wonderin if it's they own ass fault"). This results in a breezy narrative that complements the ever hopeful protagonist at its center.
An admirable story with shades of Rocky and Boyz N the Hood, told in an uncompromising and original voice." -Kirkus Reviews
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9781732175815 |
| PRICE | |
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Featured Reviews
Reviewer 257731
Read the book because of the synopsis that was written on it. Normally not my type of book but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Actually couldn't put it down thinking about what could or will happen next. The style of writing was every enjoyable.
Lisa G, Reviewer
I really thought that I was not going to like this book but I was wrong. The writing style is so different but it flows. I recommend giving this one a try. Thanks to Street Creations and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.
