GAS MONEY is a heartwarming, honest narrative that shows how the everyday people we come in contact with can shape our lives forever.
The book is a collection of true stories that captures the perspective and imagination of a six-year-old black boy growing up in 1960s Virginia and his soul-searching journey over the next five decades. Artful storytelling brings to life the changes occurring within his world and the country as a whole. The complexities of family life and community changes are explored and told in an engaging fashion, allowing the reader to reflect on similar situations in their life.
The author believes that all of us can benefit from the concept of gas money – everyday people who knowingly or unknowingly provide us with guidance to help us get from one destination to the next in our life’s journey.
Excerpts available on website: http://www.gasmoneybook.com/tour-encore/
Semi Finalist
Assessment:
Plot: This is a truly engaging, skillfully told story, and it's easy for readers to keep turning pages. The author's perspective is distinct, while the inclusion of musical prompts is brilliant and the brief soundtracks for various sections are superb.
Prose: The author's voice is fresh, varying between sweet and piquant and sometimes mesmerizing. The prose is a pleasure to read.
Originality: Stories of growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, and of desegregation, are not uncommon, but this particular story, the writing, and the main character are all delightfully original.
Character Development: The characterization in this story is brilliant. This uniquely talented writer has meshed all of his traits together to transmit the whole, absolutely real person. Secondary characters are fully flesh and blood individuals as well.
Blurb: This autobiography has it all—and beware the light tone that often arises; the words themselves have an undertow that you might not feel until you're dangerously deep in the story.
Date Submitted: August 24, 2017
Gas Money was selected as having the best opening line in BookLife "First Lines".
"Gas Money is a terrific read . . . Hopefully, this review will provide Lewis with the 'gas money' to take him even further as an author. It would certainly enrich us all."
-- Jane Cutler Yepez, The Huffington Post
"Gas Money is unlike any book I have ever read - part social history, part autobiography, part family memoir. Troy Lewis has to have been the brightest kid around to be able to remember this stuff. Either that, or he kept really good notes when he was 9 or 10 year old! Since Troy's story is partly my story, his book took me on an interesting road trip. We have all read biographies of the "greats" of the civil rights era, but here is the inside story of social change by a child growing up in Black culture in rural Tidewater Virginia. It's true and real and gritty and hopeful."
-- William Scheel, Former Headmaster at Christchurch School on Amazon.com
"To coin a phrase, this is a "must-read" book. It has pathos, hope, joy, humor and inspiration. I picked up the book and found it so difficult to put down as I anticipated each new chapter with its delightful people and gems of wisdom, insight and humor contained with the pages. . . . One cannot help but to be moved by this fast, most enjoyable read. Enjoy the ride!"
-- Carmella P. on Amazon.com
"Gas Money is a book that gently embraces by warming and lifting your heart. But mostly, deeply touches while massaging your very soul. You will certainly be left reflecting upon one's own personal journey in life. . . . I guarantee you will open your eyes as you contemplate some new found approach in your very own life or that of others. I sincerely promise you that much, if not more!!!"
-- Debi D. on Amazon.com
"I loved Mr. Lewis' writing style. He tells his story as the memories come. Not necessarily in chronological order. I liked this a lot. It shows originality, which is one thing I loved about this story. The photos were lovely and gave me a feel as if I were part of his family. There were so many emotions flowing off every page: happiness, sadness, laughter and love. Overall I found Gas Money an enjoyble, heart-felt read. I hope to read more from Troy Lewis. I highly recommend to all."
-- Sheri Wilkinson, Juniper Grove Book Blog
“Troy Lewis is a brilliant story teller and teacher. I couldn’t put Gas Money down. When I was a little girl, I loved reading “Little House in the Prairie” - the stories and lessons of Laura Ingalls growing up in the midwest over a hundred years ago. I was just as intrigued and learned just as much from Gas Money - the stories and lessons of Troy Lewis growing up in the south over fifty years ago. Fascinating.
I couldn’t put it down. And each time I had to, I found myself sharing one of Troy’s stories and lessons with my daughters. Troy courageously shares his journey and in so doing gives us all gas money to propel our own. Thank you Troy Lewis!”
-- Jill Donahue, Blogger for ActionableBooks.com and Founder of Excellerate
