Small Fish Big Fish—the stirring story of family, friendship, first love and teen culture in 1960’s Scotland.
One for sorrow, two for joy,
Three for a girl, four for a boy.
Five for silver, six for gold,
And seven for a secret that must never be told.
Seventeen-year-old Stephen McBride thinks he has things figured out but his predictable world is about to come unhinged.
When Stephen spots ten pounds on the floor of a grocery store, the temptation proves too much. He stuffs the money into his pocket and unwittingly sets in motion a chain of events that will shatter those close to him.
Stephen comes under the influence of a local villain and is led down a dark path. He knows he can’t keep things secret for long and that soon he must make a choice: stand up for what he believes is right, or make a run for it. But one night things go too far and suddenly there are no choices left.
5.0 out of 5 stars Demands to be Read November 27, 2014
Format:Kindle Edition
If you're considering reading "Small Fish, Big Fish", do it. It is a high-quality independent piece and reminds me why I started reviewing indie work in the first place.
Carlisle's prose is passionate and authentically represents his characters, the overseas setting and the time period, and I felt deeply attached to all three.
"Small Fish, Big Fish" is thrilling coming of age tale, brilliantly told from a near omniscient third-person perspective. Sometimes such a thing is hard to pull off because too many points of views can be jarring for readers. If you feel this way, don't stop reading. The plot is intricate, expertly woven and yielded dynamic characterization and demands attention. When the novel ended, I immediately wanted to have something else of Carlisle's to read.
In terms of "Small Fish, Big Fish", I wasn't ready for it to end, but was very satisfied with how plot lines collided during the last half of the book.
I won't get into plot specifics because you'll have to read to find out why it's all so awesome. I highly recommend this novel for readers that enjoy thrilling literary work. Action, mystery, intrigue, and romance await.
Now, stop reading this and read "Small Fish, Big Fish".
I received a copy of this fantastic novel in exchange for an honest review.
5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting, January 23, 2015
Gloria Ng "Author of Cloth Diapering Made Easy" (OAKLAND, US, Canada)
This review is from: Small Fish Big Fish: A coming-of-age novel (Kindle Edition)
A riveting read -- hooked me on the first page: "...what seems like fortune's kindly smile is a mask that conceals the beginnings of a pernicious spiral.” Carlisle has a way with words, lyrical and philosophical at times, meandering and gripping at others. The points of view in the book wove in quite nicely and didn't make it seem disruptive. On the contrary, I saw even more in the story via the characters' eyes.
Furthermore, the details brought out the setting (time and place) of the book and the socioeconomic struggles at the time. Highlighted especially are the constant decisions young people, especially teenage boys, make to grow to adulthood. This gritty coming of age novel illuminates shifting alliances when youth are in doubt, fear, anger, or angst and is suspenseful in that each page the reader isn't completely sure which motivation wins the character over and what actions result from them.
Although set in 1965 Scotland, Carlisle's storytelling style allows the reader to take the leap into the universal with timeless values called into question. The basic premise: Will you let your environment (the neighborhood, the people) determine your destiny or is there really a scrap of it that you can call your own to manifest?
5.0 out of 5 stars If you are looking for an excellent coming of age story, January 3, 2015
KR Slifer - See all my reviews
This review is from: Small Fish Big Fish (Paperback)
This book was a complete surprise to me. Jacob Carlisle's prose is well written, detailed, and pulls the reader into the story immediately. I couldn't put it down!
If you are looking for an excellent coming of age story, you must read this one. It is realistic, rich, and compelling. The characters, the historical setting, all of it was so enjoyable. I highly recommend this book!
5.0 out of 5 stars It is easy to identify with the feelings of helplessness in the ..., December 21, 2014
tom porter - See all my reviews
This review is from: Small Fish Big Fish - The Novel (Kindle Edition)
Carlisle’s graphic portrayal of life, conflict, sectarian views and death took this reader back fifty years to his then home in Ferguslie Park Avenue. It is easy to identify with the feelings of helplessness in the face of violence and bullying, and as a reader I’m surprised by my empathy towards several of the characters and scenes. Carlisle moves with agility from the seedy tenement landings, pulling in the town of Paisley’s significant buildings and parks, interweaving their histories and relevance as backdrop to the plot. He comments beautifully on what probably still does pass for young adolescents’ social life and aspirations, while relating the harsh outcomes of the very visible penal institutions, mitigated by good experiences in the policing and legal systems. This cracking story shows Carlisle’s deep comprehension of the failed social experiment which befell Ferguslie Park as a consequence, at least partially, of the Glasgow Overspill policies.
5.0 out of 5 stars Read this..., January 29, 2015
This review is from: Small Fish Big Fish - The Novel (Kindle Edition)
Superbly written.
Scottish setting.
Compelling storyline.
Well-developed characters.
Brilliant soundtrack.
Five stars.
That's all you need to know, really…
(I received a free copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.)
4.0 out of 5 stars A gritty coming of age tale set in 1965 Scotland., October 31, 2014
Aric C. Carter - See all my reviews
This review is from: Small Fish Big Fish - The Novel (Kindle Edition)
Jacob Carlisle's Small fish Big fish, gritty coming of tale tell is a well written period piece. Set in 1965 Ferguslie Park, Scotland, Carlisle has faithfully recreated the atmosphere and nostalgia of the time and place.
Stephen McBride's life takes a turn down a darker road from seemingly innocent decisions. Similar to the movie Crash, several lives intersect along his path. In the end, Stephen has to accept responsibility for his actions and pay the price, or run from them and pay an even higher price.
If you want to be transported back and in time to 1965 Scotland and follow Stephen through his trials and tribulations, you will enjoy Small fish Big Fish. Be warned there is strong language and adult themes that some younger adults and adults may find shocking.
