A mixed martial artist has an upcoming fight. That can 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.
LP Novel: (n.) A novel that is written lyrical. At times. In its usage of wordplay. And rhymes.
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.
Cary Hite expertly narrates Tom Sheridan's unique LP (lyrical prose) novel. Franco, a proud New Jersey resident, works various jobs--longshoreman, cleaner, and bouncer--as he strives to become the MMA (mixed martial arts) world champion. Hite inhabits Franco and is a stellar storyteller, capturing characters of all ages and diverse accents as the story moves between past and present, building up to Franco's fight with "The Prince," a wealthy Middle Easterner. Most moving and authentic are Franco's wife, Julie, and son, TJ, who share his trials and dreams. This rousing tribute to New Jersey and Italian-Americans, with its well-rendered wordplay and rhythmic energy, makes for a high-spirited listening experience. Audio is unbeatable to capture and enjoy this unusual work. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2018]
