The U. S. Open Provided Many Stories of Human Interest

Like most golf fans, I was glued to the television over the weekend watching the U.S. Open play out in Farmingdale, New York. Of course, discovering the winner took longer than normal with the rain that plagued the eighteen holes for a good part of the weekend. For the first time since 1983, and not in a situation that involved a playoff, the final holes were played on a Monday. I wonder how many golf devotees called in sick to start the week so that they wouldn’t miss the exciting finish! When it came to this year’s tournament, the weather was only of the stories that made headlines.

The sentimental favorite of the U.S. Open was Phil Mickelson, as he will be leaving the circuit indefinitely to be by his wife’s side as she battles breast cancer. His every swing was followed closely by both spectators and TV viewers. But, as so often happens to Mickelson in major tournaments, he ended up placing second when all was said and done. Our thoughts and prayers will be with this great player as he now shifts his focus to something much more important than the game of golf.

The victory was earned by Lucas Glover, a 29-year-old player who was hardly one of the premier players on the circuit when he started his first drive towards the championship on Thursday. Now, his new standing as the current U.S. Open champion has lifted his world ranking from No. 71 to No.18 and he is a much wealthier man. Has a star been born?
And, of course, there is always the compelling story of Tiger Woods. Recovering from major knee surgery that took place just over a year ago, Tiger ended up with even par when the tournament reached its conclusion. This effort was not enough to make him much of a factor at any point on the leader board. This is now the first time in five years that all of the major trophies belong to someone else other than Tiger Woods. I know this is an odd sensation for everyone in the world of golf.

There is no doubt that the game of golf is filled with human drama and stories of inspiration. That is why I am thrilled to have the fictional Prairie Winds Golf Course as the backdrop for my three novels. I know that my plotlines cannot compare to what real people are experiencing, but I appreciate the opportunity to offer my small contribution.

Hey if you Have time Tonight.............

I'll be online tonight 11:30 central until 12 with
Peter Anthony Holder
CJAD 800 AM, Montreal
CFRB 1010 AM, Toronto

Hope you can listen in!

What Happens When a Teenager Loses Both Parents?

There is no doubt that our teenagers are facing difficult challenges that were unheard of in the times that their parents, or perhaps even their older brothers and sisters, were growing up. We have predators on the internet who are posing as adolescents in hopes of having an inappropriate relationship, or perhaps with plans for violent actions. The 24-hour media is bombarding our young people with images of sex and drugs with unprecedented frequency. The troubled economy has soon-to-be graduates wondering if a job will even await them once they walk across the stage. And, the increase in the number of divorces in our country has left many teenagers without the stable two-parent home that usually provides the best opportunity for guidance and development.

In my second book, Finish Line, I introduce the readers to Justin and Keith. They are two teenage boys who, for different reasons, do not have strong male role models in their lives. After a destructive summer prank lands the boys a summer job working at the Prairie Winds Golf Course, their need for a strong male influence is finally realized. The manager of the course, Curt Schroeder, soon teaches the young men some important life lessons about endurance, discipline, and a positive attitude.

With Mother’s Day just this past weekend, my thoughts have been with the irreplaceable role that moms play in our upbringing. Mothers and fathers each offer a distinct and important relationship with their children. What happens when a child is left without either one? How much are the common struggles of our teenagers amplified when such a tragedy is included? How can you help a young person who is already dealing with the complicated emotions of adolescence express his or her feelings about being an orphan? This serious issue will be addressed in my upcoming book, Opur’s Blade.

If you are someone who has dealt with the loss of both parents at a young age, I would love to hear your story. And, once Opur’s Blade is released, I hope you will share your feedback and let me know if I did justice to that difficult experience.

Government Can Drive People to the Point of Frustration or Even Violence

Several months ago, I published an article in several high-profile directories that highlighted some of the ridiculous laws that are passed in our city halls every year. I decided to write about that topic due to the content of my third novel, Tuey’s Course. In this book, the title character becomes increasingly frustrated with what he sees as an oppressive local government that is out to ruin his professional standing and even his life. While some of his anger at the elected officials in his town may have been justified, the drastic actions Tuey eventually took were beyond all realm of normal recourse. However, when you take a look at some of silly ways in which our government chooses to involve itself in our lives, some level of irritation should be considered quite normal.

Did you know that in Tennessee it is illegal to shoot any game other any whales from your moving car? I’m sure that whales often make themselves available to driving motorists in the Volunteer State.

How about this? It is illegal to raise chickens in bottles in New Jersey. And I thought the tight quarters of those coops seemed a bit unpleasant for the popular fowl.

Finally, in my home state of Missouri, the fine residents of St. Louis are not allowed to sit on the curb and drink beer from a bucket. I am sure that this restriction has put a damper on many a Friday night. At least Mason jars and keg spigots seem to pass the test.

I realize that many of these laws are antiquated and no one has simply bothered to introduce motions to remove them from the books. However, even if they are not really enforced, these laws are still an amusing insight into the topics over which our politicians have argued at some point in a city or state’s history. I imagine that you know of some laws in the place where you live that you find either ridiculous or downright infuriating. I would love to hear from you and perhaps share your examples on this blog.

I hope you will read Tuey’s Course and read about one man’s experience with local government that had life-altering consequences for more people than Tuey could have imagined.

The Heisman Trophy is No Guarantee of Success in the NFL

Last week marked an important occasion for all fans of the National Football League. College players from across the country gathered to hear their name called as part of the annual draft. No one was surprised that Matthew Stafford from the University of Georgia was selected by the Detroit Lions as the number one draft pick. The Lions are hoping to improve on last season, which should not be too difficult considering they didn’t win a single game. Besides watching to see who gets selected early and what unexpected and controversial trades are made, fans of draft day are also curious to see what happens to that year’s winner of the Heisman Trophy. There is no doubt that there have been some busts in the past.

In the 1990 draft, the University of Houston’s Andre Ware was drafted in the first round by the Lions and was supposed to be the next great quarterback, following in the footsteps of Joe Montana and Dan Marino. He spent most of the time on the bench. How about Eric Crouch? He won the Heisman in 2001 but was not drafted until the third round the following year and retired from the game before even playing a down. The past two winners, Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford, have yet to finish their college careers. So, we will have to wait to witness the draft fate of these two amazing quarterbacks.

In my latest novel, Tuey's Course, the title character (whose full name is WeWildapheet Ulisees O'Tweety) is also a winner of the coveted Heisman Trophy. Like the examples I mentioned above, he also never had the opportunity to see his name in lights on Super Bowl Sunday or fly to Hawaii as a Pro Bowl selection. Instead, his life and eventual fate are more tragic than those who simply did not succeed at the professional game. I hope you will read about Tuey and his life’s struggles. I believe he is a character that you will find hard to forget.

Is the Bad Economy Affecting Fictional Golf Course Employees?

The economy has found the idea of higher education one that has both merits and drawbacks for many Americans. On one hand, the rising tuition that is becoming a necessity on many campuses in the face of serious education budget cuts has parents concerned that the dream college for which their son or daughter has long desired may not be possible. Then again, there are a record number of people who are either returning to school after losing their jobs or staying in school for a graduate or professional degree in order to avoid facing the harsh job market. Already, the nightly news shows are running stories about what the current recession will mean for the class of 2009.

In my series of books that take place at the Prairie Winds Golf Course, my readers are introduced to a character that may not be living her dream job in light of the environment she faces every day. Julie is the bookkeeper for the golf course, as well as a graduate of the local junior college. While her work is impeccable in its professionalism and thoroughness, and she has a great relationship with her supervisors, some of the other regulars in the club house leave something to be desired. Julie shows a great strength of character in the way that she handles the members who drink a bit too much while enjoying a day on the course as well as those who find it appropriate to make advances on her as she tries to handle the office finances. Men and women alike will appreciate Julie’s confidence and spirit.

Is Julie a good candidate to return to school and further her education with the many others who are trying to get a leg up in this difficult economy? Or, should she be happy to have a job at Prairie Winds, despite its drawbacks, and keep her current position until the overall market improves? I hope you will read Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, and Tuey’s Course and let me know what you think about Julie and other characters that come to life on the pages.

Every Great Story Needs a Loyal Dog

There are certain images that come to mind when I picture the all-American male. Naturally, I picture a group of good friends spending time on a golf course on a sunny Saturday morning. I also think of cruising down the back roads of a small town in a bright red convertible. And, of course, what guy is not complete without a loyal dog by his side? With this in mind, I certainly had to include man’s best friend in my series of books that take place at the Prairie Winds Golf Course. My readers will have the pleasure of meeting Bogey, whose dedication to his owner and his kind heart will be familiar to everyone who has a beloved pet in their own family.

Bogey is a bull terrier. For those not familiar with the breed, perhaps you will recall the fifteen minutes of fame earned by the dog Spuds McKenzie in those Budweiser commercials from the late 1980s. While Bogey certainly never led the party life experienced by his same-species counterpart, perhaps this comparison will give you the appropriate visual image as you picture this dog bounding around the golf course eager for attention and approval. Bogey was already ready to provide companionship first thing in the morning and made sure that all was well with the humans he adored before falling asleep at night.

Without revealing too much, I will share that Bogey’s story becomes interwoven with the other drama that unfolds on the golf course. I hope that you will read my three novels that have been published to this point—Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, and Tuey’s Course—and then contact me and let me know if you have had any experiences similar to the ones the characters had with the irreplaceable Bogey. He is certainly an important part of my all-American story!

Review of ‘Lifetime Loser’

Review By:
Ladies on The Tee
A Golf Community for Women by Sherry Tabb
Website: http://www.sherrytabb.com/

First let me start by stating that I am in no way considered to be a book critic. However, I know what holds my interest and what does not. Having said that I recently had the opportunity to read, the James Ross book, Lifetime Loser. This book is the first in a series of 3 novels to date by Mr. Ross.

Lifetime Loser is a story about greed vs. honesty. Its backdrop is a golf course and there is a well woven plot that involves a naive golf professional, J.W. Schroeder and a very unscrupulous business man, Lew Zerrmann and his equally dishonest associates and acquaintances. Ross takes us on a journey that spans two decades and has enough twists and turns to keep you hanging on every word.

For me this book was as interesting a read as a John Grisham or Patricia Cornwell novel (two of my personal favorites). The character development was strong and effectual. The proverbial fight of good vs. evil plays well in this book especially with the focus on greed. It rings so true for today’s world. It is not until the end that you really find out what will happen. There are many surprises even at the end so don’t think you can figure out who wins. You’ll need to read the book.

The bottom line is that I ended up putting off some office work to finish this book. It is a real page turner, even if you are NOT a golf fan. I am anxious to begin reading the second of the series, Finish Line. But for now, I have to get back to my office chores. I may have to burn some ‘midnight oil’ tonight and get into the next story….

Recommendation: A hole-in-one!!

March Madness is Underway – Get Those Brackets Ready!

For college basketball fans, this week marks the best time of the year. The brackets for March Madness have been announced! Sixty-five teams will now take part in exciting, frenzied hard court action over the next three weeks. Who will be the Cinderella team of 2009? Which of the number one seeds will be the first team to fall? I am excited that the Missouri Tigers have earned a great spot on the bracket and look forward to our first game against Cornell.

However, it is not only the love of the game that has people across the country talking about college basketball right now. March Madness also marks one of the greatest events for sports gamblers, both serious and casual. In offices everywhere, brackets are being Xeroxed and pencils are taking to the paper. Some will study the statistics meticulously when making their selections.

Others will write down their teams of choice based on jersey colors, alma maters of friends, and mascots. As has been proven in years past, all strategies have a chance at success.

There is no doubt that gambling on sports is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States, and not just with college basketball. In my most recent book, Tuey’s Course, I introduce readers to a football referee who uses his position on the field to earn a profit. A few missed calls here, a couple of questionable penalties there, and the course of a game can be changed. These intentional errors, some of which are quite obvious, provide for quite the conversation while sitting around the Prairie Winds Golf Course clubhouse.

For sports enthusiasts like me who find great importance in maintaining the integrity of our chosen game, I hope that the particular subplot will be of particular interest to you. Please go here to purchase Tuey’s Course, as well as my previous books, Lifetime Loser and Finish Line. I hope you will enjoy all of the characters to whom I introduce you as they walk the greens of the golf course and make both earnest appeals and crooked deals along the way.

Reviews are Coming in and they Are Great

"I just finished reading Lifetime Loser. What a book! I really did enjoy it very much. How in the world did you get all the research done? It was incredible. Thanks for sharing these titles with us, I will be looking forward to Finish Line and Tuey's Course. Keep up the good work"
Reader from Oregon.

Radio and Television Interview Report - April Edition

The Masters Tournament is April 9-12
Why Do 27 Million People Find Golf So Fascinating?

James Ross has golf and writing in his blood. Ross is a 5 handicap duffer and a distant relative of Mark Twain. Like millions of golfers across the country, Ross is anticipating the first major tournament of the 2009 season: the 73rd Masters Tournament held at the pristine and hallowed grounds of the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.

Like his literary predecessor, Ross offers social commentary on the game of golf, blurring the line between the 18 holes and life outside the greens. Besides champions, Ross examines the dark side of the game: the greed, discrimination, deceit and fraud hatched on the sunny greens of country clubs across this country.

Find out the fascination millions have with the intricacies of the game and the prominent names that have made golf a true national treasure: Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan and Tiger Woods.

Ross discusses:
• The unusual relationship between disgraced investor Bernie Madoff’s guaranteed investment returns and his golf handicap (both 12s).
• Why Bill Clinton’s golf game upset Jack Nicklaus.
• What cheating in golf says about a business person’s professional ethics.
• Why the cost of the game caters to the affluent, not minorities.
• Why the “good-ole-boy” network at exclusive country clubs lends itself to potential crime.

This Guest Takes a Critical Swing at the Game of Golf and Sinks a Hole in One

CREDENTIALS: James Ross is a lifelong golfer and well-received author, incorporating golf into many of his novels. His golf-themed books include LIFETIME LOSER, TUEY’S COURSE and FINISH LINE.

Email:jamesross@authorjamesross.com

Website:www.authorjamesross.com

Blog:www.Author-Jamesross.blogspot.com

Hurricane Katrina Still Affecting Music in New Orleans

While Hurricane Katrina and the flooding that occurred in its aftermath occurred more than three and a half years ago, the effects are still being felt by many segments of the population in New Orleans. Some residents whose houses were completely destroyed by wind and water have established new lives in cities such as Houston, Nashville, and Memphis. If you drive down certain streets in the devastated Ward 9 area, you still will see condemned houses and debris. And, a city that long claimed one of the most vibrant communities of musicians and artists in the country is still working to reclaim the mantle of a top destination for the jazz and blues. Mardi Gras endures, to be sure, but some of the displaced musicians have yet to reunite or have been forced to find other occupations to make ends meet.

Musicians throughout the world banded together (no pun intended) to assist their fellow artists in the wake of the natural disaster. Organizations that were established to promote music education shared their time and money to rebuild music in schools and in local clubs. Harry Connick, Jr. and Branford Marsalis worked together to create Musicians’ Village, a community of new homes that helped musicians stay in New Orleans instead of relocating to another city. Classical musicians opened up their symphony halls for donations to their jazz counterparts.

In my second novel, Finish Line, readers are introduced to a character who was an acclaimed musician in New Orleans, but forced to flee after the hurricane. Tyrone Munroe, who received the nickname Bowtye from the regulars at the Prairie Winds Golf Course, moved to St. Louis and found himself tending to the needs of players in the clubhouse in order to pay the bills. His musical talents are revealed, however, when some of the Prairie Winds regulars find themselves on a casino boat with Bowtye as the featured entertainment.

To learn more about Bowtye and the other memorable characters in Finish Line, please check out my new book. And, be sure to read Lifetime Loser and Tuey’s Course for more stories involving the Prairie Winds Golf Course.
Finish Line for the previous stories involving the Prairie Winds Golf Course.

Want to Improve Relations Between the Sexes? Become a Writer!

There are countless books available that offer advice on how better to communicate with the opposite sex. Whether it’s learning from which planet a particular gender originates the foods that best symbolize men and women, or the ways to decode what a particular comment REALLY means when coming from the mouth of the opposite sex.

If you are not a fan of reading self-help books, couples’ therapists, talk show hosts, and even your mom are ready to give advice on how to improve the quality of communication between men and women. However, I am pleased to report that I found my own way of building bridges with the opposite sex. I stopped talking and instead shared my ideas through my writing.

In an article I recently had published, I explain how my three novels have opened doors of discussion with female readers:

Maybe my fan base is based on the fact that women read more than men. Or maybe it is because the social commentary that I include about American life is appealing to women. Even though many of the characters are male and the common activity is golf, the topics of my books hit home to the everyday people in this country regardless of gender.

So, in my relationship efforts with women, it was the voice coming from my fingers and not my lips that has allowed for me to connect better with the opposite sex. Who was it who said that it’s better to keep your mouth closed and have people think you’re stupid than open it and confirm it?

Please check out the entire article here and email me at james@authorjamesross.com to let me know what you think!

When Frustrations with City Hall Lead to Violence

I am sure that, for all of us, there have been instances over which we want to scream at those guys at City Hall. Maybe your house has been zoned out of the school district for which you moved to that neighborhood in the first place. Is the City Council advocating the building of a new Wal-Mart over the very location where you like to take your morning walks? Perhaps you are just angry that the same pothole has been creating problems in front of the local grocery store for over a year now. How many of us actually get involved in the political process when confronted with these issues? I imagine that, more often than not, we keep our complaints behind the closed doors of our homes and only our unlucky family members get to hear our rants over the dinner table.

In February of last year, a tragic event occurred just outside of my hometown of St. Louis, in Kirkwood, Missouri. A gunman by the name of Charles Lee “Cookie” Thornton entered City Hall and fatally shot five people while also leaving the mayor in critical condition before being killed by responding police officers. Thornton and the City Council had a long and tense history, with Thornton twice being convicted of disorderly conduct during public meetings. He believed that he was being unfairly persecuted by the government, as he had received multiple tickets for parking his commercial truck in his neighborhood. Whatever Thornton’s frustrations may have been, his violent revenge was certainly not the right solution.

In my new book, Tuey’s Course, readers will follow the fictional story of a man who finds himself in a similar situation to that of Mr. Thornton. The book addresses the racial and class divisions that are often at play in these political situations. And, as with my previous two novels, the Prairie Winds Golf Course provides the consistent backdrop and supporting cast of characters. Please click here to purchase Tuey’s Course. After you have finished the book, I hope you will contact me to let me know what you think

Creating Characters That Leave an Impression

When I reached that inevitable midlife moment, I decided to take my life down a different course (appropriately enough!) and turn to writing. Through my three published novels, I have tried to deliver a message about our society through the voices and actions of a series of characters. Brought together by my love for the wonderful game of golf, the assorted personalities who gather at the Prairie Winds Golf Course in St. Louis each offer a unique perspective on who we are and how we relate to one another.

I spent some time recently thinking through many of the men and women who have been created through the pages of my books, and my thoughts quickly turned to the readers who I have been fortunate enough to have enjoy my work. Has there been a particular character that has stood out in your mind, either for positive or negative reasons? Is there is a person about whom you are still thinking, and you would like to know the latest developments in his life? Or, maybe you just want some answers to pieces of a personality that you think are still missing.

If you have read Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, and/or Tuey’s Course, I would love to hear your thoughts about the characters I have created! Are you drawn to the African American man who cannot catch a break in the power structure that exists in his town? What about the cancer patient who uses his illness to teach young men about maintaining a fighting spirit and strong work ethic? How did some of the more nefarious characters fare once behind bars?

Let me know who struck you. Your input will be valuable to me as I move forward with future books and I may even use some of your suggestions to create new dialogue to post on this blog. Please contact me at james@authorjamesross.com.

Strong Characters and a Golf Course are a Perfect Combination

I have enjoyed the opportunity that my three published novels have had to bring together my passion for the game of golf and the enjoyment I get out of developing really strong, memorable characters. As anyone who has spent time on a golf course knows, the storyline that often unfolds goes well beyond discovering a person’s handicap or ability to choose just the right iron for any given shot. The golf course is also a place that people go to make multimillion-dollar business deals, discuss the latest political appointments, or participate in the less-becoming pastimes of drinking excessively and avoiding whatever may be going on at home. In all three of my books, I have worked to create compelling personalities that play into some of these golfing dynamics.

When you read the trilogy of Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, and Tuey’s Course, you will be introduced to a variety of people who I hope will stick with you long after you finish the last page. There is a corrupt businessman whose world of murder, perversion, and a fascination with one particular genocidal dictator is slowly revealed. You will meet a musician displaced by the disaster of Hurricane Katrina whose reception by the regulars at the golf course may force you to examine personal discomforts or your own desire to challenge to certain stereotypes. And, there is a man of little means who takes his fight for justice to the unforgiving powers of City Hall. Introducing such characters to my readers, whether they be endearing or repulsive in their nature, is one of the most important aspects of my writing.

If you have not started your journey to Prairie Winds Golf Course through my novels, I hope that you will give them a try.

If you have read one or more of the books and have some feedback for me on any aspect of my writing, I would love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to contact me at jamesross@authorjamesross.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

St. Louis Author Hangs With Mark Twain

Some say that if you go back far enough in time everyone could very well be related to each other. Please don’t tell that to my “Aunt Marie.” She is now a retired schoolteacher in her late eighties. I don’t know if she would have enough time to research all of those connections.

Our family historian has been my dear “Aunt Marie.” She has spent the better part of her life researching county records, state documents, gravestones, periodicals, and anything else that is part of public knowledge. She has spent virtually her entire adult life composing the family tree. What she turned up in our gene pool was surprising to all of us that now live several generations away from our ancestors.

So as to not sound boring, I’ll simply cut to the chase. As the story goes a Colonel William Casey was born in Frederick County, Virginia in 1756. He migrated to Kentucky and had many fights with the Indians over the years as the property was being settled. Through adulthood he was appointed a county judge and served in local politics. Rumor has it that he was a mountain of a man, very kind, and the father of four daughters. This is the start of what I’ll call a mighty oak with several enduring branches.

His third daughter was named Polly. His fourth daughter was named Margaret, but nicknamed Peggy. The two branches of the tree that those two formed are what this article is about. They traveled through Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Iowa.

William Casey died in 1816 after serving in local politics in Adair County, Kentucky. He never lived to see his great grandson which had been placed on a limb of the family tree by his youngest daughter, Peggy. Born in Florida, Missouri in 1835, William Casey’s great grandson was christened Samuel L. Clemens…none other than Mark Twain.

Samuel Clemens was born roughly thirty-five miles inland from Hannibal, Missouri which was where he was raised during his younger years. Being from the Midwest it is quite believable that Casey’s youngest daughter Peggy and her siblings traveled up and down the states that were bordering the Mississippi River. Mark Twain made that tributary legendary in several of his tales.

As an added sidelight “Aunt Polly” was a recognizable character in Tom Sawyer. In all likelihood that was a name that Twain had heard his mother say often as he was growing up. To me the person identified as “Aunt Polly” would be my great, great, great, great grandmother.

At any rate the rest is history as far as Mark Twain goes. He is a legend in American folk yore as an author, philanthropist, statesman, humorist, and traveler.

I doubt that William Casey even cares that his great, great, great, great, great grandson wrote a novel after he turned fifty. That was the limb of the tree that his third daughter Polly helped to form. And I doubt if it matters that his far-removed relative grew up in modern-day St. Louis…only a driver and an eight-iron away from the Mississippi River.

But don’t tell that to my “Aunt Marie.” When she turned over all of the family tree information to me she said, “You know, Jim, you’ve done something that I’ve always dreamed about doing but never found the time.”

Naively, I asked, “What’s that?”

She said, “You wrote a book. I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

Something tells me that maybe she should start with William Casey. He’s the mighty oak in this tale and she’s on one of those limbs too.

James Ross has published a series of books that use the wonderful city of St. Louis as a backdrop. Lifetime Loser (2007), Finish Line (2008) and Tuey's Course (2009) all present a colorful cast of characters that come together on the Prairie Winds Golf Course. Situated high atop the Mississippi river bluffs on the east side of St. Louis the author uses his personal knowledge of St. Louis to fully incorporate the city into the plots of his novels. Residents of and visitors to the Gateway City will appreciate the author's fine storytelling and how he highlights his home city. All three novels from James Ross can be found at Xlibris.com or through his personal web site:

Author James Ross

"Finish Line"

About the Book:

After getting caught committing a petty act of vandalism, two teenage boys land summer jobs at Prairie Winds Golf Course on the east side of St. Louis. Follow the adventures…

of Justin Ventimiglia and Keith Puccio as they explore a slice of life that they never knew existed. Observe the special relationship between adolescent boys, a cast of grown golfing misfits, and a young man battling the demons of cancer.

Explore the heart-wrenching relationship between an impressionable child and a pseudo Big Brother. Witness the summertime ride of the two youths in a poignant story about life and death. See them as they develop a love for the game of golf and apply those lessons to the challenges of life.

Experience the reactions of Justin and Keith to the vices of the world such as drinking, smoking, and gambling and watch how their knowledge molds their character. Take the journey with them as they battle a dysfunctional family situation, exposure to a life-threatening disease, and the vices of the world as they live a summer to remember.

Buy the Book