Until about three years ago my wife and I lived a stone’s throw from The Point. During those ten years we lived there I had the good fortune to become good friends with Fred and other folks native to those delightful environs. I would also often find myself wondering what it must have been like growing up in that paradise. Hearing stories from the locals provided me with bits and pieces of insight but “A Good Day To Live” painted a much broader picture for me which went a long way in filling in the blanks in my imagination.
When I first received the book my temptation was to sit down and read it cover to cover. However, after reading the first chapter I realized this was too special to read in a hurry. Much like a box of fine chocolates it clearly needed to be savored one piece, or chapter, at a time. With each, I felt like I was taking a trip in a time machine back to observe life on the creek and found these journies fascinating (I also found myself constantly trying to figure out which of my friends from the area were the inspiration for the characters of Will, Danny, and Trout).
The combination of Fred’s superb storytelling along with the revelation of what life had been like in that special piece of geography provided me with an enormously satisfying reading experience. I await “Perdido II”.
Wow!!! This book had me smiling from cover to the last chapter…and then; DOUBLE WOW!!! The first chapter of the next book is unbelievable…can’t wait to get the next book and devour it too…totally unexpected events…for those of you who don’t know Perdido Bay…DON’T WORRY…this book is a blend of the best of Tom & Huck but cast in an era which any Baby Boomer can relate to…I had flashbacks of my own life growing up around the Chesapeake Bay and doing some of the same crazy activities with my best buddies…this book has a LIFE LESSON in EVERY CHAPTER…the wisdom of Danny’s father is worth reading in every Sunday School…and every family for that matter…GREAT WORK…As soon as I can I’ll pre-order the next book!!!
Fred’s a gifted storyteller. With lots of help from the Good Lord and Mr. Walt these three lads did actually survive the summer. In many ways I’m sure they would admit to being considerably wiser in that September than they were back in May.
Amazing. this is the best book I’ve ever read, and I have read a lot of books. Im only 12 and I read from cover to cover, and I’m ready for Perdiodo II . Hurry up, and get it out!!
Fred Garth is a master of good old fashion storytelling. This book was a real page-turner for me. His 3 spirited and imaginative 12year old boys keep you wondering how they survived their summers together in an unspoiled natural setting that provided a perfect getaway for all ages. It makes you want to turn back the clock, become a child again and join the fun at Perdido.
This book is filled with a lot of chuckles, colorful characters and suspenseful predicaments. For me it was a “feel good” book that provided an escape from the gloom & doom, sex & violence stuff that surrounds us daily. I didn’t want it to end and was delighted to discover a sequel will soon be available.
I read the manuscript two years ago and throughly enjoyed my virtual trip to Lost Key. This coming of age story presents rich characters and high adventure while maintaining an innocence that is refreshing in modern fiction. Garth connects us to a magical place and time and allows us to tag along with the boys for one more magical summer! This is a trip that will resonate with every reader. Evoking fond memories for some and opening the promise of wholesome adventure for our children. See you in Perdido!
If you long for times when things were simpler and you think of Mayberry with envy than A Good Day To Live is your read. No baggy pants, backward hats, gangs, video games or other foolishness, just good kids having adventures. If you were brought up, lived here for sometime or are a long time visitor to Perdido you know these places and kids. If you have ever lit off fireworks from the beach or dock on Soldiers Creek on the 4th of July or if you have seen the house that reminds you of the movie Psycho on Perdido Key, even if you have never been here it will make you want to experience this wonderously serene laid back Lost Bay.
Fred Garth’s writing is superb. It’s heartwarming, funny, and really entertaining. The lives of the characters made me appreciate good clean fun and oldtime family values. I’m recommending this to my husband and my kids!
I would recommend this book to kids and adults. The writing is fun and easy and I love the way it injects good lessons of life without being preachy. Best book I’ve read in a long time!
I love the stories about the Perdido area and I don’t even live there. The kids adventures are hilarious. Makes me want to go back in time to Soldier Creek. Great book!
11 Comments
Until about three years ago my wife and I lived a stone’s throw from The Point. During those ten years we lived there I had the good fortune to become good friends with Fred and other folks native to those delightful environs. I would also often find myself wondering what it must have been like growing up in that paradise. Hearing stories from the locals provided me with bits and pieces of insight but “A Good Day To Live” painted a much broader picture for me which went a long way in filling in the blanks in my imagination.
When I first received the book my temptation was to sit down and read it cover to cover. However, after reading the first chapter I realized this was too special to read in a hurry. Much like a box of fine chocolates it clearly needed to be savored one piece, or chapter, at a time. With each, I felt like I was taking a trip in a time machine back to observe life on the creek and found these journies fascinating (I also found myself constantly trying to figure out which of my friends from the area were the inspiration for the characters of Will, Danny, and Trout).
The combination of Fred’s superb storytelling along with the revelation of what life had been like in that special piece of geography provided me with an enormously satisfying reading experience. I await “Perdido II”.
Wow!!! This book had me smiling from cover to the last chapter…and then; DOUBLE WOW!!! The first chapter of the next book is unbelievable…can’t wait to get the next book and devour it too…totally unexpected events…for those of you who don’t know Perdido Bay…DON’T WORRY…this book is a blend of the best of Tom & Huck but cast in an era which any Baby Boomer can relate to…I had flashbacks of my own life growing up around the Chesapeake Bay and doing some of the same crazy activities with my best buddies…this book has a LIFE LESSON in EVERY CHAPTER…the wisdom of Danny’s father is worth reading in every Sunday School…and every family for that matter…GREAT WORK…As soon as I can I’ll pre-order the next book!!!
Fred’s a gifted storyteller. With lots of help from the Good Lord and Mr. Walt these three lads did actually survive the summer. In many ways I’m sure they would admit to being considerably wiser in that September than they were back in May.
It wouldn’t be hard to fall in love with Perdido.
Great book!
Amazing. this is the best book I’ve ever read, and I have read a lot of books. Im only 12 and I read from cover to cover, and I’m ready for Perdiodo II . Hurry up, and get it out!!
Fred Garth is a master of good old fashion storytelling. This book was a real page-turner for me. His 3 spirited and imaginative 12year old boys keep you wondering how they survived their summers together in an unspoiled natural setting that provided a perfect getaway for all ages. It makes you want to turn back the clock, become a child again and join the fun at Perdido.
This book is filled with a lot of chuckles, colorful characters and suspenseful predicaments. For me it was a “feel good” book that provided an escape from the gloom & doom, sex & violence stuff that surrounds us daily. I didn’t want it to end and was delighted to discover a sequel will soon be available.
I read the manuscript two years ago and throughly enjoyed my virtual trip to Lost Key. This coming of age story presents rich characters and high adventure while maintaining an innocence that is refreshing in modern fiction. Garth connects us to a magical place and time and allows us to tag along with the boys for one more magical summer! This is a trip that will resonate with every reader. Evoking fond memories for some and opening the promise of wholesome adventure for our children. See you in Perdido!
If you long for times when things were simpler and you think of Mayberry with envy than A Good Day To Live is your read. No baggy pants, backward hats, gangs, video games or other foolishness, just good kids having adventures. If you were brought up, lived here for sometime or are a long time visitor to Perdido you know these places and kids. If you have ever lit off fireworks from the beach or dock on Soldiers Creek on the 4th of July or if you have seen the house that reminds you of the movie Psycho on Perdido Key, even if you have never been here it will make you want to experience this wonderously serene laid back Lost Bay.
I loved this book! Brought me back to my summers as a kid. Great story line, would highly recommend.
Fred Garth’s writing is superb. It’s heartwarming, funny, and really entertaining. The lives of the characters made me appreciate good clean fun and oldtime family values. I’m recommending this to my husband and my kids!
I would recommend this book to kids and adults. The writing is fun and easy and I love the way it injects good lessons of life without being preachy. Best book I’ve read in a long time!
I love the stories about the Perdido area and I don’t even live there. The kids adventures are hilarious. Makes me want to go back in time to Soldier Creek. Great book!