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| Review of Miles of Heart: The Story of the Dan DeAngelo Invitational Hearts Tournament |
Having spent the last three days unable to put Miles of Heart down, I
now realize that by a stroke of Mr. Sherman's luck -- "Shmuck" as he
would say-- he composed one hell of a story.
The writing is spectacular. There are strengths in the way the story is
carried from start to finish, boiling each little scene (love how each
chapter is written as a series of scenes) down to just the right details.
The conception of the story is not an easy one. There is no true main
character, rather 8-12, sometimes more, characters you have to not
only follow, but develop, through 38 years/chapters. The way this is
done, however, works. The reader is consumed with the characters
through the distinct back stories provided for each of them- Dickie,
the sex-charged lovable loser; Danny, whose life seems to revolve
around the tournament.
The successes and failures of each character all captured subtly, in
little vignettes throughout the story. This is the perfect way to move
forward a story that embraces the lives of so many people. Each
character is remembered, even if they don't play in the tourney for a
few years (therefore remaining "out" for a few chapters) -- the reader
still remembers them when you bring them back.
As far as the characters themselves, the reader is vested in their
lives. There is such a range of diversity with respect to the figures
created; every reader will find one (or more) to relate to.
This is a laugh-out-loud book. The dialogue is top notch, absolutely
brilliant. In fact, most of the characterization is done through
dialogue, which most writers avoid. Writers, in general, describe their
characters and their traits, whereas Miles of Heart actually shows
the characters in the traits the author wishes to have them embody.
It's far more effective, and far more humorous. I would say that
Sherman’s use of dialogue espouses so much of the novel's
structure, it, along with the sheer strength of the concept, fuels the
story.
Many themes are employed that work well throughout the story. The
casual use of the word "pimp" in its Shakespearean context rather
than its modern connotation is very clever, and funny. I like the
names the characters call each other ("Mortis," "Shedd") and the well-
timed combining of words.
The book length is perfect as well, a feat I figured the magnitude of
the story would disallow. It covers 38 years with 12 or more
characters. Brevity, in some instances, is key, and is done without
losing the integrity of the plot, the pace, or the interest of the reader.
The interest of the reader is aroused on three levels: dialogue
strength, plot strength, and most importantly, character strength.
Yeah, MILES OF HEART is a "guys" book, but women would be
intrigued, eager to get an inside peek at what men do when the wives
are back at home. This is a multi-generational gender-transcending
work. Anybody who's ever been young and had great friends whom
they've maintained throughout their lives will relate. The way that
Chip and his pals do it in Miles of Heart however, is rare. Who does
that? 38 consecutive years of tradition?
From the first chapter when Neil Armstrong was walking on the moon,
I was hooked. Sherman embodies aspects of each year written, and
the book serves as a subtle history of the last 38 years. I love how he
integrates world events into the fabric of the story.
The vehicle for moving the story along is unique, and as the reader
soon finds out, is merely a way to tell the stories of the lives of these
men. It's not about a card game. It’s about the endurance of true
friendship.
In sum, Miles of Heart has all the components of a winning story. It's
funny, it's relatable, and most of all, IT'S GOOD!
now realize that by a stroke of Mr. Sherman's luck -- "Shmuck" as he
would say-- he composed one hell of a story.
The writing is spectacular. There are strengths in the way the story is
carried from start to finish, boiling each little scene (love how each
chapter is written as a series of scenes) down to just the right details.
The conception of the story is not an easy one. There is no true main
character, rather 8-12, sometimes more, characters you have to not
only follow, but develop, through 38 years/chapters. The way this is
done, however, works. The reader is consumed with the characters
through the distinct back stories provided for each of them- Dickie,
the sex-charged lovable loser; Danny, whose life seems to revolve
around the tournament.
The successes and failures of each character all captured subtly, in
little vignettes throughout the story. This is the perfect way to move
forward a story that embraces the lives of so many people. Each
character is remembered, even if they don't play in the tourney for a
few years (therefore remaining "out" for a few chapters) -- the reader
still remembers them when you bring them back.
As far as the characters themselves, the reader is vested in their
lives. There is such a range of diversity with respect to the figures
created; every reader will find one (or more) to relate to.
This is a laugh-out-loud book. The dialogue is top notch, absolutely
brilliant. In fact, most of the characterization is done through
dialogue, which most writers avoid. Writers, in general, describe their
characters and their traits, whereas Miles of Heart actually shows
the characters in the traits the author wishes to have them embody.
It's far more effective, and far more humorous. I would say that
Sherman’s use of dialogue espouses so much of the novel's
structure, it, along with the sheer strength of the concept, fuels the
story.
Many themes are employed that work well throughout the story. The
casual use of the word "pimp" in its Shakespearean context rather
than its modern connotation is very clever, and funny. I like the
names the characters call each other ("Mortis," "Shedd") and the well-
timed combining of words.
The book length is perfect as well, a feat I figured the magnitude of
the story would disallow. It covers 38 years with 12 or more
characters. Brevity, in some instances, is key, and is done without
losing the integrity of the plot, the pace, or the interest of the reader.
The interest of the reader is aroused on three levels: dialogue
strength, plot strength, and most importantly, character strength.
Yeah, MILES OF HEART is a "guys" book, but women would be
intrigued, eager to get an inside peek at what men do when the wives
are back at home. This is a multi-generational gender-transcending
work. Anybody who's ever been young and had great friends whom
they've maintained throughout their lives will relate. The way that
Chip and his pals do it in Miles of Heart however, is rare. Who does
that? 38 consecutive years of tradition?
From the first chapter when Neil Armstrong was walking on the moon,
I was hooked. Sherman embodies aspects of each year written, and
the book serves as a subtle history of the last 38 years. I love how he
integrates world events into the fabric of the story.
The vehicle for moving the story along is unique, and as the reader
soon finds out, is merely a way to tell the stories of the lives of these
men. It's not about a card game. It’s about the endurance of true
friendship.
In sum, Miles of Heart has all the components of a winning story. It's
funny, it's relatable, and most of all, IT'S GOOD!
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| Review of Miles of Heart by Eric Matheny Author of the books Home and Lockdown |
| Reader Comments |
| “You certainly have interesting characters to follow. Many of the anecdotes were quite funny and you have a knack for storytelling” |
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“This story provides a candid
and humorous look at the
American male set against the
backdrop of growing up in
1960s suburbia. New author
Sherman does an excellent job
at painting a detailed and
interesting picture, as he follows
a group of young men on their
annual weekend vacation that is
organized around the card
game hearts.
While many stories are
whimsical and outright hilarious,
the author doesn't shy away
from talking about the real
issues these men have to
deal… This book is a very easy
read that anyone would
thoroughly enjoy.”
and humorous look at the
American male set against the
backdrop of growing up in
1960s suburbia. New author
Sherman does an excellent job
at painting a detailed and
interesting picture, as he follows
a group of young men on their
annual weekend vacation that is
organized around the card
game hearts.
While many stories are
whimsical and outright hilarious,
the author doesn't shy away
from talking about the real
issues these men have to
deal… This book is a very easy
read that anyone would
thoroughly enjoy.”
| Reader Review |
| “It's incredible that such longevity can still exist today with such continued excitement and devotion to a cause… proves that friendship can withstand the test of time and the effects of aging” |
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| Click Here to Email Wynn Sherman |
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