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A review by brennanlafaro
A Penny For Your Thoughts by Robert Ford, Matt Hayward
5.0
I have mixed feelings about my experiences with Bob Ford and Matt Hayward. Don’t tar and feather me, yet. Let me explain. Despite having books by each author on my shelf, this is my first time reading either one. While I’m a bit embarrassed about that, I kind of like the way that the two styles blended together as I remained blissfully unaware of which aspects came from which author. The storytelling is masterful in this book. Come to think of it, masterful may not cut it. Hayward and Ford take a really good and unique story, and elevate it to the next level with the execution on display.
Ford and Hayward create a place in the Lowback Trail that warrants repeat visits, not necessarily just because of the locale, but because of the people. Joe is an ex-junkie and ex-con, and yet we’re unequivocally on his side just a chapter or two in. His friendships with Kenny and Ava are entertaining and put a smile on our faces, but the heart of the story comes from Joe’s relationship with his Pop. It’s written in such a subtle way that the reader doesn’t realize until later in the book just how invested they are in the father-son dynamic. As you might imagine, with the son having the issues he does, their relationship is a complicated one, but the love on display allowed this story to work on me.
The authors have a sequel story coming out later this year in Lady Luck and they’ve said that there’s no finite amount of stories they might have to tell in this world. What works so well here, is that Ford and Hayward have created a world where magic is possible. The jar of wishes the story revolves around sets a precedent for what is and isn’t possible. It may or may not figure into future books, but the idea of grounded characters with just a hint of fantasy has this reader very excited for what comes next.
Ford and Hayward create a place in the Lowback Trail that warrants repeat visits, not necessarily just because of the locale, but because of the people. Joe is an ex-junkie and ex-con, and yet we’re unequivocally on his side just a chapter or two in. His friendships with Kenny and Ava are entertaining and put a smile on our faces, but the heart of the story comes from Joe’s relationship with his Pop. It’s written in such a subtle way that the reader doesn’t realize until later in the book just how invested they are in the father-son dynamic. As you might imagine, with the son having the issues he does, their relationship is a complicated one, but the love on display allowed this story to work on me.
The authors have a sequel story coming out later this year in Lady Luck and they’ve said that there’s no finite amount of stories they might have to tell in this world. What works so well here, is that Ford and Hayward have created a world where magic is possible. The jar of wishes the story revolves around sets a precedent for what is and isn’t possible. It may or may not figure into future books, but the idea of grounded characters with just a hint of fantasy has this reader very excited for what comes next.