Short Timer

Short Timer
Thomas Michael Smith
Common Thread Books
ISBN: 0-9771553-0-7
Fiction, Contemporary
Reviewed by Dr. Tami Brady

Short Timer is the coming of age story of Rick Hart. Rick’s home life hasn’t been easy. His mother is a strict Christian who lives breathes, and sleeps the scriptures. Apart from the Bible, her only other focus is Rick whom she smoothers with her attention. So serious is the situation, that Rick’s mother hardly notices when Rick’s father abandons the family. In fact, I think she is rather relieved to see him go.
Rick has a best friend, Billy, who helps to keep him sane. He and Billy are inseparable. They help each other through the death of Billy’s mother and all the trials and tribulations of growing up. That is, until Peggy comes into the picture. Like all great romances, Rick and Peggy’s relationship is alternately stormy and passionate.
Short Timer is a nice change of pace. It reminds us about the struggles in life, difficult times, true friendships, and trying to figure out who you want to be when you grow up.