The Right Kind of Fool - by Sarah Loudin Thomas (Paperback)
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5 out of 5 stars
3 February, 2021
Outstanding!
Author Sarah Loudin Thomas kept me totally immersed in this moving look at a family's efforts to do what is best for their hearing-impaired son in 1934 West Virginia. Loyal's mother and father have totally different views about their son and Creed Raines chooses to live alone in the mountains while Delphy and Loyal remain in their Beverly, West Virginia home. A murder in this small town changes all of this and Creed finally realizes that his perceptions of his thirteen-year-old son and his choice to abandon his family have been foolish, to say the least. I loved the Raines family and the author's beautiful depiction of their emotions. Loyal's desire to simply belong. Delphy's desire to protect him from being hurt by other people that results in her being overprotective. Creed's feelings of guilt and his efforts to stay distanced from his boy. And then, as a tragic mystery enters their lives, Loyal's joy that his father is with him and they are communicating together! There are so many reasons for me to love this book. A West Viriginia setting that is so similar to my own Kentucky roots, the coming-of-age story of an extraordinary young teenager, a husband and wife trying to mend their marriage, and a mystery that kept me fully intrigued. I can't say enough good things about this amazing book and I would love to see it as a movie! I received a book from the author and publisher. There was obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
5 out of 5 stars
28 November, 2020
Excellent Historical Fiction
What I loved about this book was that I was immersed in the story. Author Thomas made the setting one in which I could understand the characters' motivations and the plot points because of when and where they took place. Not only was it a coming-of-age story for Loyal, a young teen deaf boy, but there were major transformations for his parents, as well. Loyal longed to be "regular," but his mother was very protective of him, and his father did not know how to deal with him. Loyal finally was able to prove that he was capable, and his father ultimately came to the point where he not only trusted Loyal, but enjoyed his company. As the relationship between father and son deepened, the mother was able to let go. This was a great story, and I recommend it. Those with an interest in deaf culture or in 1930s West Virginia will especially enjoy this book. Any fan of Thomas' writing will not be disappointed in this latest offering. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
5 out of 5 stars
14 November, 2020
The Wrong Place at the Wrong Time!
Being in the wrong place, at the wrong time, causes 13-year-old, deaf, Loyal Raines, to find a recently dead body. In shock, he stumbles to the cabin of his estranged father. Loyal’s life is turned upside down as he tries to figure out the identity of the killer, only to discover his life is in danger, too. Additionally, his father is back in his life. Will his parents reconcile? Has his dad been gone because of Loyal and the fact he is deaf? Should Loyal admit the rest what he saw? This amazing story packs a punch with the twists and turns that are taken to find the murderer, you will be surprised who did it. On top of that, the tale of his parent’s relationship will captivate you from the beginning, and keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen. Will Loyal ever feel he is normal and, not have to prove it to himself, his father, or the rest of the town? Can he untangle his parent’s complicated relationship? I highly recommend this 5+ star book. It is a clean tale, from a Christian viewpoint, that will keep you engrossed from the first page, until you reluctantly come to the end of the tale. There is mystery, family skeletons, puppy love, bullying, and surprising friendships between the covers of this book. Older teens and up will enjoy this tale. Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Right Kind of Fool, for the purpose of review.
5 out of 5 stars
11 November, 2020
Fascinating Novel!
The Right Kind of Fool is the first book I have read by Sarah Loudin Thomas. I am so glad that I gave this story a chance. I fell in love with Loyal, Creed, and Delphy right at the beginning. Not only were the characters highly interesting, but their unique family situation and town culture drew my attention. Add in a murder and my interest was hooked. Even though it took me nearly a week to read through the book, I never lost interest or forgot where I was in the story. Every evening, it felt like a treat when I picked up this novel to read. Surprisingly, I empathized and identified deeply with Loyal Raines, a deaf teenage boy on the cusp of becoming a man. Both his and his parents’ struggles and character development felt authentic. As their complicated relationships strained and strengthened, I rooted for things to work out for all involved. To my surprise and pleasure, plots twists that felt natural and right kept things fresh. I appreciated the inspiring themes of loyalty, honesty, and overcoming fear that permeated this novel. I recommend The Right Kind of Fool to readers who enjoy historical fiction driven by relationships possessing tension, growth, and commitment. I found this book fascinating and I look forward to reading more novels by Sarah Loudin Thomas. 5 Stars! Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
5 out of 5 stars
10 November, 2020
Exceptional Read
This one just worms its way into your heart and stays there. I would have finished it in one setting if I hadn’t just had cataract surgery and had inflammation that kept me from reading much at one time. I’m kind of glad as it gave me a chance to savor the beautiful story and ponder on it. I loved the second chance that Delphy and Creed have at putting their marriage back together and how it is woven seamlessly into the main story of Loyal their deaf son who finds himself stretching and growing after finding a dead body. Adding sweet Rebecca was genius as she added something special to Loyal’s story. The story flows effortlessly like the Tygart River. It was a joy to picture this story as I lived in Beverly in the late 1950’s as a small child. The time, place, and characters all resonated with me. This should be a must read as this author never disappoints and just keeps getting better with each inspiring story she pens. Exceptional read. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
4 out of 5 stars
6 November, 2020
What an Amazing Story!
4.5 stars "Any fool can play a trick. Courage is holding your head high when they do." Loyal Raines has survived his share of tricks, along with whispers behind his back, over-long stares, and even cruel indifference. A childhood fever took his hearing, but in no way did it affect his ability to communicate if a person truly wanted to hear him out. For years Creed Raines' guilt over his son's disability had driven a wedge right down the middle of Loyal's family, but on a hot summer day Creed was the first person Loyal ran to tell . . . . . . about a dead body. The murder of an outsider has rocked the small town of Beverly, West Virginia. Creed Raines has been deputized in the search for the killer, and Loyal's knowledge of the case has been erroneously marginalized; no one considers how much he might have seen that day along the river bank, so they haven't even asked. As the investigation takes multiple twists and turns, Loyal is forced to make some of the most difficult decisions of his young life while carrying an underlying desire to make his father proud, and to show both of his parents that he is not a child anymore. Can a tragic event actually become a blessing for a family that so desperately needs restoration? Blending the nuances of mountain culture with the unshakable truths of honesty and justice, this lovely story merges story and character so perfectly that its readers will want to climb the mountain themselves in order to move from the audience to the stage. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
5 out of 5 stars
3 November, 2020
Be all you can be
Maybe all he needed to be was the person God made him. - Loyal Loyal is a 13 year old boy, who is just a little different than his friends, having lost his hearing as a young child. A very smart young man, he still feels like he doesn’t fit in, something his dysfunctional family life only compounds. His mother is overprotective and his father, Creed, is mostly absent. There is plenty of guilt and blame filling the chasm between his parents. Finding a dead body certainly would scare anyone and Loyal is no different. In helping with the investigation, he and his parents learn that he is capable of so much more than they give him credit for. — You are braver than I ever was. I’m proud for folks to see that - Creed to Loyal The author has done a fabulous job of taking us inside the world of the deaf, showing us just how difficult it is for them to communicate and yet subtly teaching us how we can facilitate conversation with them. After all, we are all different, hearing or non-hearing. May we all be ready to learn new ways of understanding others. A copy of this book was received through Bethany House Publishers and Baker Publishing Group. The comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
5 out of 5 stars
2 November, 2020
The Right Kind of Fool
There is something very special about Sarah Loudin Thomas' novels. Her characters are always unique and written in such a real way I almost feel I'm inside their heads. When Loyal was a young boy he went on a camping trip with his father, Creed. He developed a fever that led to deafness. This seriously shook Creed's confidence in being a father so he spent the next ten years mostly in a cabin up the mountain, away from his family. When a traumatic event sends Loyal, now thirteen, in search of his father, it begins a time of great change for the Raines family. Creed has much to learn from Loyal, including how to communicate with him. He also has to earn the trust of his wife, Delphy. She has her own issues to work through so she can stop being over protective of Loyal and come to terms with her part in Creed's leaving. Loyal craves his father's approval. In the midst of all this is a mystery to solve that introduces the reader to some very colorful secondary characters. The setting of Beverly, West Virginia and the surrounding area plays a large part in the book. The author's books always make me wish I could visit West Virginia. The Right Kind of Fool is a delightful novel I highly recommend. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.
5 out of 5 stars
20 October, 2020
Growing Up
I loved this story, a mama bear with her claws out, no a human mother that wants to wrap her thirteen year old son in a tight cocoon, and why? Well, Loyal is deaf, he seems to be brilliant, but because he can't hear his mother protects him constantly. I can see why she is feeling that way, but this boy is now stumbling on manhood, and the first time he spreads his wings, he ends up finding a body. You will love Loyal's Dad Creed, and see the blooming relationship between father and son, and why now? He feels responsible for the loss of his son's hearing. This story is rich in small town life, and during a time of revitalization in this country, and greed. I loved how this boy blooms and spreads his wings, including making friends, and making others see him beyond his disability! I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.