A Song for the Asking (A Kane Novel) (A Kane Novel Series Book 1)

From the drama of the High Sierra to the beaches of Malibu and the gritty, crime-ridden streets of Los Angeles, A Song for the Asking tells the story of a family struck by tragedy . . . and of the courage each member must find to survive. Filled with candor, compassion, and humor, Steve Gannon's A Song for the Asking is a deeply moving novel that celebrates the enduring strength of the family spirit. From Publishers Weekly The classic psychological roles assumed by the children and spouses of alcoholics surface in this affecting, if maudlin, debut novel about a family held hostage to a parent's alcoholism, and about the son who must stand up to his father's tyranny in order to make them whole. Futilely defended by Catheryn, his gifted cellist mom, Travis Kane, a 16-year-old piano prodigy, is a distant second to his older brother and a football hero, Tommy, in the battle to win the affection of theirs hard-drinking father, macho LAPD Detective Dan. Over the summer preceding Tommy's departure for college, the situation deteriorates as the obsessive-compulsive detective tries to play superhero on the job and?in an atmosphere charged with animosity over the Rodney King incident?finds himself in hot water over accusations that he used excessive force. The family endure one melodramatic crisis after another, precipitated by Dan's rapidly degenerating behavior. One particularly unlikely event occurs when Tommy's nine-year-old brother, Nate, shoots dead a young punk who is raping his 15-year-old sister, Allison. Incredibly, the younger siblings not only conspire to keep the rape secret but agree to let Allison shoulder the blame for the shooting. Also troubling is the absence of insight into Dan's childhood and the abruptness of the act of disobedience that leads to the final tragedy. Although this novel makes a sincere effort to render the insidious impact of alcoholism, Dan's final plea for forgiveness will impress readers as only the last in a series of notes struck off-key and with too much stridency. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal YA. The father in this novel about one family's summer makes Pat Conroy's Great Santini look like Ward Cleaver. He is a tough-as-nails, bullying LA detective; his wife is a concert cellist with a vein of resolve to make the marriage and family work. Although Dad treats all the kids equally badly, it's clear that his favorite is the oldest, a jock who's due to go off to college on a football scholarship. The next oldest is the chief character, Travis, 16, a talented classical pianist with, predictably, a special bond to his mother. His father is determined to toughen Travis up and make him macho. Allison, 15, sells her first story to a science fiction magazine. Last is Nate, nine, who retreats under the porch of their Malibu house when his father causes trouble. Each of them undergoes a crisis of huge proportion that sends the last half of the book almost over the top and into melodrama. Even the family dog has a crisis. The good writing and well-drawn characters that involve readers from the beginning are what save the story. These two factors plus an exciting plot make this a real page-turner for teens, who will also enjoy the dialogue and the family dynamics. Be forewarned that there is a stomach-churning rape scene necessary to the story.?Judy McAloon, Potomac Library, Prince William County, VA Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. "From Amazon bestselling author Steve Gannon, thrillers that will keep you up all night . . . but lock your doors and windows first!" From the drama of the High Sierra to the beaches of Malibu and the crime-filled streets of Los Angeles, "A Song for the Asking" tells the story of a family struck by tragedy . . . and of the courage each member must find to survive. Filled with candor, compassion, and humor, "A Song for the Asking" is a deeply moving novel that celebrates the enduring strength of the family spirit. "Rarely does a first novel come along that is both electrifying and unflinching in its portrayal of a family in turmoil. In an intense and poignant debut that brings to mind the powerful dramas of Pat Conroy, Steve Gannon tells a story that is quite unforgettable. Deeply moving, compelling, and filled with candor and compassion, "A Song for the Asking" is, in a word, remarkable, and signals the emergence of a major new talent" Bantam Editorial Review " . . . well-drawn, convincing characters" Kirkus Reviews "Gannon writes brilliantly of the high hopes and shattered dreams, the love, laughter, tears, and pain that make up the family experience. His wonderfully dense and complex characters and his provocative plot combine to produce a heartrending, heartrending novel. An impressive debut." Booklist What Readers Are Saying About Steve Gannon's novels Steve Gannon is right up there with DeMille, Child, Baldacci, and Connellys Bosch. Settle in by the fire and enjoy. ~ Jessie N. Bridges Powerful . . . Gannon writes brilliantly of the love, laughter, and tears that make up the family experience. ~ Booklist I savored every word, my emotions soaring and plummeting in the hands of this talented author. ~ Muddy Rose Reviews Definitely one of my favorite authors over the past few years. Superb storyteller and writer. ~ BrentW There are only a few authors who keep me up all night to finish their story and Steve Gannon is now on my list. ~ Keri I read all the time - love Vince Flynn, Russell Blake, Robert Crais among the many incredible authors. Steve is right in there now that I'm reading the Kane series - please keep them coming. ~ Nan L. Thompson Readers and Critics Praise For Steve Gannon Stunned! Moved me more than words can say. ~ Daniel The Best! Steve Gannon again thrills, and just as with all his work, you won't be able to put this one down. So . . . feed the kids, and tell the husband or wife youre busy, and read, read, read! ~ Debra Vogel Brilliant, moving, penetrating gem of a novel. At times I laughed out loud; at times I couldn't stop the tears - it was that moving. This book deserves an unquestioned five stars. ~ Skye Hye Exciting and emotionally gripping - highly recommended. ~ Suncoast (Amazon Top 500 Reviewer) One of my favorite series. I've laughed, gotten mad, and even cried through these books. Highly recommend. ~ CV Well-drawn, convincing characters . . . ~ Kirkus Reviews Hang on for the ride! This is the first book I have given 5 stars to in the last 75 books I've read. ~ P.A. Dail Another gem! Couldn't put it down ~ Greg C Intense and deeply emotional. What a rollercoaster ride! ~ Arlene Adams This novel has it all . . .