See John Play by Dave DiGrazie

Paperback: 309 pages
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Publisher:  Wine Flash Press April 2012
Source: The author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
First Sentences: 'It had become her predicament, this Fort Mitchell neighbourhood. It was not what Connie had imagined for herself as she grew up like a wild flower on horseback, a few miles deeper into Kentucky.
My Opinion:  A fairly average unremarkable read but if I was a golfer I feel I may have enjoyed it much more. 

I had never heard of this author before he approached me offering a copy of 'See John Play' in return for an honest and unbiased review. In retrospect I really should have declined this generous offer as I doubt very much that I would ever have selected this title myself if browsing in a bookshop, library or on-line. However something must have caught my attention and interest when I read the blurb of this novel as I accepted. I found it to be a fairly average unremarkable read but if I was a golfer I feel I may have enjoyed it much more as it is full of golfing terms and scenarios. Just because this was not for me does not mean you will not enjoy this original formula, just bear in mind if you are not interested in golf, that this may not appeal to you either. The novel's story is very much a character based one and I did not like any of them but felt that this was probably the author's intention. 

This is the story of a marriage in chaos and the trials the couple face because of the situations they find themselves in. The story is mainly told from the perspective of the wife, Connie rather than her husband John of the title. John Kaminski is a professional golfer, a compulsive gambler and a womaniser, a combination that not many women would be willing to put up with. Connie though is committed to her marriage and against the advice of friends and family prepared to stand by her man. As John plays around with his life getting deep into debt and consequently involved with 'the bad guys' his long suffering wife shows great strength of character as she fights to save their marriage. I have to say I did wonder why she bothered at times. 

Although not particularly to my liking I am sure 'See John Play' will appeal to many and I wish the author every success with his writing.

Author Profile

Dave DiGrazie’s journey began in a middle class ethnic neighbourhood in Buffalo, New York that had its share of characters. After cooking (and eating) his way through his high school and college years in his dad’s small restaurants, he became a decorated military officer and then, after several amusing vocational side trips, began to make things up and write them down. Dave calls Northern Virginia home and lives with three wonderful people – his wife and two children. He still makes a very mean home-made pizza when he’s not putting his imaginary friends and foes in each other’s way.

Dave’s other interests include history; non-profit organisation leadership,  a safer world for children on every continent, and his hometown’s star-crossed professional sports teams.

The biographical information and photo used in this post are with thanks to the following websites, where you can also find more information about the author and his writing. 

Goodreads Author Profile    Dave DiGrazie - Twitter Profile    Dave DiGrazie - Official Website

Dave DiGrazie - Facebook Profile