Lickety-Split: A Novel from Nebraska

by Gordon Schrempp

a coming of age novel that takes place in the early fifties in a farming community near Wynot, Nebraska. Dean Arnold, the main character, lives on a farm with his parents and his two brothers, Troy and Ernie. Dean spends a great deal of time trying to find peace of mind. An alcoholic father, a school bully, and a blossoming first love are a few impediments that prevent him from achieving the tranquility he is so desperately seeking. To escape reality, Dean finds some solace in hiding out in a giant sycamore tree where he is surrounded by nature and where soft breezes soothe his soul.When his whiskey-drinking father decides to sell the farm and buy Becker's Bar in Wynot, Dean's world is jarred from subdued chaos to heights of hysteria. The strange characters he meets in the bar give him a whole new perspective on life. Luckily for Dean he finds friendship in a boxer-turned-priest at the church he attends. The priest teaches Dean the art of boxing, along with some life long lessons.Dean and his family go through some very difficult times that are almost more than he can endure. Relief comes to Dean from an unexpected source. When his brother Troy enlists in the air force he leaves his Harley to Dean to keep until he returns. One ride on the Harley permits Dean to experience what it feels like to escape from his mental anguish for a brief period of time. It is on the Harley that he learns what it is like to be free. Free of all the grown up responsibilities and worries he has been dealing with that he just can't live with any more.Comments may be directed to wynotlickety-split@cox.net

Hardcover

Published October 14, 2005