The Good Guy List

by Russ Vanderboom, Annie Vanderboom (Editor)

The Good Guy List is a simple loving gift bestowed upon twin brothers to help them embrace a world bent upon keeping them from those they love most.The Good Guy List is key to the brothers' survival in the quest for justice, peace and redemption as they come of age during the challenging '60s. David and Patrick Joyce want nothing more than to live together as family. With their mother deep in depression after the untimely death of their father, not even the kind and loving intercession by their village of aunts, uncles, neighbors, and friends from their church can keep both twins at home on the farm. While David remains in North Freedom dairying and building a hugely successful business in Holstein genetics, Patrick becomes an exile from his Wisconsin home, living first with relatives along the shores of Lake Michigan in Indiana, and then following opportunities to play football for the University of Colorado Buffaloes and later studying in Europe. The brothers cross paths as they come of age and travel the world, each finding love, and both learning the bitter emptiness of loss. Justice and salvation eludes them, however, until they embrace a redeeming gift shared among their greater family, a simple prayer called The Good Guy List.

Genres: Fiction

490 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Dee Gurganus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a Goodreads giveaway. It was a long, tedious read but well worth the effort. The description detail is excellent. There are many things that could be said about this book. The book spans from late 1940"s to the late 1960's. A time when life was very different than it is now. It could be said it was a study in the effects of environment versus genetics on child development. It could be a study of how one overcomes odds of survival and obstacles. It touches on several taboo subjects of this era. But the overall theme is the value of family and happiness that true love begins. Please give this book a try. It will pull at your heartstrings to the point of tears but will leave you with a wonderful feeling of happiness and joy.

[Dana Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reader follows along a pair of twins and growing up in the Midwest in the 50s/60s. There isn't necessarily a plot, but a story about love, faith, fate, perseverance, bravery, and heartbreak. The writing is beautifully done and everything ties together neatly by the end.

My only critique is that parts of this book were a little bit wordy -- I did find myself skipping over a number of passages that didn't seem to add anything more to the story, and I didn't have any trouble following along or felt like I was missing anything by doing so.

Overall, a good, solid read.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this on. Goodreads giveaway. This book has a lot of potential, but it fell flat for me. I really dragged in some areas, with descriptions that didn't move the story along. There were some amazing scenes that I would have liked to have been taken deeper. Some of the sex scenes could have been cut completely.

[Mike B · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was well-written, but it was simply WAY too long. This seemed to me to be a journal - no, two journals - with no details left out, and no regard for telling a story with a point. There were times I was so bored and kept thinking I deserve a medal for slogging through all the details. I admit I was thrilled to find out I could skip the first chapter 29 (there were two) since it was a repeat of chapter 28 with the second chapter 29's title. That much less to read. And the first half of the book was written in the third person, while the second half started in the first person, then switched to the third, and then was first person again with a different character. Hard to follow. I will say the same thing I've said before: where are the editors?? Someone who writes well NEEDS a good editor.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never had such a hard time figuring out what to review a book before. I'm not a fan of the "follow someone over years/non-plot" books, but this one had moments of true laugh-out loud, feel-good moments.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a friend of ours. A must read! We were able to read an advance copy of this and it was fun to have a dialogue with Russ after it was published! Waiting for the sequel!

[Nancy B · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t relate to the book after reading Father Jack condoned Davey’s sex life at 15. Or Neighbor Lynn, who peruses Patrick, though 7 years older than the 16 year old.

[Pamela Hundley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! The characters came more alive with every page, and I found myself falling in love with them through their struggles and joys.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was a gift which I devoured and then used as the book for the next book club meeting that I hosted where it was well received and prompted some interesting discussions. It has deep Midwestern roots and draws on the author's life trajectory (read the bio on the flap) which has been unusual. It is a great story dealing with life as it comes at us, messy at times but highly rewarding at others.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual tale with unpredictable ups and downs with an unforgettable ending. Lots of twists and double twists!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story about the trials and joys of a Midwestern family. Can't wait for the next book!