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Right Handed Lefty
We all have baggage. Real friends help you carry it.
It’s 1983 in Boscobel, Wisconsin, in the southwestern corner of the state, known as the Driftless Area. Ellis Sayre is different. He’s a twelve year old orphaned Native American. His adoptive parents lost a son a few years ago and welcomed him to deal with their grief. While stealing day-old bread for a friend in need, Ellis and his two best friends—George and Mason—witness a murder by a local kingpin. Authorities disagree with their story. They call it made up. The boys are trapped, worried for their lives, sending them on a flight to Grandad’s Bluff in La Crosse, WI, along the Mississippi River. Two peripheral stories about Ellis Abbot—a World War II veteran, and Two Right Feet—an orphaned Native American during early 1800’s, are entwined to unearth Ellis Sayre’s roots. They combine to tell the truth.
It’s 1983 in Boscobel, Wisconsin, in the southwestern corner of the state, known as the Driftless Area. Ellis Sayre is different. He’s a twelve year old orphaned Native American. His adoptive parents lost a son a few years ago and welcomed him to deal with their grief. While stealing day-old bread for a friend in need, Ellis and his two best friends—George and Mason—witness a murder by a local kingpin. Authorities disagree with their story. They call it made up. The boys are trapped, worried for their lives, sending them on a flight to Grandad’s Bluff in La Crosse, WI, along the Mississippi River. Two peripheral stories about Ellis Abbot—a World War II veteran, and Two Right Feet—an orphaned Native American during early 1800’s, are entwined to unearth Ellis Sayre’s roots. They combine to tell the truth.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 25, 2017
Right Handed Lefty is going to surprise you more than once. The story is actually three different stories weaved into one. That may seem confusing, but it works to tell this complex and exciting tale.
The story focus' is on a boy named Ellis, a Native American who does not know how he fits into the world. He does not know who he is, where he comes from, or anything about his past. Oddly enough, it is the present that will reveal who he really is.
Luckily, as the reader, we have access to the other two stories to understand Ellis' background, which all works towards the climax near the end of the story.
You may assume this story is about adolescents finding their way, but it is so much more! It is about generations of people and how their lives affected the others, in ways they will never understand. It is fun, fast-paced, story with deep connotations about what it means to be hurt, courageous, and finding out what the word "family" really means.
The story focus' is on a boy named Ellis, a Native American who does not know how he fits into the world. He does not know who he is, where he comes from, or anything about his past. Oddly enough, it is the present that will reveal who he really is.
Luckily, as the reader, we have access to the other two stories to understand Ellis' background, which all works towards the climax near the end of the story.
You may assume this story is about adolescents finding their way, but it is so much more! It is about generations of people and how their lives affected the others, in ways they will never understand. It is fun, fast-paced, story with deep connotations about what it means to be hurt, courageous, and finding out what the word "family" really means.
November 16, 2017
This is a coming of age story about an adopted boy and a couple of his friends, all somewhat misfits. The author weaves in the stories of two characters from the past that kind of help Ellis figure out his place in the world. I like the friendship the boys had and the story was pretty good, but it seemed a bit awkwardly done.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC of this book.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC of this book.
August 22, 2017
The story is OK, but the narrative could be better - I feel for Ellis, growing up in his situation and the main action involving the evil Raymond Schaefer kept my interest, but it seems as if we are being told everything instead of using the characters themselves to unfold the story.
I am not a professional writer and reviews are meant to be honest, however, as a reviewer, I can't help being subjective. What may be profound to me, might seem trivial to another reader. My 3 star rating means I thought it was OK - I try not to give 5 stars very often.
I am not a professional writer and reviews are meant to be honest, however, as a reviewer, I can't help being subjective. What may be profound to me, might seem trivial to another reader. My 3 star rating means I thought it was OK - I try not to give 5 stars very often.
October 5, 2017
One of the saddest things to me is a child who does not know his parents. I cannot even imagine how that would feel. An adoptive family would help the child adapt, I would think, and most times live a happy life. But there are different circumstance that can affect a child even as he/she grows older.
In RIGHT HANDED LIEFTY, by Author Ryan Coughlin, we meet Ellis Sayre, a native American who wants to know his parents. His life has been anything but easy. He has anxiety attacks, is called names at school. He was adopted to replace the parents’ loss of their son who drowned. This was Ellis’s second adoptive family. Now, I know very little about adoption, but a child should be loved and wanted, not adopted to replace a lost child. That seems like trouble from the beginning to me.
This story has so much promise. I really cared for Ellis and wanted a happy life for him. There is a lot of adventure with Ellis and his friends. They get in serious trouble. But as I turned pages to see what happened to the boys, the author changed the subject in a new chapter and gave us a bit of history. It’s interesting, yes, but I wanted to see if the boys escaped from the guys chasing them. The historical information is good and adds to the story, but it might be woven into the story in some way to keep from drawing the reader away from the previous scene.
Another thought I have is who is the point-of-view character. It’s okay to have more than one in a novel, but not in the same paragraph or scene. Maybe a page break or something to show that we’re in the mind of another character would be less confusing to the reader, like me. I also hoped that everything would work out for Ellis and his family.
RIGHT HANDED LEFTY can be a great story. Ellis is a likable character, who touched my heart. He made mistakes. Doesn’t everyone? Ryan Coughlin has a great story idea here. Thank you, Mr. Coughlin, for Ellis. His story needs to be told.
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In RIGHT HANDED LIEFTY, by Author Ryan Coughlin, we meet Ellis Sayre, a native American who wants to know his parents. His life has been anything but easy. He has anxiety attacks, is called names at school. He was adopted to replace the parents’ loss of their son who drowned. This was Ellis’s second adoptive family. Now, I know very little about adoption, but a child should be loved and wanted, not adopted to replace a lost child. That seems like trouble from the beginning to me.
This story has so much promise. I really cared for Ellis and wanted a happy life for him. There is a lot of adventure with Ellis and his friends. They get in serious trouble. But as I turned pages to see what happened to the boys, the author changed the subject in a new chapter and gave us a bit of history. It’s interesting, yes, but I wanted to see if the boys escaped from the guys chasing them. The historical information is good and adds to the story, but it might be woven into the story in some way to keep from drawing the reader away from the previous scene.
Another thought I have is who is the point-of-view character. It’s okay to have more than one in a novel, but not in the same paragraph or scene. Maybe a page break or something to show that we’re in the mind of another character would be less confusing to the reader, like me. I also hoped that everything would work out for Ellis and his family.
RIGHT HANDED LEFTY can be a great story. Ellis is a likable character, who touched my heart. He made mistakes. Doesn’t everyone? Ryan Coughlin has a great story idea here. Thank you, Mr. Coughlin, for Ellis. His story needs to be told.
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December 20, 2017
Good book.
I gave this book four stars because there were some typos, but also because it started out slow. I had a hard time getting into it until approximately 25% through the book.
I could see sixth graders reading this when learning about Native Americans, different cultures and even when they want to read about friendship. I really liked how the three young men stuck together and helped one another when it was needed. I also found the beginning and all the different pov's a little confusing.
Ellis Saeyer is a young man who has been dealt a rough hand in life. Abandoned, put in foster care, adopted (but sent back) and adopted again (to a broken couple who aren't sure if they are going to stay together), and now he sees what looks like a murder. Can he and his friends find a way to survive or will the bad guys win? I enjoyed the endings that George and Ellis received, but wish Mason would have received a better ending.
What drew me to this title wad the fact that I have lived in Illinois my whole life, in fact Boscobel is only a little over an hour away. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
I gave this book four stars because there were some typos, but also because it started out slow. I had a hard time getting into it until approximately 25% through the book.
I could see sixth graders reading this when learning about Native Americans, different cultures and even when they want to read about friendship. I really liked how the three young men stuck together and helped one another when it was needed. I also found the beginning and all the different pov's a little confusing.
Ellis Saeyer is a young man who has been dealt a rough hand in life. Abandoned, put in foster care, adopted (but sent back) and adopted again (to a broken couple who aren't sure if they are going to stay together), and now he sees what looks like a murder. Can he and his friends find a way to survive or will the bad guys win? I enjoyed the endings that George and Ellis received, but wish Mason would have received a better ending.
What drew me to this title wad the fact that I have lived in Illinois my whole life, in fact Boscobel is only a little over an hour away. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
September 16, 2017
A coming of age novel that follows a group of boys. About the bonds of friendship and what starts out as a casual friendship that strengthens and will last a lifetime.
Ryan Coughlin's writing style keeps you interested throughout the story and you realize that it reflects what is going on in the book, it starts out slow because the characters lives are average and lackluster. Once the story picks up you feel it in the narration. The author did a great job weaving the characters together into the climax of the book.
The main character Ellis reminds me of Joseph from the cartoon 'King of the Hill' awkward and forever out of place.
I had a hard time getting into the book at the beginning but once the story picks up I found I couldn't put it down until I was finished. The characters were very well written and I enjoyed getting to know them.
Ryan Coughlin's writing style keeps you interested throughout the story and you realize that it reflects what is going on in the book, it starts out slow because the characters lives are average and lackluster. Once the story picks up you feel it in the narration. The author did a great job weaving the characters together into the climax of the book.
The main character Ellis reminds me of Joseph from the cartoon 'King of the Hill' awkward and forever out of place.
I had a hard time getting into the book at the beginning but once the story picks up I found I couldn't put it down until I was finished. The characters were very well written and I enjoyed getting to know them.
December 20, 2017
This was a good book and I was admittedly drawn to it because I have lived in Illinois my entire life, with Boscobel being a little over an hour away. The book started out slow, but I was interested by approximately 25% through.
The book follows the life of Ellis, who has gone through the foster care system, was returned, is picked on at school and now his adoptive parents aren't sure if they are staying together. When his two friends and he decide to get bread for one of them (his family is to poor for him to eat lunch) they witness 'the devil' commit a crime. When the police won't help them, they decide to runaway.
While I did find the beginning a little confusing; too many pov's when I was still figuring out who everybody was, it did get less confusing the further I read. This book would be good for a child who is learning about Native Americans or different cultures.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review..
The book follows the life of Ellis, who has gone through the foster care system, was returned, is picked on at school and now his adoptive parents aren't sure if they are staying together. When his two friends and he decide to get bread for one of them (his family is to poor for him to eat lunch) they witness 'the devil' commit a crime. When the police won't help them, they decide to runaway.
While I did find the beginning a little confusing; too many pov's when I was still figuring out who everybody was, it did get less confusing the further I read. This book would be good for a child who is learning about Native Americans or different cultures.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review..
October 18, 2017
I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This story is about a group of boys, that form a friendship that turns into a strong bond between them all. I enjoyed this book and loved the author's way writing. The book may have started off a little slow, but once you get into it you will not be able to put it down. I was enthralled by the end and was a little sad to see it end. It is a very well written book.
Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fan site at http://www.facebook.com/nerdgirl.ng
This story is about a group of boys, that form a friendship that turns into a strong bond between them all. I enjoyed this book and loved the author's way writing. The book may have started off a little slow, but once you get into it you will not be able to put it down. I was enthralled by the end and was a little sad to see it end. It is a very well written book.
Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fan site at http://www.facebook.com/nerdgirl.ng
October 28, 2017
Ryan Coughlin has written a good story about three young boys in 1983 Boscobel, Wisconsin. They are friends, more or less by default because none of the other kids see any reason to spend time with them. The protagonist is a 12 year old Native American, twice adopted, who has anxiety issues and has been known to blackout when stress runs high. His current parents are close to calling it quits and are still mourning the loss of their biological child who drowned before they adopted Ellis.
Coughlin takes time to builds the back story of the Native American Ellis Sayre and the two white couples who adopted him. This is when we first hear the legend of the first Right Handed Lefty, another Native American boy who lived in the area in the 1800's. The author also takes time to tell the back stories of the "bad guys," so that readers will know what shaped them into the people they are when the story begins.
Ellis Sayre's friend George lost his much loved dad a year or so before the narrative begins. He has a lot of anger issues. The second friend is a Laotian kid called Mason whose parents were refugees. His father's business went under and they are struggling to have enough food to eat because all their money must go to pay the bank loan. He is small for his age but loves practicing his judo skills and oddly enough, speaking in a British accent when he has something witty to add to any conversation.
They are bullied at school and don't have many adults they can depend on, so the three plot to steal bread from the local baker when Mason finally admits to them that he took a girl's lunch in the cafeteria because he was so hungry. This is definitely a high risk decision and moves into seriously more risky territory when the boys hear loud noises from within the bakery and then see the baker and his warehouse man carrying what looks like a wrapped body out onto the loading dock.
The boys literally run for their lives, and decide to tell their story to the police. Unfortunately, the police are on the take from the baker, who is also the local crime boss, and so they realize once again that they don't have anyone they can trust. It seems to the boys that their only chance of survival is to run away.
And that's when the excitement level reaches a new high. The boys are running, spot the bad guys' car, manage to steal it and are then seriously on the run! Ellis's parents go out looking for him, the bad guys, including the baker are also looking for the boys, and they get some information from some of their minions about where the boys intend to spend the night. This cannot possibly end well.
Well maybe there is a chance after all....this is a story about believing in yourself and when the situation is at its worst, that is what Ellis decides to do. This is a great story for middle school kids and older, who know that life is not always easy, and hard choices have to be made.
I read an e-copy of the book courtesy of Netgalley and thoroughly enjoyed the tale. It is available as an e-book and as a paperback, so be looking for it.
May 1, 2018
I read this book back in October. That's when I gave it five stars. I stand by this five star rating six and a half months later because I still think about this book.
Ryan Coughlin tells the story of friendship in "Right Handed Lefty," of Ellis, George, and Mason forming a trio of steadfast friends as the outsiders and loners in their tiny Wisconsin town. They are not alike, not outsiders because they share much beyond a sense of not belonging. They are alike because they are good kids. Another story of friendship within the book is that of Ellis Sayre and Boscobel - and that plotline pulled me in right away too. And a third friendship is that of Ellis Abbott and Hank the Chief, child Ellis' biological grandfather and the heir of sorts to Boscobel. Early on it was clear that the grandfatherly sorts would have a moment to shine and they do.
Taken together, Ellis, George, and Mason form a band of misfits that rivals the boys in IT and in STRANGER THINGS. Only theirs is a crime drama instead of a supernatural one. This does mean that it veers a little toward the cliched side of things but it is infinitely readable and would be infinitely watchable.
There is a backstory of Two Left Feet, and Indian who used to live in the town, and that's interesting enough that idea read a book about him too! Just saying, Ryan Coughlin, that you've got a reader in me!
One of the running themes that works so well is that Ellis, of the trio of buddies who go on the run after witnessing a murder, thinks no one will miss him because his adoptive parents are getting a divorce. But they do miss him. Marty fast becomes one of the best fathers I've read in this sort of novel in a very long time as he panics and turns over every proverbial stone in search of his son.
This was an unexpectedly good story. It's not a genre I'd normally choose but I am very glad to have had the chance to read this book. The friendship between Chief Hank and Ellis Abbott is an excellent mirror image of sorts to the fine line Ellis Sayre has to walk as a child of two worlds, or more. Backstories and sidestories don't always work as well as they do in this book. I loved it and I'm going to read it again soon!
Thanks to NetGalley and CHBB Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest and original review. Apologies for the shamefully late and inexcusable review. All thoughts are my own.
Ryan Coughlin tells the story of friendship in "Right Handed Lefty," of Ellis, George, and Mason forming a trio of steadfast friends as the outsiders and loners in their tiny Wisconsin town. They are not alike, not outsiders because they share much beyond a sense of not belonging. They are alike because they are good kids. Another story of friendship within the book is that of Ellis Sayre and Boscobel - and that plotline pulled me in right away too. And a third friendship is that of Ellis Abbott and Hank the Chief, child Ellis' biological grandfather and the heir of sorts to Boscobel. Early on it was clear that the grandfatherly sorts would have a moment to shine and they do.
Taken together, Ellis, George, and Mason form a band of misfits that rivals the boys in IT and in STRANGER THINGS. Only theirs is a crime drama instead of a supernatural one. This does mean that it veers a little toward the cliched side of things but it is infinitely readable and would be infinitely watchable.
There is a backstory of Two Left Feet, and Indian who used to live in the town, and that's interesting enough that idea read a book about him too! Just saying, Ryan Coughlin, that you've got a reader in me!
One of the running themes that works so well is that Ellis, of the trio of buddies who go on the run after witnessing a murder, thinks no one will miss him because his adoptive parents are getting a divorce. But they do miss him. Marty fast becomes one of the best fathers I've read in this sort of novel in a very long time as he panics and turns over every proverbial stone in search of his son.
This was an unexpectedly good story. It's not a genre I'd normally choose but I am very glad to have had the chance to read this book. The friendship between Chief Hank and Ellis Abbott is an excellent mirror image of sorts to the fine line Ellis Sayre has to walk as a child of two worlds, or more. Backstories and sidestories don't always work as well as they do in this book. I loved it and I'm going to read it again soon!
Thanks to NetGalley and CHBB Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest and original review. Apologies for the shamefully late and inexcusable review. All thoughts are my own.
October 17, 2017
Right Handed Lefty by Ryan Coughlin is the coming of age story in 1983, in the small town of Boscobel, Wisconsin, as a boy with no real identity in his family history discovers you are much more than your bloodline. Ellis Sayre has had a crazy life. Orphaned as a baby, adopted then return. He spent much of his early years in an orphanage until he is adopted by Marty and Suzanne Sayre after the tragic death of their only son. When the story opens, Ellis is 12 years old and trying to figure out where he fits in with his new family, his classmates and his friends. Until one day when he, along with his friends George and Mason, witness a crime. The authorities and their parents don’t believe them. Fearing for their lives, the three boys run away and have an adventure along the Mississippi River. The search begins for the boys. One group, the concerned parents who become increasingly aware the boys were telling the truth, and one man who wants to make sure the boys never tell their story again. The stories of Ellis Abbot, a World War II vet, and an orphaned Native American boy, Two Right Feet, in the 1800s, are key to helping Ellis come to terms who he is.
The beginning of the story hooked me in. I felt a connection to Ellis and his uncertainly as he life has been anything but stable. However, when the side stories of Ellis Abbot and Two Right Feet start to intertwine with Ellis Sayre’s story, I got lost and seemed to lose interest. It reminded me of the 1986 film, Stand by Me, as a group of boys leave on an adventure innocent and return with a new perspective on life and their own identity. The story picked up again once the boys were on their adventure and the adults were on their trail to find them. It is a decent coming of age story about finding your true identity and place in the world. Right Handed Lefty is marketed as a Young Adult book and this may be its main audience; however, I feel adults would enjoy this story as well.
Right Handed Lefty
is available in paperback and eBook
The beginning of the story hooked me in. I felt a connection to Ellis and his uncertainly as he life has been anything but stable. However, when the side stories of Ellis Abbot and Two Right Feet start to intertwine with Ellis Sayre’s story, I got lost and seemed to lose interest. It reminded me of the 1986 film, Stand by Me, as a group of boys leave on an adventure innocent and return with a new perspective on life and their own identity. The story picked up again once the boys were on their adventure and the adults were on their trail to find them. It is a decent coming of age story about finding your true identity and place in the world. Right Handed Lefty is marketed as a Young Adult book and this may be its main audience; however, I feel adults would enjoy this story as well.
Right Handed Lefty
is available in paperback and eBook
September 3, 2017
Right Handed Lefty is the first book by Ryan Coughlin so I wasn't sure what to expect. What I found was a coming of age novel that reminded me of the movie classic Stand By Me. This is a standalone without a cliffhanger.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that all info here. The author did a good job of explaining what is going on and describing the characters and the setting of the story. The beginning part of the book really grabbed my attention. But then the story seemed to wander and I had a hard time continuing to read. I'm glad I stuck it out and finished the book, but it was difficult compared to how much I enjoyed the first part.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and CHBB Publishing and chose to leave a review for other readers.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that all info here. The author did a good job of explaining what is going on and describing the characters and the setting of the story. The beginning part of the book really grabbed my attention. But then the story seemed to wander and I had a hard time continuing to read. I'm glad I stuck it out and finished the book, but it was difficult compared to how much I enjoyed the first part.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and CHBB Publishing and chose to leave a review for other readers.
October 25, 2017
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley and the publisher.
Twelve year old Native American Ellis Sayer is different from other kids. He knows he is different and feels as though no one really wants him. Orphaned as a baby, he was adopted by a family that returned him. Now he lives with Marty and Suzanne who adopted him to fill the void in their lives that was created when their son died.
Ellis has two friends. Both of them are quirky but they get by a bit better than he does. Like other teens Ellis falls for a girl that currently hates him, and she is the cousin of one of his two only friends. The lives of the three boys turn upside down after an incident at school. They band together for a noble cause that pits them against an evil man that holds the power to destroy them. Now they only have each other to depend on in the life and death situation life that has been thrust upon them. They feel the only available option is flight.
Ellis is an interesting character. He is trying his best to fit in. He knows he is different and that the other kids don’t like him. He just tries to keep his head down and not get hurt. He breaks my heart for all of the kids that don’t feel like they fit in. This amazing YA novel will have you cheering for the misfits. Against all odds they must work together with a clear plan to accomplish their goal of staying alive.
Coughlin’s first novel is captivating. The parallel story lines of a Native American from years ago struggling with his identity and Ellis struggling with fitting in are expertly woven together to create a beautiful story. He addresses racism, the ostracizing of people who are different and acceptance of the world as it is, not as we would like it to be. He helps the reader realize that love can’t cure all evils but it helps make the evils a bit less painful.
Copyright © 2017 Laura Hartman
Twelve year old Native American Ellis Sayer is different from other kids. He knows he is different and feels as though no one really wants him. Orphaned as a baby, he was adopted by a family that returned him. Now he lives with Marty and Suzanne who adopted him to fill the void in their lives that was created when their son died.
Ellis has two friends. Both of them are quirky but they get by a bit better than he does. Like other teens Ellis falls for a girl that currently hates him, and she is the cousin of one of his two only friends. The lives of the three boys turn upside down after an incident at school. They band together for a noble cause that pits them against an evil man that holds the power to destroy them. Now they only have each other to depend on in the life and death situation life that has been thrust upon them. They feel the only available option is flight.
Ellis is an interesting character. He is trying his best to fit in. He knows he is different and that the other kids don’t like him. He just tries to keep his head down and not get hurt. He breaks my heart for all of the kids that don’t feel like they fit in. This amazing YA novel will have you cheering for the misfits. Against all odds they must work together with a clear plan to accomplish their goal of staying alive.
Coughlin’s first novel is captivating. The parallel story lines of a Native American from years ago struggling with his identity and Ellis struggling with fitting in are expertly woven together to create a beautiful story. He addresses racism, the ostracizing of people who are different and acceptance of the world as it is, not as we would like it to be. He helps the reader realize that love can’t cure all evils but it helps make the evils a bit less painful.
Copyright © 2017 Laura Hartman
August 30, 2017
I haven’t read a book like this in a while, when I read the blurb it intrigued me. Growing up some of my favourite films were The Outsiders, Stand by Me, The Lost boys, The Breakfast Club and this book sort of reminded me of that 80’s era. The author writes well and his characters are interesting. The best part of the book is Ellis and his friends. I’m not sure where the story was going when it skipped back to the 1800’s and you hear about Ellis Abbot.
If you are a young person and feel completely out-of-place, this book will resonate with you I’m sure, but the camaraderie between Ellis and his friends adds a special touch. There is a plot twist, I don’t like to give the story away because you can read it to find out yourself. It’s a good un!
If you like the coming of age/adventure/friendship style of books, then Right Handed Lefty may be the one for you.
I’m giving Right Handed Lefty 3 out of 5 stars as an honest reviewer because I found it hard to get stuck in, it was hard to gel with the story and my interest was waning at the halfway point.
If you are a young person and feel completely out-of-place, this book will resonate with you I’m sure, but the camaraderie between Ellis and his friends adds a special touch. There is a plot twist, I don’t like to give the story away because you can read it to find out yourself. It’s a good un!
If you like the coming of age/adventure/friendship style of books, then Right Handed Lefty may be the one for you.
I’m giving Right Handed Lefty 3 out of 5 stars as an honest reviewer because I found it hard to get stuck in, it was hard to gel with the story and my interest was waning at the halfway point.
August 28, 2017
I was really drawn in to the beginning of this book. I cared about Ellis and his friends. The writing was sharp and interesting. Then the author took a turn in his storyline and drove the plot off of a bridge. This book was so good until he started a history lesson in his voice rather than letting the characters tell their stories as they had been doing. Two Right Feet came into the side plot and although I came to care about the character I was just so thrown by the change that I lost my eagerness for the main story. There were also a few questionable things thrown in such as stating that a Native American couple were a magnet to a paper clip. This time period was one hundred years prior to the main storyline and there's a good possibility that Two Feet and his young lady had never heard of such things, especially because the paper clip may have not been patented yet.
This could have been such a good book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy.
This could have been such a good book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy.
May 30, 2018
I loved this book. I felt like Gordy from Stand by Me (the body), Pony Boy from the Outsiders, and Tom & Huck from Tom Sawyer. The story was innocent, relatable, and adventurous. As it's tagline reads, we all have baggage. Real friend help carry it. That's some powerful stuff there. Pick it up. It's a quick read that resonates for a week.
September 4, 2017
Review coming soon.
December 31, 2017
TW: Racism against Laotians and Native Americans
I would feel better if I knew if this was ownvoices or not. But I can't find anything about the author and I have to side with caution.
It was an interesting read. For about half way, I kept thinking "What am I reading?" but the kids kept me going. The intervening threads were interesting and helped break up the school narrative. Then the Big Bad appeared and it got exciting.
However. However. However.
The bigot gets reformed and forgiven, but Ellis never finds his culture or parents despite said bigot knowing some information that could help easily track them down. Ellis ends with the "happy" acceptance, but it feels fake and hollow, too cheesy really with the "I'm me" message. Why not tie up that end instead of waxing poetic over the dude who rejected him because of his heritage? It said right in the beginning the dude felt bad about his parents getting hit by a car. Why mention that but not follow through?
And what about Mason and his family that they were stealing bread for? It's not okay that they continue to struggle and be hungry, but there's no resolution or mention of it again!
Two Stars for keeping my interest and finishing it, but the important threads are left dangling and reinforces colonization.
I would feel better if I knew if this was ownvoices or not. But I can't find anything about the author and I have to side with caution.
It was an interesting read. For about half way, I kept thinking "What am I reading?" but the kids kept me going. The intervening threads were interesting and helped break up the school narrative. Then the Big Bad appeared and it got exciting.
However. However. However.
The bigot gets reformed and forgiven, but Ellis never finds his culture or parents despite said bigot knowing some information that could help easily track them down. Ellis ends with the "happy" acceptance, but it feels fake and hollow, too cheesy really with the "I'm me" message. Why not tie up that end instead of waxing poetic over the dude who rejected him because of his heritage? It said right in the beginning the dude felt bad about his parents getting hit by a car. Why mention that but not follow through?
And what about Mason and his family that they were stealing bread for? It's not okay that they continue to struggle and be hungry, but there's no resolution or mention of it again!
Two Stars for keeping my interest and finishing it, but the important threads are left dangling and reinforces colonization.
January 9, 2018
I was so hoping that this book would be more than it ended up being. The topic was great as was the synopsis of the book. I was excited to read a YA novel about a Native American and his experiences, but I got bogged down in the writing style.
Quite honestly I got confused and found the book hard to follow, there was a lot of back and forth with regarding to time and events. I found myself wanting something to happen and was often lost. Perhaps I didn’t read far enough for the excitement to begin but I admit I need something that makes me want to turn pages and continue reading. The book just didn’t resonate with me and I admit I gave up about 30% of the way through it. I just couldn’t make myself read any more. I also was having a personal issue at the time which may have colored my ability to read and offer a fair review - so please consider that when you read my review.
Obviously this is just one persons opinion and we all know that whatever book didn’t do it for me, may well be your favorite! I received a copy of Right Handed Lefty through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to CHBB Publishing and Ryan Coughlin for the opportunity.
Quite honestly I got confused and found the book hard to follow, there was a lot of back and forth with regarding to time and events. I found myself wanting something to happen and was often lost. Perhaps I didn’t read far enough for the excitement to begin but I admit I need something that makes me want to turn pages and continue reading. The book just didn’t resonate with me and I admit I gave up about 30% of the way through it. I just couldn’t make myself read any more. I also was having a personal issue at the time which may have colored my ability to read and offer a fair review - so please consider that when you read my review.
Obviously this is just one persons opinion and we all know that whatever book didn’t do it for me, may well be your favorite! I received a copy of Right Handed Lefty through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to CHBB Publishing and Ryan Coughlin for the opportunity.
December 2, 2017
This was an Ok story, a coming of age thriller of sorts that slowly draws you in. That was also the problem, it started off very slow and had a hard time picking up steam. I didn't really start getting into the story until about 45% in, while most would put down a story by that point I say you should keep going. You will be rewarded with a pretty interesting and heartwarming ending.
Even though it was slow I did enjoy the writing style, Mr. Coughlin was very descriptive when describing the landscape, felt like I was right on that ledge on Granddad Bluff. Normally I'm all over Google Maps when reading location heavy books but with the way Mr. Coughlin wrote it I didn't need to, I could just see the forest and the carving in the tree.
All in all, this is a good story about forgiveness, especially being able to forgive yourself, and finding the strength within.
Received a free copy from NetGalley and been taking my time with reading this one
Even though it was slow I did enjoy the writing style, Mr. Coughlin was very descriptive when describing the landscape, felt like I was right on that ledge on Granddad Bluff. Normally I'm all over Google Maps when reading location heavy books but with the way Mr. Coughlin wrote it I didn't need to, I could just see the forest and the carving in the tree.
All in all, this is a good story about forgiveness, especially being able to forgive yourself, and finding the strength within.
Received a free copy from NetGalley and been taking my time with reading this one
March 17, 2018
"As long as Ellis Sayre could remember, he wanted to know his real parents. He was Native American and had the brown skin to prove it. Which exact tribe was a mystery; he didn’t have the luxury of that information. It was hard for him to gauge why he was the way he was. Awkward. Difficult. Disinterested."
Ellis was lacking in self-confidence, had sensitive nerves, would have anxiety attacks, and could not play badminton if his life depended on it. Considering that Ellis was the “most unwanted child under one year old” at the orphanage, was returned to the orphanage by his first adoptive parents, and feeling like an outsider with his new adoptive parents, it was no wonder Ellis felt different and unwanted. However, his friends George, defender of the less fortunate, and Mason, the wisecracking ninja warrior, accepted him as the honest, quirky, "Native Warrior" that he was.
See my complete review at The Eclectic Review
Ellis was lacking in self-confidence, had sensitive nerves, would have anxiety attacks, and could not play badminton if his life depended on it. Considering that Ellis was the “most unwanted child under one year old” at the orphanage, was returned to the orphanage by his first adoptive parents, and feeling like an outsider with his new adoptive parents, it was no wonder Ellis felt different and unwanted. However, his friends George, defender of the less fortunate, and Mason, the wisecracking ninja warrior, accepted him as the honest, quirky, "Native Warrior" that he was.
See my complete review at The Eclectic Review
March 25, 2018
Right Handed Lefty
by Ryan Coughlin
This book took a while to get into, the meaning of the story comes in the last pages and is more poignant than as could be believed. A young orphan boy does not know the meaning of his existence. He had been placed and and placed so many times when his last foster parents adopted him, their dysfunctional relationship just added to his unease and lack of security. When a school bully attacked his best friend his participation in his defence caused them both to have Saturday school. The story starts mainly about the small two in the 1980’s but many of the prejudices and problems are profound. Things that today we would not see, impoverished families struggling to feed their children, racial injustices for Native Americans, and crime bosses in an age of less communication and more profit. The story shows that it’s not where you come from but who you are that define you.
by Ryan Coughlin
This book took a while to get into, the meaning of the story comes in the last pages and is more poignant than as could be believed. A young orphan boy does not know the meaning of his existence. He had been placed and and placed so many times when his last foster parents adopted him, their dysfunctional relationship just added to his unease and lack of security. When a school bully attacked his best friend his participation in his defence caused them both to have Saturday school. The story starts mainly about the small two in the 1980’s but many of the prejudices and problems are profound. Things that today we would not see, impoverished families struggling to feed their children, racial injustices for Native Americans, and crime bosses in an age of less communication and more profit. The story shows that it’s not where you come from but who you are that define you.
May 14, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
Ellis Sayre has always felt out of place – as an orphan and one of the few American Indian people in his small Wisconsin town. His adoptive parents got him after their son died, and he felt like an inadequate replacement, especially to his mom. One day, Ellis and his two friends, George and Mason, decide to steal some day old bread that the town's bakery is just going to throw away, but while there, they become witness to a murder committed by the bakery's owner, who already has a reputation for his shady dealings on town. In fear for their lives, the three boys decide to run away.
There were points in the story where the writing was good but more points where I felt we were being told rather than shown what was going on. I had hoped for more from the story. It wasn't bad, but it was just OK.
Ellis Sayre has always felt out of place – as an orphan and one of the few American Indian people in his small Wisconsin town. His adoptive parents got him after their son died, and he felt like an inadequate replacement, especially to his mom. One day, Ellis and his two friends, George and Mason, decide to steal some day old bread that the town's bakery is just going to throw away, but while there, they become witness to a murder committed by the bakery's owner, who already has a reputation for his shady dealings on town. In fear for their lives, the three boys decide to run away.
There were points in the story where the writing was good but more points where I felt we were being told rather than shown what was going on. I had hoped for more from the story. It wasn't bad, but it was just OK.
December 6, 2017
I had hoped to like this book more than I did. It makes it into the three-star category. It's a coming of age story that doesn't quite work for me. Granted, it is sad and has some suspense. Ellis has a sad story, but we tend to like him, it's just that it didn't hold as well as I would have liked. I did like the forgiveness themes.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.
June 22, 2021
This reads like a middle school vocabulary assignment: “big” words, used (sometimes inaccurately) in order to sound high-brow. The style is overall amateurish, with a plot overrun with outlandish coincidences and awkward, meandering segues into paragraph after paragraph of unnecessary history or descriptions. My main reactions were snorting, sighing, and eye-rolling. A major editing overhaul of the language could make a passable story from this.
April 14, 2018
Ellis Sayre lives in a small town in Wisconsin. It is 1983. Ellis has been adopted by a couple who has lost their child. Being a Native American, he feels even more distant from his parents when he finds out he is to replaced their lost child. He has two friends at school, George and Mason, a Hmong.when Ellis and George find out that Mason's family don't have the finances to give Mason lunch, Ellis comes up with the idea of them going to the bakery after it closes. The bakery tosses their day-old bread that didn't sell into the garbage bin. However they become witnesses to the bakery owner and his assistant disposing a body. The boys run. When Ellis tells the police, he isn't taken seriously, even though his parents believe him. Ellis fears for his life and decides to run away. George and Mason go with him. Will they be able to survive on their own? Will the bakery boss go after the boys?
At first, the story is a little slow (at least it was for me), but then picks up. It is an interesting novel that allows you to see how they deal with situations that aren't part of their everyday life. There is another story included about two senior citizens with one of them being a Native American and the relationship they develop. A story is told by this Native American senior citizen that was told about a Native American boy who is adopted by the chief. There is much more to the tale but I don't want to spoil the story for you. It all ties in -- the three boys, the senior citizens and story told by the Native American senior citizen. It's a good story.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
At first, the story is a little slow (at least it was for me), but then picks up. It is an interesting novel that allows you to see how they deal with situations that aren't part of their everyday life. There is another story included about two senior citizens with one of them being a Native American and the relationship they develop. A story is told by this Native American senior citizen that was told about a Native American boy who is adopted by the chief. There is much more to the tale but I don't want to spoil the story for you. It all ties in -- the three boys, the senior citizens and story told by the Native American senior citizen. It's a good story.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
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October 6, 2017I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
This is an engrossing story of three young boys whose lives are less than ordinary. They are considered misfits and outsiders. On their own, they stay away from the “normal” kids keeping to themselves. But when circumstances bring them together they become a force to recon with. This coming of age tale involves the town’s criminal element and murder. The boys witness the murder and must seek safety on their own.
Mixed into this tale is a tribal legend that at first seems irrelevant, but in truth adds an element to the story that gives Ellis’s action a credibility otherwise missed. It also leaves the door open for a sequel, or two. We will have to wait to see what the author does.
I enjoyed this book even with the existence of some flaws. The cautionary tale is creative, touching and has a strong moral statement.
This is an engrossing story of three young boys whose lives are less than ordinary. They are considered misfits and outsiders. On their own, they stay away from the “normal” kids keeping to themselves. But when circumstances bring them together they become a force to recon with. This coming of age tale involves the town’s criminal element and murder. The boys witness the murder and must seek safety on their own.
Mixed into this tale is a tribal legend that at first seems irrelevant, but in truth adds an element to the story that gives Ellis’s action a credibility otherwise missed. It also leaves the door open for a sequel, or two. We will have to wait to see what the author does.
I enjoyed this book even with the existence of some flaws. The cautionary tale is creative, touching and has a strong moral statement.
February 15, 2018
Right Handed Lefty is going to surprise you more than once. The story is actually three different stories weaved into one. That may seem confusing, but it works to tell this complex and exciting tale.
The story focus' is on a boy named Ellis, a Native American who does not know how he fits into the world. He does not know who he is, where he comes from, or anything about his past. Oddly enough, it is the present that will reveal who he really is.
Luckily, as the reader, we have access to the other two stories to understand Ellis' background, which all works towards the climax near the end of the story.
You may assume this story is about adolescents finding their way, but it is so much more! It is about generations of people and how their lives affected the others, in ways they will never understand. It is fun, fast-paced, story with deep connotations about what it means to be hurt, courageous, and finding out what the word "family" really means.
The story focus' is on a boy named Ellis, a Native American who does not know how he fits into the world. He does not know who he is, where he comes from, or anything about his past. Oddly enough, it is the present that will reveal who he really is.
Luckily, as the reader, we have access to the other two stories to understand Ellis' background, which all works towards the climax near the end of the story.
You may assume this story is about adolescents finding their way, but it is so much more! It is about generations of people and how their lives affected the others, in ways they will never understand. It is fun, fast-paced, story with deep connotations about what it means to be hurt, courageous, and finding out what the word "family" really means.
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