Fishing for Gold

by Ron Foss, Phillip Lancaster (Editor), Caralee Hitchcox (Editor)

Specifically written for a young adult audience, Fishing for Gold tells a story of a young American family - the mother and her two early teen aged sons living with her parents after the passing of their husband and father. The setting of the story is in Costa Rica, with its splendor of beaches, jungles, wildlife, folklore, and dangers. The grandparents (U.S. expatriates) own a small beachfront hotel, now operated by the extended family of grandparents, daughter and her two sons. The boys’ adventures take place locally, in exotic settings, and in exotic wilderness settings where the grandfather takes the boys to help him dredge illegally for gold. The grandfather, with his share of flaws, is loveable, but overbearing, increasingly so, as the story develops and his obsession for the quick wealth of gold is pursued. Early on, a local police corporal is tipped off to the grandfather’s pursuits and becomes equally obsessed with the quick wealth that 'confiscating' the gold could provide him. The deceptions begin.

Character development is rich, as are the boys’ adventures. The story of the boys’ struggles to cope with family conflict and learn to stand up to the increasingly abusive behaviour of the grandfather is compelling. The boys must eventually save the day - and the grandfather - from his own excesses.

Fishing for Gold is a real life action story, historical and factual in all its detail, glistening with realism. It is not a fantasy novel. The characters’ struggle with ethical dilemmas, greed, prejudice, anger, denial, and the need to develop coping skills while simply trying to do things right.

323 pages, Paperback

Published September 27, 2019

Reviews

[Ron Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes. I am the author.

One elderly gentleman who read my book commented, when I remarked that it is good story for Young Adults and Adults - he said:

"How could it be a good story for Young Adults and not be a good story for Adults !!!

It wasn't a question.

[Darwin Generous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fishing for Gold is a story about family. Its about the ups and downs of life and how we learn from each other at all ages and stages of our lives. Its about supporting and helping and ultimately understanding each other as we learn and grow to become better people!

Its an excellent read, written in a uniquely light and easy style that had me hooked on "whats going to happen next" right up to the last line! I found each character and situation in the story to be very well described and real and the many life-lessons each learned as the story progressed, very well drawn out.

I definitely recommend it to all teenagers and their parents.

[Susan Burlew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting story about a boy and his grandfather. Derrick lives in Costa Rica with his grandparents. Grandpa Bill has gold fever. This is mostly about their adventures looking for gold. Also about relationships and growing up. I enjoyed it more than I expected to. Recommend!

[Terry Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took us on a wonderful adventure with a well developed cast of characters. Details of setting allowed us to feel we were part of the story. We were there to observe how the relationships evolved as result of the shared experiences.
Bravo!

[Caralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story, full of adventure and real-life situations. I will be keeping this in my collection for re-reading whenever I need a good dose of wholesome fun!

[Caralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story with adventure and grit. I love the rooster fish throughout the book, and the story is one that sticks with you for a while. My copy will be well-loved from re-reading.