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Par for the Course
Sparks fly when Ray Blackson returns with his trademark quirky sense of humor. Golf, politics, and romance collide in Par for the Course as golf range owner Chris Hackett meets an attractive political correspondent who turns his world upside down.
In Par for the Course , Chris Hackett owns and operates Hack's Golf Learning Center, an eccentric golf range in Charleston, SC. Chris jumps at the chance to step up his game when an attractive new student and political correspondent, Molly, suggests that Chris capitalize on the current, highly polarized, presidential election. This pitting of right versus left means even more income, plus a sharp new girlfriend, and soon Chris, his sidekick, Cack, and their unique golf range are the talk of the town . . . until someone takes the political insults too seriously. Will Molly stick around as Chris learns the true meaning of "playing politics"? And will Chris realize how much he wants her to?
In Par for the Course , Chris Hackett owns and operates Hack's Golf Learning Center, an eccentric golf range in Charleston, SC. Chris jumps at the chance to step up his game when an attractive new student and political correspondent, Molly, suggests that Chris capitalize on the current, highly polarized, presidential election. This pitting of right versus left means even more income, plus a sharp new girlfriend, and soon Chris, his sidekick, Cack, and their unique golf range are the talk of the town . . . until someone takes the political insults too seriously. Will Molly stick around as Chris learns the true meaning of "playing politics"? And will Chris realize how much he wants her to?
251 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 2, 2008
I read Ray Blackstone's first novel, Flabbergasted, and found it to be a lighthearted and wholesome novel about dating from a Christian perspective. It lacked depth and much tension, but I wrote at that I could appreciate the perspective.
Blackstone has gone on to write a number of novels including two sequels to Flabbergasted. His latest book, Par for the Course, caught my eye because of its subject matter: golf and politics. I thought it would be interesting to see what Blackstone could do with two of my hobbies.
Like Flabbergasted, Par for the Course has dating as a focus. And obviously Blackstone is still writing from a Christian perspective. But the faith element is largely missing from the story. Instead it focuses on Chris and his interaction with women.
The hook for the story, having golfers try to hit a specialized golf cart while Cack hurls partisan insults at them is interesting. And Blackstone handles the set up pretty smoothly - although, a plot line about a feminist speaker never really goes anywhere - and adds in some tension when the plan backfires with disastrous results. Before things turn ugly, however, Blackstone delivers some funny moments.
Chris is an interesting character in many ways. A nice guy who couldn't quite make it as a professional golfer who really wants a family but lacks confidence when it comes to the opposite sex. Blackstone uses him to explore the discussion men have about relationships as well as the challenges of dating and career.
But like Flabbergasted, the question comes down to one of taste If you are looking for lighthearted, squeaky clean, and slightly cheesy fare then you will probably enjoy Par for the Course.
If you prefer your fiction a little deeper and with a more literary bent then you will probably be disappointed. Blackstone avoids dark or difficult topics and wraps everything up in a nice happy bow. His style makes for a quick read and his main characters are likable if corny. But, IMHO, they require little of the reader and don't make much of an impact.
To me they are Christian fluff, pleasant and family friendly, but fluff nonetheless.
Blackstone has gone on to write a number of novels including two sequels to Flabbergasted. His latest book, Par for the Course, caught my eye because of its subject matter: golf and politics. I thought it would be interesting to see what Blackstone could do with two of my hobbies.
Like Flabbergasted, Par for the Course has dating as a focus. And obviously Blackstone is still writing from a Christian perspective. But the faith element is largely missing from the story. Instead it focuses on Chris and his interaction with women.
The hook for the story, having golfers try to hit a specialized golf cart while Cack hurls partisan insults at them is interesting. And Blackstone handles the set up pretty smoothly - although, a plot line about a feminist speaker never really goes anywhere - and adds in some tension when the plan backfires with disastrous results. Before things turn ugly, however, Blackstone delivers some funny moments.
Chris is an interesting character in many ways. A nice guy who couldn't quite make it as a professional golfer who really wants a family but lacks confidence when it comes to the opposite sex. Blackstone uses him to explore the discussion men have about relationships as well as the challenges of dating and career.
But like Flabbergasted, the question comes down to one of taste If you are looking for lighthearted, squeaky clean, and slightly cheesy fare then you will probably enjoy Par for the Course.
If you prefer your fiction a little deeper and with a more literary bent then you will probably be disappointed. Blackstone avoids dark or difficult topics and wraps everything up in a nice happy bow. His style makes for a quick read and his main characters are likable if corny. But, IMHO, they require little of the reader and don't make much of an impact.
To me they are Christian fluff, pleasant and family friendly, but fluff nonetheless.
June 5, 2008
After straying away from his typical “Christian guys confused by relationships” pattern with A Pagan’s Nightmare Ray Blackston returns to that fertile ground with his latest novel. Centering on Chris Hackett, the owner and golf pro at Hack’s Driving Range, the novel gets back to what Blackston does best–put guys in situations where they have no clues.
In this case, it’s Chris’ blindly enlisting for a seminar on communication between men and women and meeting Molly, a political reporter who throws him for a proverbial loop. Following Molly’s advice, Chris opens up nights for political parties to come out and take out thier frustration on their political opposites at his driving range. They prove wildly successful and soon gain Chris local and national prominence.
Unlike most contemporary Christian novels, the strength of Blackston’s stories is that he has authentic characters who he puts on authentic journeys. Nothing feels forced or contrived about Chris’ story and even when Chris gets on the peaks and valleys that come with any journey through life, his reaction to it still feels authentic. And while Chris does learn from both extremes, the writing never feels forced or preachy, unlike a great many other writers in the contemporary Christian genre.
The novel is also peppered with the usual eccentrics that Blackston relishes.
This is a fun, charming and entertaining novel that firmly puts Blackston in the upper echelions of contemporary Christian writers. Par for the Course is Blackston’s best book since his initial offering Flabbergasted.
And if you’re a fan of his novels, you’ll see a few cameos of characters from other books sprinkled in here, adding to the enjoyment and delight of long-time readers.
In this case, it’s Chris’ blindly enlisting for a seminar on communication between men and women and meeting Molly, a political reporter who throws him for a proverbial loop. Following Molly’s advice, Chris opens up nights for political parties to come out and take out thier frustration on their political opposites at his driving range. They prove wildly successful and soon gain Chris local and national prominence.
Unlike most contemporary Christian novels, the strength of Blackston’s stories is that he has authentic characters who he puts on authentic journeys. Nothing feels forced or contrived about Chris’ story and even when Chris gets on the peaks and valleys that come with any journey through life, his reaction to it still feels authentic. And while Chris does learn from both extremes, the writing never feels forced or preachy, unlike a great many other writers in the contemporary Christian genre.
The novel is also peppered with the usual eccentrics that Blackston relishes.
This is a fun, charming and entertaining novel that firmly puts Blackston in the upper echelions of contemporary Christian writers. Par for the Course is Blackston’s best book since his initial offering Flabbergasted.
And if you’re a fan of his novels, you’ll see a few cameos of characters from other books sprinkled in here, adding to the enjoyment and delight of long-time readers.
March 2, 2010
This book is a fast read. It's cute. I don't think it is as good as his others, so if you are a Ray Blackston first-timer put down this one & go find Flabbergasted, seriously. Blackston's books have the ability to make you laugh out loud, which makes you look a little crazy if you are reading in public such as in an airport. Par for the Course made me smile as times, but did not cause the questioning looks from others in the room that his other novels did.
All his books have similar themes. Boy likes girl, but conflicts arise ranging from a lack of understanding of women to political differences. Whatever the conflict, humor results, which is great for the reader. The Last Mango in Texas had some especially humorous relationship conflict.
All & all, start with the other Blackston books, unless you are a big golf fan.
All his books have similar themes. Boy likes girl, but conflicts arise ranging from a lack of understanding of women to political differences. Whatever the conflict, humor results, which is great for the reader. The Last Mango in Texas had some especially humorous relationship conflict.
All & all, start with the other Blackston books, unless you are a big golf fan.
October 24, 2022
A good vacation read. Fun to see a cameo appearance by two characters from the author's Flabbergasted trilogy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2023
Very entertaining
Ray Blackstone has to be one of my favorite authors. I never knew golf could be so exciting. Love the characters.
Ray Blackstone has to be one of my favorite authors. I never knew golf could be so exciting. Love the characters.
June 1, 2009
I skipped whole paragraphs of this book because the writing was a bit too detailed and didn't progress the action of the book. It also failed to really engage me or convince me that the story was plausible. In general it was a quick read (I finished it in a day and a half) and light-hearted but a bit quirky - typical of Blackston's style.
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July 29, 2011Even though his books aren't real deep, he does make some great points. This one could probably have gone one step further about judgementalism, but in reality, I like it that he didn't. He just made the simple point without preachy. That made this a step ahead of Pagan Nightmare. Great pallet cleaner.
March 31, 2012
My beach read during our latest vacation and it served that purpose well. Humorous, extremely light-hearted, and a breeze to read is why my wife and I often turn to Blackston during vacation. Definitely falls into the chick lit rom-com from a Christian author category - but it's a fun read if you're looking for a break.
October 14, 2010
Blackston brings his unique look at relationships and throws in sports, politics and criminal activity! With a better plot than his other more recent works, this was a quick and fun read. I would have liked to see more of the faith element that touched me so deeply in his first novel.
November 9, 2009
I actually laughed outloud 3 times while reading this. I like his writing style, very clean, very fast reading, cute story line.
August 14, 2010
One of the better writers in Christian fiction -- sense of humor, more realistic on relationships than some of the lady authors are.
February 19, 2011
it was boring. nice story but no wit.
November 11, 2013
Great wit and humor. Always puts a smile on my face. Have been waiting a long time for his next book to come out.
April 14, 2014
I liked the story. Ray Blackston creates characters that are just a little bit off the wall, but are still so believable. I really enjoy his books.
January 18, 2016
fluff
June 26, 2016
3.5 Good, lighthearted story.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews