This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Timothy Gene Sojka's novel, 39, is a literary fiction story about Stephen Detals, a former professional baseball player who faces a range of existential struggles, including alcoholism, abandonment, and suicidal thoughts. As Stephen's 39th birthday approaches, he feels the weight of an ominous fate that has plagued his family for generations: his father and grandfather both committed suicide on the same day. The narrative covers eight days leading up to Stephen's birthday, during which he confronts his addiction and navigates a return to his former hometown in Southeast Texas. On this journey, he encounters Rose Petal Detals, the enigmatic matriarch of his family who is suspected, with some decent reasoning, to be an alleged murderess. Stephen's return to his hometown after twenty years away also prompts him to uncover the dark secrets that have long haunted his family.
Timothy Gene Sojka's 39 offers an authentic depiction of what I have personally seen someone I care about go through, at least as far as addiction goes, as Stephen struggles to find meaning and purpose amidst a tragic legacy, exploring the intricate interplay between familial trauma and addiction. Sojka's writing style is evocative and engaging, providing a compelling reflection on the human condition, with themes of mortality, destiny, and the complexity of personal relationships. Despite a slow start, the plot picks up the pace as Stephen's journey becomes more pressing and he begins to confront his addiction head-on. The characters are well-developed and realistic, adding to the gripping and sometimes chilling reading experience, and an occasional writing style that resembles a stream of consciousness. Overall, 39 is a novel that delves deep into the human psyche and the complexities of personal relationships, providing an intimate and emotional exploration of addiction, familial trauma, and the search for meaning. Very highly recommended.
