Howard Petrick’s living on the edge of skid row, working as a yard clerk on the railroad and trying to keep one-step ahead of the draft board. His best friend makes a living threatening to “kill” balloon puppies. His yearning to wander is fueled by hobo stories; dive bar loners, IWW socialists and a west bound freight train. The prequel to the award-winning BREAKING RANK!
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
“Hypnotizing…Petrick is wrapped in a blanket of history he’s willing to share by the fire.”– Edmonton Journal
“A novelist’s ability to place an image in your mind.”– Kings River Life
FOUR STARS – “Howard Petrick paints an evocative and affectionate portrait of these rough-and-tumble men, train-hopping across America in search of work and adventure.”– CBC
FOUR STARS –Funny… Poignant! – Winnipeg Free Press
“Howard Petrick is not a trained actor but he is a living piece of history…” – Capital Critics’ Circle, Ottawa
“The work of an enthralling storyteller” – Apt 613, Ottawa
“Petrick’s story is engaging, and he does an excellent job depicting the often-hilarious quirks of its characters through great physical and vocal work.”– The New Ottawa Critics
“Petrick’s stories linger long after the curtain closes.” – The Revue