Third Wheel by Richard R Becker
Third Wheel is a coming-of-age thriller about a misguided teen who struggles to fit in with a pack of older, cooler troublemakers in the suburbs of a desert boomtown.
As a fast-paced page-turner, it follows the transformation of Brady Wilks from a naive newcomer into a root-worthy underdog in a story that explores the complexities of belonging, betrayal, and self-discovery. Eager to strengthen his relationship with his older teenage neighbor, Mick, Brady panders to an ambitious street-level drug dealer who has taken hold of their group.
As the stakes are raised, Brady learns that risky choices can have dangerous consequences and threaten the lives of those he cares about. With troubles at home and nowhere to go, he attempts to find comfort in an impossible romance with an older girl until it becomes clear that she is another vulnerability for others to exploit.
The winner of six literary awards — including a Literary Titan Gold Book Award, Silver BookFest Award, and American Best BookFest Finalist Award — Richard R Becker’s debut novel is as suspenseful as it is unapologetic. This literary teen crime story with heart hits home with anyone who has felt alone, left out, or on the fringe.
Artisan Book Reviews
A walk through a growing boy’s world as he finds himself, Third Wheel by Richard R Becker is a stunning literary success, a heartwarming and thrilling page turner.
As a naïve young man, Brady Wilks works so hard to keep his status with his friend group even if it means getting high, starting fights, or getting wasted. For Brady, keeping the friendship of his neighbor Mick is worth also befriending the street-level drug dealer who has started running his friend group despite the trouble his friendship brings. Unfortunately, Brady must learn the hard way that risky choices lead to some scary consequences and as the stakes become progressively higher, the people Brady cares most about become endangered. Trouble at home and an older girl’s love give Brady few choices for where to turn for help and even less to lose. As Brady encounters more difficulties, he must soon learn the complexities of life and all that entails.
Written with raw emotions and such heart, Third Wheel is a moving story of growing up and finding belonging in all the wrong ways. Belonging is written into this story in such palpable ways that readers will feel they know Brady so well. I found myself talking to Brady as a parent would while I read this story both rooting for him and scolding him for the basic needs, we all have—to feel seen, to belong, and to be loved. While Brady may make all the wrong choices, his need for these things creates such a moving account it’s no wonder that Richard R. Becker has won so many awards for his work. Third Wheel is a clear, unprecedented, superbly written and imagined, gripping story with a compelling fascinating storyline and satisfying conclusion. Third Wheel is undoubtedly the best book I have read all year – maybe even in years. It’s right there at the top with the best.
The winner of six literary awards — including a Literary Titan Gold Book Award, Silver Bookfest Award, and American Best Bookfest Finalist Award, Richard R Becker’s novel is written with the skill of a master. Any reader who has ever felt alone, left out, or seeking his or her place in this world will find true belonging in Third Wheel by Richard R Becker. This incredible literary thriller and teen crime story and novel comes highly recommended by Artisan Book Reviews. Book read and reviewed by Mary Rosenthal for ABR – Readers Choice.
Buy Third Wheel by Richard R Becker
Third Wheel by Richard R. Becker
ABR International Book Excellence Award Winner
Best Literary Thriller
Artisan Book Reviews
Reading recommendations, best selling authors, best selling books, teen crime thriller
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