Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Lysander "Fitz" Fitzgibbon used to teach at a university, but quit when his father grew ill and needed someone to take care of him. Years later, after his dad's death, Fitz has given up on his dreams, drives a bus route, and endures visits from Jerry, who can't really be called a friend, and barely a benefit. Fitz is lonely, worries about his weight, and figures life won't be getting any better.

Then, Fitz stumbles over a dead body in the park. As if life couldn't get any worse, he has a run-in with Detective Holland Simms, whose infuriating arrogance and brash behavior provokes Fitz to punch him. But strangely enough, Fitz feels more alive around Simms than he has in a long time, though he finds it hard to believe that the confident Simms would want anything to do with him. Should he take a chance on more?

First edition published by Less Than Three Press, June 2018.

Book Review

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” ~ Henry Stanley Haskins

Sometimes, life seems like it is almost too much to bear; all your energy goes into maintaining your current status, and you’re not able to muster up any ambition. Fitz, of 'Being Fitz' by J.D. Walker, is in this state of mind. He is worn out from being his father's caregiver; even after his death, Fitz is stuck in a rut, not having the energy to think about anything else. Even though Fitz loves teaching, he doesn't have the spirit to pursue going back to it. He's constantly berating himself for his inability to change. Fitz knows that it's up to him if he wants to regain his self-esteem, but he needs a “cheerleader”, even if he comes in the shape of an obnoxious cop named Simms.

While taking a walk, Fitz comes upon a dead body. When the police show up, the officer questioning him, Detective Simms, is particularly belligerent, pushes Fitz over the limit, and Fitz decks him, then is in fear that he has another problem. He has assaulted a police officer! Yet, he's being such a jerk, even the other officers tell him he deserves the punch. Simms lets him go without retaliation. The next night, Fitz gets a call late at night. To his dismay, it is Simms telling him he needs to talk about the murder. Fitz tells him that he will come down to the station the next day then hangs up on him. While at the station, Simms, is obnoxious and insults him again so Fitz leaves. He has had enough of people insulting him, being used, taken advantage of, and putting up with his dead-end job as a bus driver. At the end of his shift, Fitz drives home. He is frustrated to see that Simms is standing in the parking lot waiting for him. When Fitz asks him why he's there, Simms floors him by telling Fitz he's there to ask him out on a date.

This story shows how easy it is to not be motivated when almost everyone around you is negative or indifferent. It's frighteningly simple to fall into a “deep dark hole” of self-doubt and darkness. I was pulling for Fitz because he was a nice person who had lost their way. I was delighted that J.D. gave him a chance to find his way back to happiness and success. Thanks, J.D., for reminding me not to listen to the negativity of the world, just be myself and that's good enough.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 20026 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	14-September-2019
Price	$3.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.jms-books.com/jd-walker-c-224_238/being-fitz-p-2902.html