Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased opinion.

As the aunt of an 11 year old boy, I can say that the main character of this book is very well written. The whole story is well written and very plausible and quite the adventure. I gave it three stars as it’s hard to listen to an 11 year old speak endlessly. Lol. Which also shows how well written this story is.

This story is of a young boy who ends up traveling across country and all his many adventures and the people he met along the way.

Ruby and Quinn are the modern-day Tom and Huck. At age 12, they're up to no good. Just boys being boys. They're wanna-be outlaws. And suddenly, they wind up on a cross-country adventure, meeting tons of friends--and bad guys--along the way. This book is full of wit, and just might make a great read for parents as well as their middle schoolers. (If you don't mind some language).

I loved it up until about half-way through, and then I was happily ready for the adventure to end.

This is my voluntary review. Special thanks to Bogie Road Publishing, Ltd. for an advanced reader copy via NetGalley.

This has a lot of reviews already, so I'll just recommend it to literary fans and fans of humorous writing. Good stuff!

I really appreciate the review copy!!

A fun read, that it a bit out there (not very believable!) and that's OK! Loved the character and had lots of good laughs throughout reading the book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

This was a nice adventure story. A little basic, but had many nice elements. I enjoyed Ruby as a character.

I received an ARC of this story from Netgalley. It is told from the POV of a mostly well-behaved 12-year-old boy who hardly ever gets in trouble. At least, that’s what he tells us. I thought the author did a masterful job of getting into the head of a young boy and spinning an outrageous adventure. Because of this, it didn’t even matter if all of it didn’t make sense. For example, as the book drew closer to the end, I had some suspicions about what might happen, while also wondering what was happening. The ending was a bit of a disappointment, because I hoped to find out more about Helical Unfolded and Timber Value Corporation, but I enjoyed the overall story so much, for me, it doesn’t really matter.

There was one scene in the book, early on, which practically had me rolling on the floor laughing. Ruby, the protagonist, and his best friend and partner in crime, Quinn become convinced they have a curse on them. As always, they go to the local “witch” for a cure. The description of this encounter was hysterical. It starts off with this observation, “‘Oh, boy,’ she said when she saw us coming, like she wasn’t happy to see us.” It was beyond Ruby’s comprehension that Widow Jones wouldn’t want to see them. But it gets better because the more they call her Widow Jones, the more aggravated she gets, telling them she has never been married and never plans to marry and is not a widow and would they just stop calling her that? Naturally, they ignore her. Then she insists she is not a witch, and they don’t believe that either, begging her for a cure for the curse. “‘I am not a witch!’ she said. ‘Mother of Mercy! I used to like you kids! What the hell happened to you two?’” They are impervious to her logic and eventually she gives up, throws a handful of herbs at them and tells them to get lost.

The storytelling is genuinely funny. Having a 12-year-old boy as the narrator allows the author to create all kinds of fantastical occurrences, with the reader never quite knowing how accurate his account is. Everything he relates in this memoir-esque story is tinted by his view that he and his friend are good kids surrounded by people who don’t understand them. They’re a modern-day Huck Finn-Tom Sawyer duo, eschewing school, church, bathing, and chores, and wishing for adventure. In real life, you might expect some pretty horrific things to happen to these hapless boys, but this is a feel-good story, and aside from the too-vivid description of the dying deer at the beginning, they are never in any serious danger. Instead, they seem to float from one circumstance to the next, always landing on their feet, surrounded by people who generally don’t wish to hurt them. You might argue that those who do have good reason for it.

I seriously enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone looking for a light-hearted adventure story told from the POV of a pre-teen boy. I know lots of kids liked Tom Sawyer, the original star of the Mark Twain books, and it’s obvious Ruby was based on Tom. Huck was always my favorite, and I guess you could say Quinn was more like him, though I think I liked Ruby better. Ruby’s feigned death was reminiscent of Tom’s, while having a character the boys referred to as Widow Jones was a nice touch. Overall, the entire setting of Hacker’s Loon, NY is much like that of St. Petersburg, Missouri, though the social commentary has changed some. This one touches on the issue of corporate greed, but only insofar as it can be understood by a child. In the end, Ruby really is a good kid who is trying to do what he thinks is right and doesn’t want to hurt anyone.

"The Adventures of Huck Finn" reimagined for today's current socio-political scene and with two intrepid 12 year old rebels hilariously leading the charge! Richard M. Brock was definitely channeling his inner Mark Twain in this his second independently published novel "Up A Tree."

A quick, yet thought-provoking read for those who like a spot on satirical take on the adult world as seen through the eyes of a child. Brock conveys our divided, eco-unfriendly world through an eclectic and somewhat quirky set of secondary characters who move the story forward every bit as much as his main characters ~ best buddies for life Ruby Finn Heckler and Quinn Hennessey. These twelve year olds are truly fearless and hilarious in turns! They keep the story moving and definitely provide some of the wiser observations on an oft times unexplainable adult world.

Many thanks to the author, Richard M. Brock, for offering a free e-book to me through the NetGalley platform in exchange for an honest and independent review. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as both an homage to Twain and as an exploration of more serious societal issues. And like his characters Ruby and Quinn, Brock's story has me thinking about my perfect "road name!" Lol! (Working options are currently under serious consideration.😁)

#UpATree
#NetGalley

This story really sticks with you long after you read it. This was the first book I have read by this author and I can't wait to read more!!!

Good coming of age novel. Loved the characters and the story. It truly is a modern day Huck Fin. The only thing wrong is that is says its modern but it didn’t feel that way to me. I would say more in the 80’s.

3 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

I was interested in this book because it was described as Mark Twain-like and I really like his style of writing. While I could see what the author was attempting to do with this book, it fell short for me. I think had Ruby stayed in and around his hometown, rather than venturing to NYC and other far off places, the story would have resonated more with me. Although I am quite certain that 12 year olds could and do take off and end up thousands of miles away from home, the way this story was told made it seem quite far-fetched. I understand that part of the point was that it's common for young people to stretch the truth (like Tom and Huck), but the point could have been made more subtly than two 12 year olds making it all the way to San Francisco.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bogie Road Publishing. All opinions in this review are my own.

I'm going to be honest, this book did not do it for me. I grew up in the Adirondacks, and have heard many stories from my siblings, father and uncles about the the things they used to get up too. I had really high hopes for this book, thinking it was going to be along the lines of those stories, and it sort of was at first. It was hard to read because the little boy who was narrating had the habit of rambling, or going of on theses tangents and then taking you back to the main story. So it was hard to follow. I will say that there is a content warning: if swearing bothers, you don't read this. I really wanted to like this book, but I couldn't get into it.

I had a lot of fun with this one, and having read Huck Finn not too long ago, I can see the retelling the author intended, although I'm not sure I would consider it modern. It was hard to tell the time period, honestly, but it felt much more like the 80s to me (when I grew up). And just like in the original, Ruby (our Huck Finn) is often drawn into trouble by his best friend Quinn (our Tom Sawyer). The general structure is similar too--Ruby gets drawn into trouble and is thought to be dead and rather than coming out and telling everyone, he ends up on an adventure, partly because he's afraid of the people who apparently killed him. At some point, he gets Quinn to join him and they get drawing into crazier adventures, in large part because it's so easy for him to say yes to Quinn, who is a talker just like Tom Sawyer. Are the adventures believable? Well, perhaps not, but it's part of the fun. The language is very salty, for those who might find offense, but to me, it often feels like boys who are cussing for the fun of it, not because they mean any ill will. Although the adults around them don't exactly curb their tongue, lol. I don't want to talk too much about their adventures because of spoilers, but there was one thing that confused me. The book is structured so that at the beginning, Ruby is asked by the FBI to give a statement about what has happened, and that's when Ruby tells his whole tale about what happens to him. But at the end, the FBI asks, "But what about so and so?" which tells you why the FBI is asking for his statement. But you never figure out what happens to some of the bad guys (you never find out what happens to any of the people Ruby and later Quinn come across along the way), and that was a little unsatisfying because I wanted to know if the bad guys would be caught.

However, that said, I liked what happens with Ruby as well as the lesson about what family actually means, especially because he is an orphan. This is definitely worth reading, especially if you're looking for one of those "tall tales" that's just fun to read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I adored this book! It's rare for me to go on so, but it was just what I needed. Ruby Heckler is a twelve year old boy and this is his story of how he ran away with his best friend Quinn and their adventures on the road. The pretext is that this is transcript of his interview with the FBI concerning his activities while he was gone, who he met and what happened along the way. It's written as though a 12 year boy told the story. He sure has some mighty adventures. While it seems simple, there are themes and plenty of situations that leave the reader thinking. What is a family and how is a family formed? Is truth worth the consequences? How much do we value friendship? How do we view people with disabilities? I read comments by other reviewers and I understand their negativity. Don't go into this book expecting an Emily Bronte classic. The chapters are short and the prose reads like a pre-teen boy wrote it. What it offers is fun exactly as a 12 year old boy sees it. One of the criticisms is the uncertainty of the time this occurs. The auther states that the time is "a few more than a few years ago". It is unclear when this is supposed to have happened, but there are references to cell phones and 4 wheelers. I found all that helpful. It's magical and quirky. Some of the scenes are improbable, but good things happen. Think "Big Fish" and "Forrest Gump". This book will put a smile on your face and make you laugh. There is profanity, but the author's notes indicate there's a version available for middle school readers. I would love for my grandson to read it and share his thoughts. I encourage you to read it. I think we'll see a movie about this one :)

What a brilliant, touching coming of age tale. This should be a required reading novel for all ages. Wonderful characters and a story that will stay with you. I've seen comparison to Huck and Finn, but this novel stands apart on its own. Brilliant.

Love it !

A most enjoyable read -- fun, frolicking adventure from the perspective of an imaginative 12 year old !
Pure enjoyment !

This delightful book has a wonderful, entertaining storyline that will keep you reading. His characters are rich and relatable. I want to read his previous work.

What a delightful tale! Mr. Brock captures, perfectly, the thinking of two preteen males. The are innocent and naive. And find theirselves traveling the country due to a misunderstanding in regard to a gun, a dead deer and a a church fire. It is , by turns, hilarious and thoughtful.
Quinn and Ruby are characters I expect we will hear from again. Someone said this book is Huck Finn for adults and that does describe this work exactly.
Highly recommended

What a fun book! It is rated for middle school or older, but I received a note that it was intended for adults. I think it would be fine for mature teens. I laughed out loud in a few places. Ruby is a hoot. I was not fond of Quinn but he serves his purpose as a sidekick. The story finds plenty of interesting characters from the east coast to the Pacific Ocean.

A great young adult book in the vein of Huck Finn. A wild adventure making dreams come true for two 12-year-old boys. This story provides a wonderful escape fr the world we are currently living in. Highly recommended.


I received an ARC from Bogie Road Publishing through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under n obligation to do so.

Reminiscent of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, these two twelve-year-olds, Ruby and Quinn live in the Adirondacks and spend their time playing cowboys, pirates, and other games typical of boys their age. But when Quinn "borrows" a shotgun and they accidentally kill a deer, they drag it to the local mill and leave it there to hide the fact they were responsible. But this sets off a chain reaction of violence and a bombing which leaves evidence that Ruby is dead. He's not but of course he runs...and his journey takes him many colorful places like the capitol and New York City where he meets many people and has some fantastical adventures. Finally reunited with Quinn and his hometown, Ruby learns some valuable lessons about friendship, family, and the world outside his realm. It's a cool coming-of-age story for modern times.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Ruby is a young boy who in one quick moment, his life changes as there is an accident in the forest with his best friend.

This accident leads him on a journey across the country that has harrowing moments and plenty of life lessons.

This is a coming of age story that anyone can enjoy!