Member Reviews
I like reading novels with senior characters, that is why I chose this book. The two main protagonists Beth and Barry are both seventy years old, but they are by no means your stereotypical senior citizens. They do not want to "Go Gentle Into That Good Night". They want to do something to make this world a better place. They decide to become "vigilantes". The story describes their adventures in a humorous way. However the topics the author mentiones are really serious: domestic violence, animal cruelty, mass shooting and homelessness. I enjoyed following the adventures of the "silver squad", and can recommend the book to everyone who likes reading about plucky senior protagonists.
This one missed the mark for me. The Silver Squad is a road trip/crime spree featuring a couple of septuagenarians and a 40-something woman who joins them along the way.
Having enjoyed books like The Thursday Murder Club (which has sparked a slew of copycats, some of them pretty entertaining), I thought I'd enjoy this as a light read in between a couple of more serious novels. I didn't, at least not much. It was not 'hilarious' and I was not charmed.
I think it's cultural, really. I think this type of novel works well with the so-called 'typical dry British humour', which at its best is understated, nuanced and witty. The Silver Squad is more American: rather brash and over-explained.
For this very reason, it's quite possible that American readers might enjoy it more than I did, so I up my rating from 1 star to 2, to give it the benefit of the doubt. Tomahto-tomayto and all that...
My thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me a free copy of this book. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased, regardless of how I acquire the book.
This is a perfect fit for readers who crave a heartwarming and humorous tale of second chances, self-discovery, and social activism, with a dash of adventure and a strong message of empowerment, especially those who appreciate stories about overcoming adversity, fighting for what's right, and living life to the fullest.
This was a super fun (if not a little ridiculous) book to read. There definitely need to be more books about seniors and their capers. I think this could turn into a series.
Barry has moved into a retirement home at the urging of his daughter. At first, he hunkers down determined to not enjoy it and suffer through the year he promised his daughter until he can move somewhere else. When an old high school flame turns up at the same facility, they decide to start having fun in their sunset years instead of just sitting around waiting to be claimed by death.
This leads to a life of hilarious crime and a road trip that turns into more than either of them bargained for. Along the way, they pick up a wayward passenger escaping an abusive husband and have the time of all their lives. However, all good things must come to an end and so they follow their friend home to confront the husband.
I adored this book. I highly recommend it whether your young or older and just enjoy stories about quirky road trips. I read the book in one sitting.
My thanks to Encante Press and Netgalley for this ARC.
The Silver Squad is a silly romp through part of the country. Old flames reunite in an independent living residence and decide to take off and live a little while they still could. This is a lighthearted book while still dealing with some serious topics. A bit unbelievable but fun nonetheless.
Barry is missing his late wife, loves his kids and his pet Gecko and he's over 60 but he's not quite out to pasture yet, thank you very much. HIs daughter convinces him that it's time to move into an assisted living facility, with graded care for him as he ages. He's determined to live the way he wants, solitary and content but Beth drags him out of his comfort zone.
Beth, his high school sweetheart, is determined to grow old disgracefully. She has no desire to sit in a chair and atrophy and she cajoles Barry into being her accomplice!
Before he knows it Barry has traded in his sensible car for a souped up Mustang, their new getaway car and they take off on a road trip to right some wrongs and help out some folks on the way. From Minnesota to Florida and back these sexagenarians are causing mayhem, fighting injustice and picking up an accomplice or two on the way.
There are some strong themes couched amongst the humour: domestic assault, mass shootings, hunting, and ageism—themes I really could get behind and cheer for our protagonists as they dish out their own brand of justice.
The epic downfall of their final "victim" was chef's kiss and I cackled way more than was polite, lol. I'd love to have more adventures with Barry and Beth!
I love stories featuring senior citizens with spunk, so The Silver Squad: Rebels With Wrinkles appealed to me even without the very cute title! The story did not disappoint, with two senior and one decidedly less senior characters that made me cheer for their success and sit on the edge of my seat, waiting for things to work out for them.
I especially enjoyed the basis for their vigilantism, there was a Robinhood-like feel to their brand of justice. The portrayal of two 70-year-olds is what I, as a person in my 60's, would like to see more of--they are vibrant, active, and there was even some closed door spice! I would have liked to see more of Gertrude in the novel, and often forgot that the gecko even was along for the ride.
Readers who enjoy the Finlay Donovan series would enjoy The Silver Squad, as would readers looking for a fun, road trip book featuring characters of 'a certain age'.
Thank you to Netgalley, Encante Press, and the author for the digital ARC of The Silver Squad: Rebels With Wrinkles by Marty Essen. The opinions in this review are my own.
What a fun and humorous book and one that had me laughing from start to finish. I think we all need to read a book like this as it is fun and light-hearted. As we follow Barry and Beth on their road trip it feels as if you are right there along with them. The fun and adventures they got up to made me smile, the fact they reunited after so many years was heart-warming and I had such fun reading it, I couldn't put it down.
We need more books like this for sure. Loved it and highly recommend it.
Thank you NetGalley and Encante Press, LLC for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
A bit of unexpected, easy fun with the antics of the Silver Squad. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review
Marty Essen’s The Silver Squad is a delightful and heartfelt tale of love, adventure, and social awareness. The story follows Barry and Beth, high school sweethearts who reunite decades later in a senior living community. Rekindling their romance, they decide to make the most of their golden years by embarking on a series of escapades that are as entertaining as they are meaningful.
With Barry's purchase of a “getaway” car, the duo sets off on a journey that takes them far from the Twin Cities. Along the way, they not only rediscover the joy of living but also make a tangible impact on the world around them. Through their adventures, Essen tackles significant social issues such as spousal abuse, homelessness, and animal cruelty with both sensitivity and humor.
Barry and Beth’s good-hearted nature and determination to help both people and animals make them truly endearing characters. Their escapades are woven together with witty dialogue and poignant moments, creating a narrative that is both uplifting and thought-provoking. Essen masterfully balances humor with heavier themes, making The Silver Squad a book that entertains while inspiring readers to reflect on important societal issues.
This is a story about love, second chances, and the power of living with purpose. I highly recommend The Silver Squad to anyone looking for a lighthearted yet impactful read. I look forward to diving into more works by Marty Essen in the future!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Encante Press, LLC for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from the description. I enjoyed the humor elements and how it worked with the storyline going on. Marty Essen wrote this perfectly and left me wanting to read more.
Barry and Beth, once high school sweethearts, unexpectedly cross paths again years later in a retirement village. Neither of them is particularly excited about being there, but together, they hatch a plan to bring a little fun—and ultimately, purpose—into their golden years.
I judged this book by its cover and cute title and was pleasantly surprised. What I found was a charming, heartwarming story filled with humor, hope, and a reminder that it’s never too late to create new adventures. I really enjoyed this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Encante Press for this ARC in return for my honest review.
This was a book I crushed in only a few days! The title was funny and the cover was cute! I enjoyed the journey even though this is not a book I’d usually gravitate towards. Would love to read more by this author!!
This book was so good. Two people who find each other again late in life then let the antics begin. It was a fast paced, quick read and so, so good. I highly recommend. Loved the characters so much!
I requested an ARC of The Silver Squad from NetGalley because the title made me laugh. I honestly, did not think I’d enjoy it as much as I did. The story follows Barry and Beth, high school sweethearts who are reunited as residence of a senior living community. Neither wanting enter their bed-ridden years quietly, they decide to go on a road trip to see what kind of trouble they could get into. This is a fun, easy, quick book that can be read over a weekend. It’s one of those feel good stories, that came to me at the right time, and made me smile.
This book was a real good time! I enjoyed it immensely! There is so many burst out laughing moments.
The story is very fast paced, funny, sometimes serious. There was no dull or boring moments in the plot.
I had a difficult time putting the book down, I just wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next.
I really fell in love with the characters and found myself missing them when I finished reading the book.
I'm going to actually use a word I find annoying and way over used in so many book reviews, "unputdownable" this book was unputdownable. I finally understand the meaning as I can honestly say this book really was unputdownable!