The King of Billy Goat Hill : A Novel

By Mark Stanleigh

The Highland Park/Eagle Rock area of northeast Los Angeles is the setting for this wonderful, heartwarming novel. The story begins in 1958 (I was 5 then) when two young brothers sneak out in the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0965288803
• ISBN13: 9780965288804
• Release Date: August 1996
• Publisher: Fallbrook Pub. Group
• Length: 236 Pages
• Weight: 0.79 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Very Moving. A Terrific Story!

The Highland Park/Eagle Rock area of northeast Los Angeles (where I grew up) is the setting for this wonderful, heartwarming novel. The story begins in 1958 (I was 5 then) when two young brothers sneak out in the middle of the night to a place known as Billy Goat Hill. What happens that first night sets the theme for this deeply moving psychological study of childhood events and how they control our emotions and behavior long into the future. There are many laughs to be enjoyed throughout and several times I openly wept as waves of empathy for Wade Parker shook me to the core. A finely woven plot that leapfrogs from the late 50's to the present will keep you engrossed page by page by page. I savoured each chapter and utterly adored the ending. Unless you have been miraculously blessed with a problem-free life, you will identify with every disturbingly dark and brightly illuminated nuance of this beautifully crafted story.

Loved This Book!

I took a chance and ordered this novel after reading the previous reviews. I was not disappointed. If you love a story and characters that leave you resonating long after the initial read, get The King of Billy Goat Hill. I've read six more novels since and still I keep thinking about Wade, Luke and Mac. I agree wholeheartedly with the earlier reviews, and, yes, this book would make a terrific movie!

Wonderful! I Didn't Want It To End!

I received this book as a surprise Christmas present from an old childhood friend. It turned out to be the best gift of the season. "The story embodies the essence of our own childhoods," my friend wrote. "If Wade and Luke don't transport you back to our humble beginnings, you've either lost your imagination, or we never knew each other!" Was she ever right. I could have been The "Queen" of Billy Goat Hill. This is a wonderful novel about life and how to survive it. One of the best, most satisfying, special reads of all time. I will always recommend this book and hope it stays in print forever.

Absolutely couldn't put it down!

I met the author several years ago at a book signing in San Raphael, CA. He was very charming and I got an autographed copy of The King of Billy Goat Hill. But somehow the book didn't float up to the top of my reading pile. Then one day I picked it up...AND I ABSOLUTELY COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN! The characters are so rich...I truly felt like I knew them. Mr. Stanleigh, you are a great writer! I want to read more!

Carolyn Spector, National Public Radio, klcc/fm, Eugene, OR

Mark Stanleigh has written a wonderful novel, THE KING OF BILLY GOAT HILL, a story of growing up in Los Angeles. However, this poignant recounting of childhood challenges and adventure could take place in any city that has children, police, hills, gangs and siblings. Stanleigh has created a novel full of tension and dark places. The characters are packed with color and action. As you read, even in the early pages, it is easy to sense the ominous and sad overtones which certainly influence and surround the narrator. This is Wade, the older brother, only eight years old as the story opens with his poignant recollections. His younger brother, Luke, looks up to him, cries when Wade cries, follows and loves him. Wade and Luke, lacking a functional family in their lives depend not only on each other and their dog, Mac, but also on two fascinating people who are part of the local police force. A third police officer plays a role as well, but in a manner that will be a surprise as Wade reveals his story. This very young narrator needs to come to terms with a dreadful truth. He lives with the certainty that he is a ten year old murderer. This fear and dreadful belief colors the rest of his life and THE KING OF BILLY GOAT HILL chronicles his methods, activities, and strengths to cope with it. As a secondary theme, you baseball lovers will appreciate Wade's total devotion to and joy derived from Duke Snider, the famous Dodger baseball player. He is like a rainbow that brings a smile to Wade's face and peaceful dreams to his soul. In Stanleigh's clear and descriptive style, you'll find humor, tension, love and terror. THE KING OF BILLY GOAT HILL covers a life of a man upon whose childhood terror has made an indelible imprint. The closeness of the two brothers is warm, their lives become meaningful and creative, and trust and love do seem to win out!