The Kings of Innocence

By Michael Burns

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0979706815
• ISBN13: 9780979706813
• Release Date: September 2007
• Publisher: Tucket Pub
• Length: 218 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.8" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Funny, Thought-Provoking, and Sentimental

The Kings of Innocence, written by Michael Burns, tells the story of 24 year old Roy McGrath coming back to spend 2 weeks in his hometown with his younger brother and childhood friends. They relive old times and continue their bond through new events during Roy's time home. The character development was written so well that you walk away with the feeling that these are real people, not 1 dimensional "good" or "bad" fictional characters so often seen in novels. The author takes the reader on a roller coaster of emotions when revealing the qualities and characteristics of each of the boys. He portrays the complexity of the characters by revealing their good intentions, poor decisions, bad behavior, strengths and weaknesses. One chapter you may disgusted with a character, but the next you are sympathetic towards him. This book focuses on a genre that is not very deeply tapped into, 20-something year old, males. Throughout this book, I caught myself thinking back and relating many of my own personal experiences to those described. It was a refreshing read that had a carefree feel and humorous dialogue, almost mirroring the characters in the HBO show "Entourage". Yet it was still able to lead the reader to contemplate the challenges of growing from childhood innocence to adulthood. There were many modern day sports references (A-Rod, Marty Barret, and the famous Patriots "tuck" game) made throughout which made it all the more realistic. Try and spend two weeks with a 24 year old from the Boston suburbs and not hear talk about the Red Sox or Patriots. Though the references may not translate well in the long run, they are accurate and powerful and contributes to the feeling that you are witnessing real people during everyday life. The subtle development of the plot slowly crept in as you got to really understand the relationship between the characters. The plot, although well constructed and creative, almost took a back seat for what I took away from this book, which was the inner struggle of the characters themselves. I look forward for future books by this author!

The Kings Of Innocence is a good book about friendship

Belmont Massachusetts is a small town where people love all sports. This is the setting of the novel The Kings Of Innocence. I found it interesting how the lives of three friends from the same background can take such different directions. There is bond of friendship and loyalty between the three characters despite the different paths they take. This novel is a work of fiction. However, I think there are some true parts in this book. I love the part of the book where Burns describes catching bunnies, snakes and frogs in a nature habitat called Rock Meadow. It really sounds like a place the Burns played in as a child. I have never bet on a sporting event, but it can become an addiction. It is a major problem for people who do rack up gambling debts. I don't know anything about baseball, but I understand how the game can get a person hooked on betting which team will win. I did not know about the popularity of betting on horse racing in Massachusetts either. Michael Burns does a good job explaining how relationships between romantic partners and friends can become difficult and strained by the actions of the people involved. There is a lot of adult language in this book, but it should not deter readers from enjoying this novel about friendship.

An enjoyable read

The Kings of Innocence, by Michael Burns. Belmont, Massachusetts, summer of 2002. Roy a 24 year old who has recently finished college and entered professional life is returning home to his small sleepy town of Belmont to watch over his 17 year old brother while his parents vacation in Ireland for 12 days. Roy looks forward to 12 days of drinking and re-connecting with old friends; of falling back into the "Old routine", the one every twenty something feels nostalgic about when reflecting on the good old days. Roy is about to discover that the good old days are over and that things, although still good, aren't quite what they used to be. An era has passed for Roy and his friends, all he needs is the proof and in "The Kings of Innocence" he gets it...... This is a "first at bat" for new author Michael Burns but I wouldn't bet against him........heavy pun intended. This was actually a very good quick read. When I first started reading I was a little skeptical, thinking `here we go with another typical 20 something coming of age story' and truth be told this apple didn't fall extremely far from that tree however Burns' story was very engaging and entertaining throughout. I was constantly compelled to keep turning pages to find out where it was all going. His realistic, easy going narration was relatable to me and made his characters feel real, real enough that you would have to suspect that this story is semi-autobiographical and if it isn't well bravo Mr. Burns for writing believable characters. The Good: I enjoyed the writing style as it had a somewhat easy going realistic style to it. I found the characters to be realistic and it was easy for me to relate to them and some of the situations as I am close to the same age as the characters currently. The story, while not complex, was enjoyable and unfolded at a nice pace. The bad: Nothing memorable. Overall: This is a great light read and a good first effort by Michael Burns. Pick up "The Kings of Innocence" and give it a try.

Growing pains

New author Michael Burns has written a novel that captures the difficult passage between carefree college life and true adulthood. It's rarely easy, and following Roy during the few months while he is trying to cling to those joys of adolescence will provoke empathy in those who have tread that ground before him. Presented in the first person, Kings has an immediacy that brings on a "fly on the wall" sensation. The reader accompanies Roy back to his home town and can only observe as he connects and disconnects from the people and places that used to form the center of his identity. The pain he experiences as he is gradually but mercilessly forced to first recognize, and then accept, that things can never be the same is both comical in the way he expresses it and poignant to reflect upon. Strong first outing. [warning: lots of profanity]

A touching, yet hilarious look at twentysomething life

The Kings of Innocence is a charming coming of age story and a celebration of friendship. The narrative, expressed through the distinctive and colorful voice of Roy McGrath, flows effortlessly through past and present as Roy and his friends take stock of their lives. Some of the anecdotes and exchanges are simply comical and create perfect balance with what is an otherwise poignant story. Following Roy and Co. as they wandered in and out of trouble, I found myself reflecting on my own past and the many missteps I took along the way. It made me appreciate my friends, my family and even a place I fled years ago. This is a memorable debut by a talented new author!