Suzy Approved Book Tour Review: Street Of Storytellers by Doug Wilhelm

Title: Street of Storytellers
Author: Doug Wilhelm
Published by Rootstock Publishing
Date Published: 10 September, 2019
Pages: 230
Genres: Young Adult, Thriller
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Purchase: Amazon
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Rating:

Luke is an American kid, in a place he doesn't understand.

In this multicultural thriller, a teenager who's passionate about rock and reggae music angrily blames his parents' divorce on his dad's obsession with finishing a book about a lost ancient civilization in a dangerous part of Asia. But Luke's father has him over Christmas vacation, and desperately wants his son to understand -- so he brings Luke to Peshawar, an age-old crossroads city in Pakistan's Northwest Frontier. To punish his dad, Luke refuses to visit the ruins or learn anything about the project ... and instead he is drawn into the strange, intriguing Old City, where a violent new extremism is on the rise. Luke is dazzled by the beautiful Danisha -- but if they're ever seen together, she could be killed. He's recruited by a group of jihadis -- but he also bonds with Yusuf, an Afghan refugee who knows what could happen. Then there are the musicians Luke befriends, and a mysterious Sufi teacher who opens his eyes. Set in 1984 at a pivotal time and place in history, Street of Storytellers is about three families across two cultures. It's about an ancient true story the world has almost forgotten. And it's about learning to think for yourself -- even if that puts your life at risk.

This is Doug Wilhelm's 17th book. His acclaimed novel The Revealers has been the focus of reading-and-discussion projects in over 1,000 American schools.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.

My Thoughts
Okay. Let me be completely honest about this novel. I wasn’t sure what I was going to feel with this story. I knew I would at least like it. I mean truly. It’s a story based in the 80’s(I’m a child of the 80’s, by the way.) and Pakistan, two things I don’t usually read about. But, once I started it, Wilhelm gripped me! I flew through this thrilling novel and ended up truly enjoying it! Each page turn, each character, brought me closer to an end I didn’t want to happen because I really felt a part of it and fell in love with all the characters!

Luke’s story is told in vivid detail. Wilhelm captured the life, and happenings in Pakistan in a way that made me feel as if I was walking beside Luke, experiencing all his emotions and seeing all his  new surroundings as if they were my own. Luke’s character reminds me so much of my own teenage sons, who are filled with hormones, confusion, curiosity and wonderment. I felt a connection with Luke, and wanted to protect him through the twists and turns of his Pakistani time!

Doug Wilhelm is a new to me author and one you will not want to miss. He has a wonderful talent and unique writing style. His attention to detail is spot on and by the end of the book, I was ready for more of his stories! Street Of Storytellers is an emotional  book, one that will have you on the edge of your seat, palms sweating, while you find out what’s going on in young Luke’s life. If you love young adult stories and love the joy ride of a great thriller novel,then don’t miss out on this book. You’ll find yourself sucked into the danger and twists of this captivating novel. I can’t wait to go back and read more of his other 4 star worthy pieces!