Attaboy

By: Sam Tallent

Narrated by: Dan Bittner, Helen Laser

Length: 1 hr and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

From Sam Tallent, author of the hit indie novel Running the Light, which Marc Maron calls "a beautiful rendering of a dark reality", comes a story about poverty, addiction, and bare-knuckle boxing set in the shadows of the American heartland.   

Teenaged Jesse is trapped. Growing up, he had all the potential in the world, but then real life intervened. Now he's got a high school diploma, two perpetually black eyes, and a pill fix he can't shake. By day, when he's not high on pain killers, Jesse is hardening his body; it’s the only thing about his life that he can really control. By night, he’s a god in the makeshift ring under the barnyard flood lights, willing to take on any local tough the Madsen brothers put in front of him. Most of Jesse’s fights don't last more than a minute or two. But as competition in town dries up, the Madsens go looking for better fights and bigger risks - with the chance for bigger payouts. Even as Jesse’s home life is closing in on him, he must find a way to win one more fight.   

It's the only chance he's got.  

©2021 Sam Tallent (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC.

Attaboy Sam!

Tallent nailed it again. I loved his first novel, Running the Light and his penchant for describing ugliness in beautiful language is back with Attaboy. The perfect short story. I can't wait to see what's next!

bought it for the "countrified" title

I read the description and thought it may be interesting. it was definitely worth listening to i highly recommend it! will be searching for more from author!

Decent Read

It was interesting for a short read. It had enough meat to keep you interested and to understand the premise and the outcome.

Engaging Listen

First off I don't get all the bad reviews, I thought this was a good short listen, by Sam Talent. It had some great characters and dialogue. The narrating by Dan Bittner and Helen Laser was spot on. If you have Audible Plus and are interested in finding out for yourself, go ahead and check it out.

It was interesting I guess...

The narration was good, the story was kinda rather interesting, felt sorta like Stephen King. I wish we could leave only ratings and not write reviews, I generally have no idea what I usually want to say...

Too Good to be such a Short story

The author wrote a masterpiece, however the author should have written more, this story is wonderful and heartbreaking simultaneously. I almost began crying from the very beginning.
Literally, Sam Tallent has amazing and great skill and literally true talent.
This is a must, must listen to!
Sam Tallent in the hopes that you read this; keep writing and don't give up, and keep up with this style. Sam you're doing good, so keep writing and make them much longer next time, your writing is well worth it.

LOVED THIS BOOK AND YOU WILL TOO!!

What a weird book

Beautifully written, exquisite language, but I have no idea what it was about and why it was Written in the first place
No plot

Review

Sam tallent is the best comedian/author you’ve probably never heard. Could listen to hours of his story telling. If for whatever reason you haven’t read “Running the Light”, run dont walk

Stop making people write reviews

Let them just give stars.

I feel that way for most books, but I’d actually like to review this one. I like Tallent’s talent for words, as he gives modern-Faulkner, modern-Flannery O’Connor vibes. He leaves me wanting more; however, there’s a certain knack for the short story he’s got that’s impressive. I’m looking forward to his novel.

Wrenching. Tallent is a writer with a dark gift.

This story is compelling, beautifully crafted, and well-written. This view into small-town hope and hopelessness is bleak, and the end... You stand warned.