The Streets: An LP Novel

By: Tom Sheridan

Narrated by: Cary Hite

A mixed martial artist has an upcoming fight. That can make things right. He just wants to train. Hop an NJ Transit train. Do some work in Newark. Rep his fight team and his fans across the nation. Outlast that international sensation. Then maybe get back with his bae. Make it like back in the day. But he’s feelin the heat. On Jersey’s streets. They docked his dock job. He owes a favor to The Frog. And his teen son T's bein bullied. His plan’s all gettin sullied. Not to mention dealing with issues of class. Race. The mirror's reflecting face. It’s like there’s no escapin ’08. But wait. Let the haters hate. Franco’s goin for great.

Fightin straight outta Woodbridge. AKA Hoodbridge. The Wood. The Hood. By any name, a town. Too small to be a city. Too broke to be a burb. Too rough to be rural. Just a tough little Turnpike town. Older than America yet representative of today’s America. Connecting north to south. Red to blue. Old to new. Either a perfect alchemy. Or an insane stew. In March of ’08 it was looking like the latter. One that would swallow up Franco and T both.

LP Novel: (n.) A novel that is written lyrical. At times. In its usage of wordplay. And rhymes.

©2018 Tom Sheridan (P)2018 Tom Sheridan

Critic reviews

Earphones Award Winner! "Cary Hite expertly narrates Tom Sheridan's unique LP (lyrical prose) novel. Franco, a proud New Jersey resident, works various jobs - longshoreman, cleaner, and bouncer - as he strives to become the MMA (mixed martial arts) world champion. Hite inhabits Franco and is a stellar storyteller, capturing characters of all ages and diverse accents as the story moves between past and present, building up to Franco's fight with 'The Prince', a wealthy Middle Easterner. Most moving and authentic are Franco's wife, Julie, and son, TJ, who share his trials and dreams. This rousing tribute to New Jersey and Italian-Americans, with its well-rendered wordplay and rhythmic energy, makes for a high-spirited listening experience. Audio is unbeatable to capture and enjoy this unusual work." (AudioFile Magazine)

"An admirable story with shades of Rocky and Boyz N the Hood, told in an uncompromising and original voice." (Kirkus Reviews)

Great book, great listen

A unique book that translates very well to an audio format due to the writing being rhythmic and almost "sing-songy" at times. If I had to compare it to something else, I'd say it's like the script to "Rocky" and the lyrics of "Livin' on a Prayer" had a baby together. Cary Hite does an excellent job giving each character a voice and the default narration voice fits the atmosphere of the book perfectly.

SURPRISINGLY AWESOME!

I admit, I had NO IDEA what I was getting into, but wow what a ride! That was crazy!
Super interesting, never heard anything like that before.

As I'm very new to the genre I don't have much to compare it to, but hey this was nicely done!
Clever, raw, crazy, really had a fun time with this one! :)

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Jersey state of mind

A well past his prime mma fighter looking to go out on top while trying to keep his son and himself on the right path
Written lyrically I thought this was a very creative way to tell a story
The narration was excellent the audiobook is definitely the way to go
If you like urban drama and classic hip hop check this out
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review

Cool concept and great story

This is a modern day Rocky story told lyrically. I was engaged from the start. The author (and narrator) submerged me into a view of the world very foreign to my own. Loved it.

Bad Ass Rhyming-Rapping-Rhythm

My inner warrior was ready to rumble with Franco on the streets of New Jersey in 'The Streets'! The audio performance was super well done and captured the rhythm of the prose with a unique sentence structure abbreviated in an almost rap style at times. The overall story line is filled with cultural and geographical references that engage the brain. :)

Riveting. A masterpiece.

A modern day Rocky story, told through America’s music and pop cultural history. Beautifully recited through the use of rhyme and rhythm. Highly recommend.

Highly entertaining, original audiobook!

This audiobook grabbed my attention from beginning to end. You will not be disappointed listening to the lyrical prose written by Tom Sheridan and performed by Cary Hite. Franco’s troubles come to life and you are captivated by his story. Highly recommend!

LOVED IT!

I loved it! This book has a different approach on storytelling. It will keep you entertained. The narration is superb. The author does a great job with the characters. This was my first book by this author but definitely not my last. I look forward to reading more books in this series. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.