Chill Run by Russell Brooks

Chill Run 
By Russell Brooks

I really enjoyed this book, it's very contemporary with themes like the hunger for fame, dreams of making it big (in this case the main character Eddie wants to be a best selling novelist), Eddie discovers very quickly that what seemed like a simple and straightforward gig  to get PR for his book in a hotel is anything but straight and it does not take his career forward.

A big theme in this book is letting the side down, letting the family down. The friendships that get Eddie out of trouble are the same friendships that get him into trouble.

The excesses of Wall street types are another contemporary theme in the book. There are a number of thought provoking dilemmas. Eddie's hunger and desperation make him vulnerable to do anything to find a way to get free publicity for his book.

His pal Corey talks him into a gig that involves wearing tight leather pants, yes leather pants. (OK… life lesson alert always say NO to a gig that involves dressing up in leather pants and has whips) this gig propels Eddie out of the frying pan (his fameless life) Into a kind of ice cold, hell  fire on the run. Eddie and Corey are on the run during a merciless Canadian winter hence Chill run.

The book is very enjoyable I like Russell Brooks style, I read his last book, enjoyed it, however this book is different, it's set at a more human relationship level. This book deals with relationship issues like what's with going on with his father, His friends owe him money but he owes them too and this is why in a way he got into the situation that he finds himself in. 

Eddie's father is a high achiever, aspirational and very proud of his achievements. Eddie desperate to succeed as an author brings the cops to his dad's door with these words spoken by the police..  "did you know your son was involved in...."  all parents must dread hearing the knock on the door and those words. Our Eddie lets the side down big time and he learns the hard way, he has not yet learned how to say NO the leather pants stuff of this life. Loved the book, it has some great characters and a good plot and it's very funny in parts, it's highly recommended. 

Paul Kendall    Leeds, Yorkshire UK.