Title: An implausible but lovable hero
Product review: It's hard not to like Smithy Ide. Once you get past the fact that he is a hard-drinking, chain-smoking, nearly 300 pound boy/man complete with Vietnam war wounds, recently deceased parents and a schizophrenic sister, whats not to like? Some might find this story sappy and predictable, I found it heartbreakingly touching and uplifting. Yes, this is the story of Smithy's "quest" across America on his bicycle; but it is equally his sister Bethany's sad and haunting story as well. Anyone who has lost a loved one to the ravages of mental illness will feel the tragic emotion in these pages. I came to care about Smithy and Bethany and quirky Norma. And while the ending was somewhat predictable I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
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