Riding Guts And Glory
By R. D. Lyons
228 pages 
Review by Kenneth J Clarke

      A cancerous leg is amputated and an athlete’s dream to win Olympic gold is shattered beyond recovery. Such defeat would drive many a man to the deepest realms of depression. What does it take to turn such a tragedy, to build upon it to form a new life; is it luck, or is luck just the subconscious seizing obstacles placed in its way to mold them into new opportunities? This is the question that I saw unfold as I rapidly turned the pages of this provocative novel. The premise is that regardless of the obstacle placed in your path, with the right degree of fortitude it can, and will, be overcome.
      To read Lyons’ novel of love, faith and determination is to renew your faith in the human spirit while the author carries you along on an exciting adventure.
      As the plot progresses, conflict builds upon conflict, placing the reader on the edge of his seat for just when you believe that success is finally within reach, another obstacle is placed in the protagonist’s path.
      Each new character is accompanied by a new twist which in turn launches an even greater dimension to the story. The plot never loses pace as characters are introduced and we readily accept each of them as we might a new acquaintance.
      Set in Mexico, Canada and the US, the story follows our protag­onist as he enters the dangerous sport of professional bull riding.
      In the opening chapters, after having received a crushing blow, which convinced him that life has nothing more to offer, he tells his father “You can’t tell me what I can’t do. I’m an expert at what I can’t do,”  but a few short chapters later, after receiving creative support from a new friend, he manages to elicit an inner strength enabling him to state “My goal for the next three days is to learn as much as you can teach me and to explore the limits of my abilities.”
      It is this strength of character that carries our protagonist forward to an exciting, surprising, yet heartwarming conclusion, first on the rodeo circuit and then later towards a new and productive life.
      Lyons’ style of writing rapidly draws the reader into the story. As we anxiously turn the pages from chapter to exciting chapter, his dialogue—beautifully balanced against the narrative—flows so naturally that we might be observing actual events rather than reading a novel. Descriptions place the reader alongside the characters with such clarity that you are at one with them sharing their excitement and passion.
      The novel leaves us with the satisfying supposition that we can grasp the reins of life and control destiny, that there is hope for all who are willing to put forth the necessary effort to pursue their goals with determination.
      Mr. Lyons has created a novel that thoroughly entertains and as I turned the last page of this, his latest book, I found myself eagerly awaiting the opportunity to read his next novel. 
      May I further suggest that you consider purchasing a second copy for your teenage-plus child or grandchild, as possibly they too will find within these pages that special incentive that encourages them to reach out and grasp the stars.
      (Ed. Note: The book is on Amazon.com for $16.99, and soon will be in Ajijic for $150 pesos.)