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The Codger and the Sparrow
Hank O'Sullivan, a sixty-five-year-old widower, lives a routine life, nursing his loneliness with cocktails at his favorite local bar in Austin, Texas. After a parking lot brawl lands him in jail, a judge sentences Hank to community service, picking up trash along the highway alongside a sixteen-year-old troublemaker, Luis Delgado. Luis has remarkable artistic abilities, but his penchant for sneaking out late at night and trespassing onto rooftops lands him on the same road crew as Hank. These loners form an unlikely friendship, and when Hank tells Luis about his desire to drive to Houston to reconnect with an old flame, Luis asks to tag along. Luis's estranged mother lives in Houston, and he has been dreaming of a reunion. Hank agrees to take Luis with him, setting in motion a raucous trip in a hot pink 1970 Plymouth Barracuda. With humor and a bit of grace,The Codger and the Sparrow is a touching story about an unusual friendship that stretches across generations.
224 pages, Paperback
Published March 22, 2024
About the author
Scott Semegran
22 books221 followersScott Semegran is an award-winning writer of nine books. BlueInk Review described him best as “a gifted writer, with a wry sense of humor.” His latest novel, The Codger and the Sparrow (Paperback from TCU Press, Audiobook from Vibrance Press), is a comical yet moving story about a 65-year-old widower’s unlikely friendship with a 16-year-old troublemaker. His eight previous books include The Benevolent Lords of Sometimes Island, which was the first place winner for Middle-Grade/Young Adult fiction in the 2021 Writer’s Digest Book Awards, and To Squeeze a Prairie Dog, which was the winner of the 2020 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award Gold Medal for Humor. He lives in Austin, Texas with his wife. They have four kids, two cats, and a dog. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in English.
Scott Semegran is co-host of the web series Austin Liti Limits along with fellow award-winning writer Larry Brill.
Rep: Mark Falkin at Falkin Literary.
Scott Semegran is co-host of the web series Austin Liti Limits along with fellow award-winning writer Larry Brill.
Rep: Mark Falkin at Falkin Literary.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 2, 2023
First and foremost, a large thank you to Scott Semegran for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
I am always pleased to receive another book by Scott Semegran, as he has yet to disappoint me. His stories are well-written and full of excitement, sure to keep the reader interested well into the evening. In this piece, two unlikely characters cross paths and form a strong friendship. Their experiences are vastly different, though they appear to connect with ease. Semegran weaves together a great story that is sure to pique the interest of the reader.
Henry ‘Hank’ O’Sullivan has lived a solitary life since his wife and daughter died. The widower nurses his pain through regular trips to a watering hole in Austin, Texas, where his regular libation keeps him fuelled. When he as an unfortunate incident while beating up a mouthy barfly, Hank finds himself in trouble with the law and is sent to complete some community service. This 65-year-old has done a lot in his life, but picking up garbage on the side of the road is a new low.
Luis Delgado has seen a lot in his sixteen years. Living with a strict father and wanting to escape from it all through his art, Luis fills his time with trespassing and causing mischief. Luis is now stuck doing community service as well, along the same strip of interstate. When Hank comes upon him one day, they chat and soon create a great friendship.
While they are both outsiders, their friendship grows when each shares a desire to go to Houston to settle something that they have always wanted to do. Jumping in Hank’s 1970 Plymouth Barracuda,they begin the journey down the highway, navigating as best they can and with eagerness in their hearts. With an old flame someone Hank hopes to meet again, and a mother Luis has not seen in years, both are ready for whatever comes their way.
Houston may not have all the answers they seek, but their time together helps develop a wonderful bond between them. They soon realise how much they need one another, rather than the isolated lives they have been living. A great story peppered with some humorous moments, Scott Semegran does well with this piece.
The premise o the novel is both simple and effective. Scott Semegran does well to lay the groundwork and builds from there with ease. His story is strong and well-rooted, permitting things flow too easily from point to point. Semegran adds adventure and intrigue throughout the journey, taking the reader on as a third wheel. The adventures and issues are fully believable, as is the connection builds between Hank and Luis.
Development of this connection, as well as the individual characters, proves both important and effective throughout the reading experience. I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the piece and kept myself interested with seeing how the characters’ connection with one another and those they met along the way. Both Hank and Luis have wonderful backstories, as well as developments that shape them in the present, which is sure to add depth to the story.
The piece was strong and kept moving effectively. There is little time for pensive thought and reminiscence. Semegran does well in this regard and kept me wondering what might be awaiting this unique pair. Their connection drove the story home, as well as how things came together by the end. I can only hope to see more by Scott Semegran in the near future, as his stories are always a pleasure to read.
Kudos, Mr. Semegran, for another winning piece of writing.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
I am always pleased to receive another book by Scott Semegran, as he has yet to disappoint me. His stories are well-written and full of excitement, sure to keep the reader interested well into the evening. In this piece, two unlikely characters cross paths and form a strong friendship. Their experiences are vastly different, though they appear to connect with ease. Semegran weaves together a great story that is sure to pique the interest of the reader.
Henry ‘Hank’ O’Sullivan has lived a solitary life since his wife and daughter died. The widower nurses his pain through regular trips to a watering hole in Austin, Texas, where his regular libation keeps him fuelled. When he as an unfortunate incident while beating up a mouthy barfly, Hank finds himself in trouble with the law and is sent to complete some community service. This 65-year-old has done a lot in his life, but picking up garbage on the side of the road is a new low.
Luis Delgado has seen a lot in his sixteen years. Living with a strict father and wanting to escape from it all through his art, Luis fills his time with trespassing and causing mischief. Luis is now stuck doing community service as well, along the same strip of interstate. When Hank comes upon him one day, they chat and soon create a great friendship.
While they are both outsiders, their friendship grows when each shares a desire to go to Houston to settle something that they have always wanted to do. Jumping in Hank’s 1970 Plymouth Barracuda,they begin the journey down the highway, navigating as best they can and with eagerness in their hearts. With an old flame someone Hank hopes to meet again, and a mother Luis has not seen in years, both are ready for whatever comes their way.
Houston may not have all the answers they seek, but their time together helps develop a wonderful bond between them. They soon realise how much they need one another, rather than the isolated lives they have been living. A great story peppered with some humorous moments, Scott Semegran does well with this piece.
The premise o the novel is both simple and effective. Scott Semegran does well to lay the groundwork and builds from there with ease. His story is strong and well-rooted, permitting things flow too easily from point to point. Semegran adds adventure and intrigue throughout the journey, taking the reader on as a third wheel. The adventures and issues are fully believable, as is the connection builds between Hank and Luis.
Development of this connection, as well as the individual characters, proves both important and effective throughout the reading experience. I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the piece and kept myself interested with seeing how the characters’ connection with one another and those they met along the way. Both Hank and Luis have wonderful backstories, as well as developments that shape them in the present, which is sure to add depth to the story.
The piece was strong and kept moving effectively. There is little time for pensive thought and reminiscence. Semegran does well in this regard and kept me wondering what might be awaiting this unique pair. Their connection drove the story home, as well as how things came together by the end. I can only hope to see more by Scott Semegran in the near future, as his stories are always a pleasure to read.
Kudos, Mr. Semegran, for another winning piece of writing.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 6, 2023
A quirky journey with surprising smiles. Thanks for the ARC copy to explore.
You won’t read another like this. At once a celebration of friendship and an elegy for loss, The Codger and the Sparrow unreels improbable surprises that ride along in a hearty road story. The mashup of aging alcoholic and rising teen artist is only the start of the tension in this swift novel. Besides the generational gap, there’s a bridge to be built between these characters’ race and culture. Away this spirited book travels, searching for the duo’s desires while it keeps a close eye on the details that would spark a careful artist’s eye. The images it captures are extraordinary poetry.
Community service after skirmishes with the law is the device that brings this pair together, seeking a return to love and a fresh start at happiness. We travel along with curiosity across these chapters, guided sometimes by the nostalgia of paper maps and at other times the spot-on steps of a smartphone. There might be peace at the end of these pages, but I won’t give away that spoiler here. In this novel, the journey is the destination. Enjoy this ride.
You won’t read another like this. At once a celebration of friendship and an elegy for loss, The Codger and the Sparrow unreels improbable surprises that ride along in a hearty road story. The mashup of aging alcoholic and rising teen artist is only the start of the tension in this swift novel. Besides the generational gap, there’s a bridge to be built between these characters’ race and culture. Away this spirited book travels, searching for the duo’s desires while it keeps a close eye on the details that would spark a careful artist’s eye. The images it captures are extraordinary poetry.
Community service after skirmishes with the law is the device that brings this pair together, seeking a return to love and a fresh start at happiness. We travel along with curiosity across these chapters, guided sometimes by the nostalgia of paper maps and at other times the spot-on steps of a smartphone. There might be peace at the end of these pages, but I won’t give away that spoiler here. In this novel, the journey is the destination. Enjoy this ride.
Read
January 23, 2024I have the good fortune of knowing Scott Semegran via social media, and he kindly sent me an advance copy of THE CODGER AND THE SPARROW, his latest novel, for a look-see. I dug right in!
THE CODGER AND THE SPARROW is a sweet, heartwarming tale of friendship across generations that develops over miles. Two men thrown together by a chance encounter undertake a road trip that turns into a journey of self-discovery for them both.
Along the way they have adventures, heartbreaks, and unpleasant surprises and meet characters that neither will ever forget, including each other. And, perhaps most importantly, they meet themselves.
Craving a hope-bolstering, relaxing jaunt for your next read? You might have just found it.
THE CODGER AND THE SPARROW is a sweet, heartwarming tale of friendship across generations that develops over miles. Two men thrown together by a chance encounter undertake a road trip that turns into a journey of self-discovery for them both.
Along the way they have adventures, heartbreaks, and unpleasant surprises and meet characters that neither will ever forget, including each other. And, perhaps most importantly, they meet themselves.
Craving a hope-bolstering, relaxing jaunt for your next read? You might have just found it.
November 3, 2023
"The Codger and the Sparrow" by Scott Semegran is a novel about an elderly man named Hank who navigates his feelings of loneliness and guilt and his desire to find companionship and love again. Along the way, he forms a bond with a young man and the two embark on this journey together.
The novel explores themes of love, loss, aging, and the importance of human connection. The writing is descriptive and engaging, with a mix of humor and heartwarming moments as well as nostalgia.
Overall, "The Codger and the Sparrow" is a touching and enjoyable read that will resonate with readers of all ages.
The novel explores themes of love, loss, aging, and the importance of human connection. The writing is descriptive and engaging, with a mix of humor and heartwarming moments as well as nostalgia.
Overall, "The Codger and the Sparrow" is a touching and enjoyable read that will resonate with readers of all ages.
December 17, 2023
A great coming-of-age story of an old man and a troubled teenager who both grow and learn lessons about life and relationships on a road trip across Texas.
I received an advance reader copy and once again award-winning author Scott Semegran delivers an insightful and witty take on the world that should appeal to both young and old.
I received an advance reader copy and once again award-winning author Scott Semegran delivers an insightful and witty take on the world that should appeal to both young and old.
November 4, 2023
Hank O'Sullivan is getting older. Widowed and alone, he goes through life mechanically as the days pass on and on...
One day he meets Luis, a sixteen year old boy, trying to make his way through life. They are complete opposites. One is old. One is young. One has family. One has none. One is cantankerous and cranky while the other is boisterous and level-headed. One is full of life and the other? Maybe just wants it to be done.
Weirdly, they strike up a friendship. One which shows that life can sometimes bring the right people into focus at just the right time. And while it may seem like you have nothing in common...well sometimes life surprises you there too and maybe knows a little better than you know yourself.
I absolutely loved this one. Two worlds colliding with young meets old and peppy meets grumpy. I LOVE Hank, the old codger 🤣🤣 He reminds me of someone I was friends with years ago before they moved away. He is the best character! His sense of humor is right there with my own. We would have been great friends in real life 😅
Luis is also a great character and I feel for him. Trying to figure out why his mom left, why it seems his dad is so hard on him and how he is going to get away and go to art school. It's a lot for a young person to figure out, seemingly on his own.
The relationship between Hank and Luis is an interesting one. I love their banter, their want to look tough, and their eventuality into admitting it's ok not to be ok and to share their hurts. Sometimes having someone to be there to listen, and care, makes all the difference.
Honestly I just love how this author writes life...real life. These are characters yes, but real people experience these real situations and the writing is well done. Easy flow and format with loveable characters. Definitely pick this one up.
I sincerely appreciate the publisher for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
One day he meets Luis, a sixteen year old boy, trying to make his way through life. They are complete opposites. One is old. One is young. One has family. One has none. One is cantankerous and cranky while the other is boisterous and level-headed. One is full of life and the other? Maybe just wants it to be done.
Weirdly, they strike up a friendship. One which shows that life can sometimes bring the right people into focus at just the right time. And while it may seem like you have nothing in common...well sometimes life surprises you there too and maybe knows a little better than you know yourself.
I absolutely loved this one. Two worlds colliding with young meets old and peppy meets grumpy. I LOVE Hank, the old codger 🤣🤣 He reminds me of someone I was friends with years ago before they moved away. He is the best character! His sense of humor is right there with my own. We would have been great friends in real life 😅
Luis is also a great character and I feel for him. Trying to figure out why his mom left, why it seems his dad is so hard on him and how he is going to get away and go to art school. It's a lot for a young person to figure out, seemingly on his own.
The relationship between Hank and Luis is an interesting one. I love their banter, their want to look tough, and their eventuality into admitting it's ok not to be ok and to share their hurts. Sometimes having someone to be there to listen, and care, makes all the difference.
Honestly I just love how this author writes life...real life. These are characters yes, but real people experience these real situations and the writing is well done. Easy flow and format with loveable characters. Definitely pick this one up.
I sincerely appreciate the publisher for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
November 3, 2023
Semegran deftly blends humor with heart in a road trip romp that crosses generational divides. A coming-of-age for one, a coming-to-terms for the other, Semegran’s characters are deeply drawn in a way that envelopes readers from the start of their journey to its unexpected end. The Codger and the Sparrow is a fun, fresh meditation on friendship, loss, and new beginnings.
Read
November 5, 2023THE CODGER AND THE SPARROW (TCU Press, Spring 2024) is a comical yet moving story about a widower’s unlikely friendship with a young troublemaker.
November 21, 2023
What a treat to read Scott Semegran’s new novel, The Codger and The Sparrow.
A buddy road-trip centered on the unlikely friendship between Hank, a white senior citizen widower and Luis, a 16-year-old Puerto-Rican kid—both of whom deal with court-ordered community service duties and lives that make them feel trapped. They take to the road to find freedom and to reconcile with lost loved ones. Hank wants to connect with an unrequited high school love, while Luis wants to reconcile with his estranged mother.
Many lessons learned. And although they are from different generations and backgrounds, Hank and Luis teach each other the value of trust, and discover that they have more in common than each had first thought of the other.
Semegran understands the intricacies of friendship as well as parent-child/familial dynamics, including the whimsical nature of conflict that arises in such interpersonal relationships. With prose that deftly balances heart, humor, and identity—inherent in all his novels—he tackles serious subjects and themes of humanity, including the role of loss and grief, and even whimsical parts of the life cycle. Endearing, vivid characters on the page, who stay with the reader long after story’s end. Bravo!
**Thanks to the author and his publisher for this Advanced Reader Copy for review.**
A buddy road-trip centered on the unlikely friendship between Hank, a white senior citizen widower and Luis, a 16-year-old Puerto-Rican kid—both of whom deal with court-ordered community service duties and lives that make them feel trapped. They take to the road to find freedom and to reconcile with lost loved ones. Hank wants to connect with an unrequited high school love, while Luis wants to reconcile with his estranged mother.
Many lessons learned. And although they are from different generations and backgrounds, Hank and Luis teach each other the value of trust, and discover that they have more in common than each had first thought of the other.
Semegran understands the intricacies of friendship as well as parent-child/familial dynamics, including the whimsical nature of conflict that arises in such interpersonal relationships. With prose that deftly balances heart, humor, and identity—inherent in all his novels—he tackles serious subjects and themes of humanity, including the role of loss and grief, and even whimsical parts of the life cycle. Endearing, vivid characters on the page, who stay with the reader long after story’s end. Bravo!
**Thanks to the author and his publisher for this Advanced Reader Copy for review.**
November 4, 2023
4.5 Stars - I received an ARC for this review. Hank is introduced to the reader as a grumpy old man. Luis as a typical teen trying to figure out the angles and skate by on the edges. What do they have in common? Nothing until community service brings them together. Suddenly a friendship blooms, growing out of picking up trash. As Hank and Luis discover themselves, the reader is also filled in on their backgrounds and lives. But that's really a side story. The true story is the progress they both make together. Luis helps Hank open up and discover a world he didn't even realize he was looking for. Hank helps Luis recognize that sometimes what you are hoping for is not what you need and it might have been right in front of you the entire time.
March 28, 2024
Semegran really nailed it with this one! I love the characters, their unsuspecting storyline, and the surprises along the way. From the very beginning I felt like I was in the scenes watching the story unfold. It will make you cry and make you laugh while keeping you in suspense, eagerly turning the pages to see how it ends. It was so good I read it in a day. Only a Scott Semegran novel can keep my attention for that long!
The Codger and the Sparrow
The Codger and the Sparrow
April 16, 2024
Scott Semegran did a great job on this novel! It's the story of an unlikely friendship that is formed between two people that meet while they are each performing community service. The book had me laughing out loud at times but also had me close to tears as well. Full of twists and turns, I often found myself not wanting to put it down, wondering what was going to happen next. I hope that other readers enjoy this book as much as I did!
November 10, 2023
Scott Semegran has brought to life two very eccentric characters, found a creative way to bring them together and set them off on a journey that is full of unpredictable twists and turns. The result is a lot of unexpected self-discovery for the characters and a lot of fun for us readers.
Hope you enjoy the ride as much as I did!
Hope you enjoy the ride as much as I did!
April 22, 2024
A road trip gone awry helps couple of mismatched cohorts find in each other the support system each has been deprived of by the harsh realities of their disparate, if familiar life circumstances. Short, real and sweet, with a few well-timed glances from just beyond the fourth wall, to help accentuate the forever turning soil beneath our feet...
March 4, 2024
The Codger and the Sparrow mines a familiar theme - two people completely unalike who form a friendship and ultimately help one another out - and infuses into it an impressive depth of character development that brings the theme alive in new and thoughtful ways. In this case, it's grumpy, old Hank and earnest, young Luis who meet during a stint of community service. Hank has a penchant for picking bar fights, while Luis is falling in with the wrong crowd. While we learn a great deal about their back stories as they get to know each other, the heart of this novel is in the way the two become what the other is so desperately searching for. The story is a reminder that love and companionship can look many ways and that as humans we need one another more than we like to admit. But perhaps the true beauty of this book is the way Scott Semegran handles the complexity of emotions and explores love, longing, grief, and loneliness in a way that renders these emotions universal yet also extraordinary, expanding each to show its vast dimensions. The result is an incredibly heartfelt book layered with a hefty amount of humor to not take itself too seriously.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews