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theocbookgirl's review against another edition
3.0
I was drawn to this book initially because it's set in Southern California and refers to local Pasadena landmarks and history so I was happy to get a chance to read it.
The main character Nick Chance was a likable anti-hero and the interactions with his horny dog Royo were very entertaining as he becomes a morality guide of sorts.
Historical fiction is a favorite genre and this was a fascinating, well researched look at Old Pasadena. The Colorado Street Bridge is the namesake of the novel and I had no idea it had such a dark as deadly history. A quick search told me that over 100 people have sadly ended their lives by jumping off this bridge.
The author is very capable wordsmith and I had to look up more than a few words... bugaboo, iconoclast, photovoltaic. Satire is not something I always understand so there was probably deeper meaning that I missed. However I enjoyed the quirky characters and the detailed look back through time.
The main character Nick Chance was a likable anti-hero and the interactions with his horny dog Royo were very entertaining as he becomes a morality guide of sorts.
Historical fiction is a favorite genre and this was a fascinating, well researched look at Old Pasadena. The Colorado Street Bridge is the namesake of the novel and I had no idea it had such a dark as deadly history. A quick search told me that over 100 people have sadly ended their lives by jumping off this bridge.
The author is very capable wordsmith and I had to look up more than a few words... bugaboo, iconoclast, photovoltaic. Satire is not something I always understand so there was probably deeper meaning that I missed. However I enjoyed the quirky characters and the detailed look back through time.
chelz286's review against another edition
4.0
This novel is a dual story line, 1913 with the clearing of land and construction of the Colorado Street Bridge, also more known by its nickname Suicide Bridge, and 1993 after large renovations and construction is completed on it. Nick, an ostrich riding and racing fellow works his way to being able to be a part of the 1913 structure. He has always wanted to use his light prototype and here is the chance to prove himself, and do something he loves. Nick quickly integrates himself with the contribution works on the bridge, and sees a while different working world.
An explosion occurs and a dog saves Nick, this becomes his new best friend and the two venture around the construction of the bridge while mingling amongst some of the elite- Busch gardens, and other tycoons of the time who had influence; Teddy Roosevelt, Charles Fletcher Lummis, and Upton Sinclair. Although there was all of this influence, the bridge being build was very controversial at the time, and 1993, eighty years later with the reconstruction it still is. There were lots of unexplained incidents and mysterious happenings.
The “Colorado Street Bridge has many myths and legends tied to it that still resonate on the lips of tourists and visitors today and Nick took us through the adventure of how this came to be. I learned quite a few historical things about this novel, and had no idea about how popular the ostrich farms and racing were. This novel was mostly focused in 1913, and does then end with the Nick of 1993, for the eightieth celebration. Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite.
An explosion occurs and a dog saves Nick, this becomes his new best friend and the two venture around the construction of the bridge while mingling amongst some of the elite- Busch gardens, and other tycoons of the time who had influence; Teddy Roosevelt, Charles Fletcher Lummis, and Upton Sinclair. Although there was all of this influence, the bridge being build was very controversial at the time, and 1993, eighty years later with the reconstruction it still is. There were lots of unexplained incidents and mysterious happenings.
The “Colorado Street Bridge has many myths and legends tied to it that still resonate on the lips of tourists and visitors today and Nick took us through the adventure of how this came to be. I learned quite a few historical things about this novel, and had no idea about how popular the ostrich farms and racing were. This novel was mostly focused in 1913, and does then end with the Nick of 1993, for the eightieth celebration. Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite.
audiobooks_sweettea's review against another edition
4.0
Arroyo is a book I wasn’t sure I would like, honestly. It’s a debut novel and it’s set in two different time lines, one 1913 and one in 1993. Those kinds are sometimes hard for me to get into. But, I pushed through it all, and by the end, I was left with my jaw on the ground because what do you know? I loved it! It was well written and definitely captivating!
Jacobs creates a story that is filled with wonderful characters that will make you happy to follow them on their journey. He fills the story with vivid details of the Suicide Bridge in Pasadena, California and it helped me to feel as if I was truly there, walking beside Nick and his pup Royo, and all the other amazing characters along the way.
This is a fast read, one that will keep you hooked until the end and leave you wanting more of Jacobs’ talented writing. For a debut, alternate timeline novel, I was pleasantly surprised and definitely recommend this book to all! Grab a copy for yourself and see if Royo, Nick and the other characters don’t grip your soul and make you feel a part of the story! Well done to Jacobs!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Jacobs creates a story that is filled with wonderful characters that will make you happy to follow them on their journey. He fills the story with vivid details of the Suicide Bridge in Pasadena, California and it helped me to feel as if I was truly there, walking beside Nick and his pup Royo, and all the other amazing characters along the way.
This is a fast read, one that will keep you hooked until the end and leave you wanting more of Jacobs’ talented writing. For a debut, alternate timeline novel, I was pleasantly surprised and definitely recommend this book to all! Grab a copy for yourself and see if Royo, Nick and the other characters don’t grip your soul and make you feel a part of the story! Well done to Jacobs!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
An amazing book, well written and engrossing.
I loved the mix of fact and fictions as much as I liked the quirky cast of characters and the storytelling.
The style of writing is excellent and I think is one of the plus of this book.
An excellent read, highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved the mix of fact and fictions as much as I liked the quirky cast of characters and the storytelling.
The style of writing is excellent and I think is one of the plus of this book.
An excellent read, highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
thereadingchemist's review against another edition
3.0
Arroyo is one of those books that you forget in fiction since it reads more like a nonfiction with the amount of facts that are sprinkled throughout.
The story focuses on two different timelines (1913 and 1993) that both center around the controversial Colorado Street 'Suicide' Bridge in Pasadena, California.
I have visited Pasadena once many years ago, but it's not a place that I am intimately familiar with. Additionally, I wasn't really aware of the controversy behind this bridge. That being said, the author does a great job of presenting Pasadena as if its it's own character within the story. I couldn't help but get lost in the beauty that Pasadena has to offer. As well as learn this part of history that I was not familiar with.
While I did enjoy the main character Nick Chance and his dog Royo, I did find them to be a bit underdeveloped which left me with more questions than answers. Additionally, since this story is outside of my typical genre, I did find that the plot slowed down in certain areas.
Overall, if you're a historical fiction fan that is looking for a fascinating read about Pasadena as well as this controversial bridge, be sure to check this one out.
Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for my tour invite. Thank you to Rare Bird Lit for providing a book for review. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
The story focuses on two different timelines (1913 and 1993) that both center around the controversial Colorado Street 'Suicide' Bridge in Pasadena, California.
I have visited Pasadena once many years ago, but it's not a place that I am intimately familiar with. Additionally, I wasn't really aware of the controversy behind this bridge. That being said, the author does a great job of presenting Pasadena as if its it's own character within the story. I couldn't help but get lost in the beauty that Pasadena has to offer. As well as learn this part of history that I was not familiar with.
While I did enjoy the main character Nick Chance and his dog Royo, I did find them to be a bit underdeveloped which left me with more questions than answers. Additionally, since this story is outside of my typical genre, I did find that the plot slowed down in certain areas.
Overall, if you're a historical fiction fan that is looking for a fascinating read about Pasadena as well as this controversial bridge, be sure to check this one out.
Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for my tour invite. Thank you to Rare Bird Lit for providing a book for review. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
bookwormbecks's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars
Arroyo is a unique story, part history, part whimsy, with some deja vu, told around the construction of the Colorado Street bridge in Pasadena, California, which opened in 1913, just as the age of the automobile was dawning. The bridge spans the Arroyo Seco, a seasonal river/canyon. Decades later it’s well known for its architecture, a landmark in the area, but also sadly for the number of suicides that have occurred there. The book includes a storyline in 1993 as well, the 80th anniversary of the bridge opening.
From ostrich farming and racing to notable historical figures such as Upton Sinclair and Lilly Anheuser-Busch, with a little clairvoyant dog thrown in, this story was like no other I’ve read. The last part of the book took a turn that I was not expecting and to be completely transparent, I didn’t care for the way it ended. There’s a bit of a magical element that I didn’t really buy. I would’ve enjoyed more of the 1993 storyline told in a different way, maybe looking back at the history of the bridge from that point of view.
Overall, I did like the historical aspects of the book and I think especially if you live in Southern California you would find this story interesting!
Arroyo is a unique story, part history, part whimsy, with some deja vu, told around the construction of the Colorado Street bridge in Pasadena, California, which opened in 1913, just as the age of the automobile was dawning. The bridge spans the Arroyo Seco, a seasonal river/canyon. Decades later it’s well known for its architecture, a landmark in the area, but also sadly for the number of suicides that have occurred there. The book includes a storyline in 1993 as well, the 80th anniversary of the bridge opening.
From ostrich farming and racing to notable historical figures such as Upton Sinclair and Lilly Anheuser-Busch, with a little clairvoyant dog thrown in, this story was like no other I’ve read. The last part of the book took a turn that I was not expecting and to be completely transparent, I didn’t care for the way it ended. There’s a bit of a magical element that I didn’t really buy. I would’ve enjoyed more of the 1993 storyline told in a different way, maybe looking back at the history of the bridge from that point of view.
Overall, I did like the historical aspects of the book and I think especially if you live in Southern California you would find this story interesting!
annarella's review
5.0
An amazing book, well written and engrossing.
I loved the mix of fact and fictions as much as I liked the quirky cast of characters and the storytelling.
The style of writing is excellent and I think is one of the plus of this book.
An excellent read, highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved the mix of fact and fictions as much as I liked the quirky cast of characters and the storytelling.
The style of writing is excellent and I think is one of the plus of this book.
An excellent read, highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
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