The Ground Will Catch You

 David Powning's Book The Ground Will Catch You isn't really the kind of thing I would pick up to read. If I'd seen it in a library it would have been passed over. So when I saw his request for reviewers on Goodreads I was a little hesitant in responding.

I am so glad I did though, the story line is engaging from the word go. The characters and the plot are so believable and fact perfect that I did wonder if this wasn't biographical about the Author or anyone he knows. I felt happy and excited in places, even raised the odd giggle - which is no mean feat. Other parts had me worried, scared and reaching for the tissues.

In his Goodreads request David described his book as being about a guy who did Judo, but this description doesn't come close to catching the real essence of his story.

So what IS the story .....

Steve is 24, a university drop-out and working in advertising sales, which he hates. He is seen as a bit of an odd ball, so finds it difficult to make friends. After work one evening, he attends a Judo competition, he doesn't fight himself but enjoys watching the sport. While there Jack and his dog sit next to him and they start to talk about the merits of the fighters and their technique. After the match Jack invites him to his dojo and encourages him to fight again.

During this time Steve meets Emily, a dancer, and they strike up a relationship. His live seems to be looking good for him, but it's not all that it seems .....

I would recommend this book to almost anyone, the YA readers out there will like it for the currency of the story and its lessons. The older readers, like me, will just enjoy a nice engaging read.

My Rating:

5 Stars