August and Then Some

In the heat of August, Jake Terri Savage ( JT ), his little sister Danielle, and his bone-headed best friend, Nokey (nicknamed after gnocchi ), try to steal JT s father s beloved 1965 Shelby Cobra. Their reasons are noble; the consequences, devastating. JT s abusive dad s idea of a twelfth birthday gift is getting his son involved in a barroom brawl. Nokey s dad thinks he has potatoes for brains. Both sons live out their fathers stunted visions in a way that brings down a terrible judgment on them all leaving JT hauling rocks for punishment while he staves off panic attacks and nightmares about his sister and her terrible half-known secret. A Dominican teenage girl with little hope for her own future gives JT a second chance to save someone, including himself. Throughout, David Prete s vivid sense of atmosphere, tight plotting, and crackling dialogue give the dysfunctional family story a new lease on life."