SYNOPSIS
From the author of Little Hatchet, this gripping historical saga continues—a powerful story of resilience, family, and the price of ambition. Perfect for fans of epic generational tales and action-packed historical fiction.
Walter Oakley and his wife, Ada, used the westward expansion of America to establish themselves as model citizens in the town of Telegraph, Texas. Now, they watch in despair as their children lurch from one crisis to another — rum running, train-hopping outlaws, shattered dreams. With one child dead and another on the wrong side of the law, Walter and Ada struggle to keep their younger children on the straight and narrow. But trouble and temptation beckon as Prohibition and the Great Depression give way to the horrors of World War II. Will hope survive the chaos?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Phil Oakley is a novelist and veteran journalist with experience in the motion picture industry. He is a retired regional executive with The Walt Disney Company (ABC News), a former director of the Louisiana Film Commission, and a retired editor with the Dallas Morning News. He covered presidents and presidential campaigns beginning with Lyndon Johnson and ending with George W. Bush. He was a television and radio anchor and reporter with national awards from Columbia University, the Radio-Television News Directors Association, and a National Headliner Award. He began work on his first novel in 1964 while a student at the University of Texas at Austin. He has written nine novels.
REVIEW
‘RUNNERS,’ the second installment in Phil Oakley’s fictional saga inspired by his family’s history. Readers will discover a profoundly moving exploration of personal and national struggles during challenging times. Mr. Oakley skillfully brings to life relatable characters who navigate the hardships of the Depression, Prohibition, the Dust Bowl, and World War II. It illustrates how these events shaped society and families across America.
Judge Walter Oakley and his wife, Ada, embody strength and determination. Readers will feel a part of the emotional journey as they experience Oakley’s vulnerabilities and their family’s tragedies. The narrative, framed with vivid descriptions, immerses readers in the characters’ experiences, such as Ray’s harsh reality of riding the rails, Ralph’s adventures in smuggling on the Louisiana coast, and Jimmie’s escapades in the speakeasies. Experiencing ‘RUNNERS’ is like a front-row seat around the campfire while the family’s secrets are shared with younger generations to ensure they learn life lessons to thrive and memories to pass to their children.
The story is a continuation of a series. Some background knowledge from the first book would enhance the journey, even though ‘RUNNERS’ stands on its own with rich storytelling and relatable characters. Phil Oakley weaves a compelling family drama with historical context, making it a recommended read for fans of historical fiction and family sagas. Overall, it’s a poignant and engaging tale that resonates on many levels with believable action and adventure, making the history lesson enjoyable.
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2 replies to "RUNNERS"
“like a front-row seat around the campfire while the family’s secrets are shared” — that’s EXACTLY the feel of this story. Great review!
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