The Road to Delano by John Desimone

The Road to Delano

by John Desimone

With a foreword by Cesar Chavez's spokesman and speechwriter Marc Grossman

A high school senior, Jack Duncan dreams of playing college baseball and leaving the political turmoil of the agricultural town Delano behind. Ever since his father, a grape grower, died ten years earlier, he's suspected that his mother has been hiding the truth from him about the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

With his family's property on the verge of a tax sale, Jack drives an old combine into town to sell it. On the road, an old friend of his father shows up with evidence that Jack's father was murdered. Armed with this new information, Jack embarks on a mission to discover the entire truth, not just about his father but the corruption endemic in the Central Valley.

When Jack's girlfriend warns him not to do anything to jeopardize their post graduation plans and refuses to help him, Jack turns to his best friend, Adrian, the son of a boycotting fieldworker who works closely with Cesar Chavez. The boys' dangerous plan to rescue the Duncan family farm leaves Adrian in a catastrophic situation, and Jack must step up to the plate and rescue his family and his friend before he can make his escape from Delano.

The Road to Delano is the path Jack and Adrian must take to find their strength, their duty, their destiny.

Reviewed by Molly J(Cover To Cover Cafe) on

4 of 5 stars

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Have you read a book that made you feel like it was a movie, playing on the big screen? I find them sometimes and I love them! This one was one of those such novels and I was so happy to be introduced to DeSimone’s work. From start to finish of this novel, I was hooked, taken on a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. The characters were wonderful for their roles in the story and the plot line was instantly gripping.

I absolutely loved Jack’s character. I have two teen sons so I instantly connected with him. He’s a teenager who wants to chase his dreams. But, when a discovery is made about his father’s death, things don’t work out as he wants them to and the pages start to fly as his dreams get put on hold to help his mom save their farm. Add into the mix, Jack’s friend Adrian who’s family are field workers and dealing with a strike……this book as so many wonderfully written twists.

This novel is magnificently written. It’s page turning, soul gripping and absolutely a keeper. DeSimone’s talent is magnified in this story and I highly recommend historical lovers, and thriller lovers alike to grab this book. It’s got a perfect combination of perfectly chiseled characters and a thoroughly researched story line. It’s definitely unforgettable and I’m looking forward to taking another trip within the pages of another piece by this author. Don’t delay. Order your copy today!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

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  • 25 February, 2020: Reviewed