The Next Sure Thing
by Richard Wagamese
Cree Thunderboy wants nothing less than to be the next great blues man. But, playing to tiny audiences in shabby rooms like Shelly's Crab Shack, his career is stalled. Then at the race track he meets Win Hardy, a seemingly charming rogue who spots Cree's knack for picking winning horses. He offers to record his first CD and send him on tour, as long as Cree can keep coming up with the hot tips at the track. Things are looking good for Cree until he discovers Win's connections to the mob and his violent response to anything that doesn't go his way. And when things inevitably go bad, Cree discovers that in life and in gambling there is never really the next sure thing.
close this panel"Wagamese, an Ojibway author and storyteller, has crafted a very strong story. Another thing that I really love is that this is part of the Rapid Reads series, a [series] of original, high-interest books that are designed for adult learners to enjoy."
"[An] interesting and fast-paced read. One of the biggest strengths of the novel is Cree and his best friend, Ashton. Cree is honest and well developed....The novel handles the issue of gambling in a mature manner...The Next Sure Thing is part of the "Rapid Reads" series that is aimed at reluctant adult readers. However, the book will appeal to older teen readers who are looking for something faster paced and shorter in length then some YA fiction."
"As fast-paced as the races described within...[Cree's] voice is constant and endearing...I would recommend [it] especially to boy reluctant readers."
"A clever puzzle that features a young man seeking to make his way."
