Dream Wheels

I first came across this book as book fair coordinator at a Canadian Authors Association conference in Ottawa, where it had received the CAA Fiction award. Just reading the blurb on the back cover, the first two lines, was enough to make me want to read the rest of the book.

"The great bull was true to his name. He detonated."

I found the writing compelling, the characters well-drawn, and in places rather poetic in its phrasing. I enjoyed the descriptions of life on the rodeo circuit, the conflicts of the main characters, and the "Dream Wheel" idea is fascinating as well.

Five star read for me. And I never read "western novels".

You might be able to predict the ending from the beginning but it's so well written, that it doesn't matter. I really needed a feel good, lump in your throat, tears in your eyes kind of novel and this is it. Highly recommend.

It is a gripping journey into the worlds of cowboying, rodeo, horses, domestic abuse, the desperation of a disadvantaged youth, and prison. It also introduces you to deep spirituality, wisdom, and traditions of native people and how it guides and heals. Loved it.

This was a beautiful story. Told with such style and straightforwardness. Really enjoyed this one. If I can read a book about rodeos and enjoy it you will have no problems as well.

Joe Willie Wolfchild, part American Indian, son and grandson of rodeo riders, a natural rider himself from a very early age, was on the brink of world championship when a disastrous ride left him crippled, with no hope of riding again.

Around the same time Aiden, fifteen years old, born of a white father he never knew and beautiful black mother desperate to find a steady man, endured his mother's men who saw him only as a way to his mother, Claire. Fitting in with neither the black nor the white youth he had the strength of character to make a way for himself, but his resentment lead him to trouble, and two years loss of freedom.

As rehabilitation Aiden ends up along with his mother at Joe Willie's ranch. While Clarie immediately hits it show more off with the Joe Willie's parents and grandparents, there is mistrust, resentment and an air of animosity between the two young men. But Aiden proves himself to be a natural in the saddle, but can he persuade Joe Willie to train him; and will Joe Willie be able swallow his pride and let Aiden, with his knowledge of car mechaincs, help him with his own personal challenge of restoring the family's prewar truck?

The story follows both Joe Wille and his family and Aiden and his mother from the beginnings of their troubles as the narrative flits between to two families. Eventually they come together and we see the slow acceptance build between Joe Willie and Aiden. The wisdom born of the tradition of the Indian heritage is a strong influence, and is especially apparent in the insight shown by Joe Willie's mother and grandmother and the calm manner of the two older men, and provides a fitting contrast to the seething rebellion and sense of loss shared, for very different reasons, by the two younger men.

Dream Wheels is a thoroughly involving story peopled with beautifully drawn strong characters, an emotional ride, and a beautiful picture of the open spaces of natural America painted against the background of a proud and noble people. show less

I'm not particularly good at writing reviews, but I felt this deserved one. It's such a good story. A bull rider's body and career are destroyed in competition so he goes home to his parents' ranch to heal. A young man with a very difficult home life lands himself in prison and a sympathetic cop suggests that some time at the same ranch would do him some good. The ranch and the people who live there work together to heal both men body and soul, using work, understanding, bull riding, and an old beat-up truck.
This story could very easily venture into cheesiness. It sounds similar to many of the western romances I've read. But, although the book is hopeful, Wagamese shows the grit required in the process. Both men and the single mother show more have faced true ugliness in their lives and their story isn't always pretty. But it is a good story and the characters seemed real to me. show less

I love his storytelling.