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 his father’s beloved 1965 Shelby Cobra. Their reasons are noble; the consequences, devastating.
JT’s abusive dad’s idea of a 12th 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 teenaged girl with little hope for her own future gives JT a second chance to save someone – including himself. Throughout, Prete’s vivid sense of atmosphere, tight plotting and crackling dialogue gives the dysfunctional family story a new lease on life.
