A King in a Court of Fools [Kindle Edition]

Larry Enright (Author)

Book Description

Genre: Humorous fiction, coming of age, nostalgia

Age: Appropriate for ages 10 and up


A King in a Court of Fools begins with a book -- The Book of Tom -- a journal writing assignment from Tom Ryan's sixth-grade teacher, Sister Jeanne Lorette. That's what she called it. Tom called it punishment. In it, he chronicles the adventures of the Caswell Gang, a group of siblings and friends with two things in common -- their love of adventure and their allegiance to Tom, their king.

The 1950s book was misplaced a long time ago, and all the children have since grown up, but Harry, Tom's youngest brother, still remembers it and retells for us one of its stories in a nostalgic, heartwarming, and humorous way that will have you wishing for adventure, too.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Larry Enright was born to Irish Catholic first-generation immigrants and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His works include: the best seller Four Years from Home (2010),A King in a Court of Fools (2011), Buffalo Nickel Christmas (2011), 12|21|12 (2012), and A Cape May Diamond (2012).

Product Details

• File Size: 322 KB
• Print Length: 201 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: B0087ONP1W
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Lawrence P. Enright (September 10, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005L38BEI
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #338,201 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Real Memory Jogger September 7, 2011

By Woodpusher

Format:Kindle Edition

This was truly a pleasant book to read. I would probably have to classify it as humorous fiction, nostalgia, coming of age, or something like that, but that doesn't really do it justice. While reading about the adventures of Tom, his gang, and his family, I'd find myself transported back to my own childhood, reliving my memories of my adventures, my friends and my family. Then my mind would snap back to the book, only to find myself transported back to my own past again. Then I'd stop and have to talk to my wife, sharing a childhood story with her. I'd read a bit more, then have to call a brother or sister to talk about an event from our past. Tom's life was not the same as mine, but his story was able to bring back my own life story for me. Certainly not what you'd expect from a book, but that's what made it such a special book to read.

It may not be the type of book for everyone (what book is?), but it is like a free session with a hypnotist who is able to bring your childhood memories back to you by telling you the story of another child.

I think a lot of people are really going to enjoy this one. It's a light, fun read that will take you on an unexpected journey into your past. Give it a go!

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wondrous Trip Into The Past September 10, 2011

By Garrity Graves

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

There's something to be said about what 'was'. That time before we became what we are as adults, often funny, sometimes sad, but always important.

Larry Enright has heightened nostalgia here to a level not experienced since Jean Shepherd's magnificent 'In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash', which inspired the seminal holiday film 'A Christmas Story'. His Tom and Harry Ryan are rogue and angel, two halves of a familial coin, who tear through this tale with their friends in the Caswell Gang.

That we all could have had such friends and adventures in our youth, 'A King In A Court Of Fools' gives young and old alike a chance to relive a time when life was simpler, and fun could be summoned from the seemingly ordinary. Highly recommended for all ages.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars seriously good stories September 27, 2011

By Ellie Ann

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Length: 0:52 Mins

I loved following the adventures of the Caswell gang, and discovering the mystery of the Pink Lady. Highly recommended!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Utopian Childhood September 21, 2011

By Mrs. F. H. Mortimer

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've just finished Larry Enright's A King in the Court of Fools. This essentially is a childrens' book. But Larry writes in such a lovely way that the reader cannot help being drawn in to this lovely story of childhood anecdotes.
Beautifully written with a real poignancy, full of fun and it took me right back to my own childhood of tree houses and dens in forests - such a shame that children cannot play in this way these days. Larry you have a 'goer' with this and I must write a review for amazon for you
Well done
Faith Mortimer
Author of;
Children of The Plantation
The Assassins' Village
The Crossing
Echoes of Life and Love

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A treasure! October 11, 2011

By R. Guidice

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This outstanding novel by Larry Enright was a refreshing change of pace from most books. I usually read thrillers and crime books, but I found myself absorbed in this simple, old-fashioned story. People of all ages will enjoy A King in a Court of Fools, especially those 40 and over. Even if your recollections of childhood don't match the author's exactly, many scenes, events, and characters will be somewhat familiar. The writing was excellent throughout the book and Mr. Enright made me feel like I was part of the Ryan clan. It's a shame that children of today won't have experiences like the ones covered in the book. Instead of creating their own games and connecting with family and friends, many of our youngsters would rather spend their time on the Internet, cell phones, and playing videogames. I think most of us would agree the Ryan children were the norm until the early 1980's, before technology changed the world. I look forward to reading another novel about this wonderful family. Highly recommended to all readers.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for Everyone October 10, 2011

By A. Them

Format:Paperback

There are about ten memorable years in boyhood between being a fill-in "father" at a neighbor girl's tea party and driving to junior prom. Some time in between, a girl with knowing eyes might talk to a clueless boy. Larry Enright's book evokes that magical time and shows me how I could have managed a one-sided conversation better and even avoided having to hide from all the neighborhood tough kids. This graceful book is not for everyone. It is just for those who know a child or perhaps had a childhood once themselves.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun throwback September 19, 2011

By SeanR52

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is such an easy and fun read. I found myself halfway thru before I realized it. It brings back memories of things that aren't around anymore and that younger people have never seen and ties them together with a little mystery that's a nice neat package. Well done.

3.0 out of 5 stars What a great way to go back in time November 21, 2012

By Dierdra Byrd

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This was a really fun light read that will take you back to your childhood memories. I loved the stories and how close Tom, Harry and the rest of his siblings were. This is a work of fiction so keep that in mind when you read it but still a great read.

More About the Author

Larry Enright was born to Irish Catholic first-generation immigrants and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His works include: the best seller "Four Years from Home" (2010),"A King in a Court of Fools"(2011), "Buffalo Nickel Christmas" (2011), "12|21|12" (2012), and "A Cape May Diamond" (2012). Find him at larryenright.net