Par for the Course: A Novel (Faith Words) [Paperback]

Ray Blackston (Author)

Book Description

Series: Faith Words | Publication Date: February 12, 2008

Sparks fly when Ray Blackson returns with his trademark quirky sense of humor. Golf, politics, and romance collide in PAR FOR THE COURSE as golf range owner Chris Hackett meets an attractive political correspondent who turns his world upside down.

In PAR FOR THE COURSE, Chris Hackett owns and operates Hack's Golf Learning Center, an eccentric golf range in Charleston, SC. Chris jumps at the chance to step up his game when an attractive new student and political correspondent, Molly, suggests that Chris capitalize on the current, highly polarized, presidential election. This pitting of right versus left means even more income, plus a sharp new girlfriend, and soon Chris, his sidekick, Cack, and their unique golf range are the talk of the town . . . until someone takes the political insults too seriously. Will Molly stick around as Chris learns the true meaning of "playing politics"? And will Chris realize how much he wants her to?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Light romance and an amusing golf theme keep Blackston's latest inspirational lad lit novel percolating. Protagonist Chris Hackett is the likable owner of Hackett's Golf Learning Center in Charleston, S.C., but his prowess on the golf course hasn't translated to his social life, "a series of relational double bogeys." When 30-something golf student Molly Cusack suggests combining golf and politics in a way that will ensure more business, he's hooked. Customers line up to practice their golf swings and "whack a liberal" or "whack a conservative," while business skyrockets. Soon, Chris wonders about the integrity of hiring out his range for "faux political vindication." Disaster isn't far behind. What's amusing about Blackston's first-person novel is Chris's urgent desire for matrimony and kids-a refreshing swap from the usual chick-lit and lad-lit fare. A plotline about a feminist never goes anywhere, and faith notes are barely evident (Chris asks Molly to pray about their relationship without much context). Although the humor can become cheesy, there are plenty of laugh-aloud moments, including those provided by a farcical reading group guide. Better than his previous, A Pagan's Nightmare, this is an enjoyable read.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Ray Blackston of Greenville, South Carolina, worked as a buyer and a broker for eleven years before cashing in his modest 401k and leaving his corporate cubicle to write full time. He serves on the missions committee of his church, has traveled to rural Ecuador on a summer missions program, and coaches his seven-year-old nephew, Action Jackson, in T-Ball. You can visit Ray on the Web at www.rayblackston.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 251 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords; 1st Paperback Edition edition (February 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446178152
• ISBN-13: 978-0446178150
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,273,306 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Golly Miss Molly - Ray Blackston Hits a Hole in One!, February 2, 2008

By 

C. Allison (Fairfield, Illinois) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Par for the Course: A Novel (Faith Words) (Paperback)

I have been a fan of Ray Blackston's writing since his first book Flabbergasted hit the shelves. I have since purchased and read his other works as well. I love his light hearted writing style. His characters make me laugh (sometimes at myself). I love rooting for the characters as they try to figure this life out. His most recent book "Par for the Course: A Novel" is no exception. This novel centers around Chris Hackett and his pursuit of success in business, success in life, and success in love. I was concerned that I would have a hard time staying with this book when I learned that Blackston's latest book involved golf. My closest encounter with golf involves chasing my golf ball into ridiculous places at the local putt-putt facility. I was relieved to find that the novel was easy reading and didn't require a dictionary or a copy of "Golf for Dummies". I enjoyed getting to know Chris, his friend and pardner Cack, and Molly-the girl who Chris wants to ride off into the sunset in his golf cart with. If you aren't already a fan of Blackston's writing, give Par for the Course a chance and then go back and read his other works as well.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No mulligan needed here, March 6, 2008

By 

Vycki Borgnis (Southern Maryland) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Par for the Course: A Novel (Faith Words) (Paperback)

Ray Blackston hits a hole in one with Par for the Course. Another light read with the male perspective in mind. This is not a golf book. If you don't know the first thing about golf, you will still love this book. And, if you do know about the game of golf, then that's cool too.

Par for the Course has something for everyone - sports, romance, drama and wit.

If you've read Flabbergasted, you will also appreciate the cameo appearances of a certain couple and their lime-green Caddy.

Like all of Ray Blackston's books, Par for the Course provides a just plain enjoyable read, which is a welcome relief at the end of a hard day.

PS - Make sure you read the glossary in the back of the book. Not because you need to know the words, but just because it's funny. And, again here you will see a little nod to the Flabbergasted series
Flabbergasted / A Delirious Summer / Lost in Rooville - 3 Book Set

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More Fun than a Bucket of Balls, April 7, 2008

By 

Kelly Klepfer (Iowa) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Par for the Course: A Novel (Faith Words) (Paperback)

I'm not a big golf fan. Ha. I don't even get the game though I was actually on my high school golf team for a week. But that's a whole nother story. And, no way can I tell it like Ray Blackston could.

I don't much care for political maneuvering either. So you'd think this would not be a book high on my list of recommended reads.

Ray Blackston can tell a heck of a story. I love his voice. Par is first person lad-lit in a charming, almost ADD meandering walk through poor Chris Hackett's life as he encounters drama, crisis and women.

My husband picked up Par within hours of its arrival at the house. He devoured it and asked if I had any more Blackston books. I produced Flabbergasted and Pagan's Nightmare from the bookshelf which he then devoured as well. Did I mention that he laughed out loud? He did, at very annoying times while I was trying to sleep. Based on his response, I had high expectations when I finally got my hands on Par. I was not disappointed.

If you love quirk, charm and off-the-wall humor with a dash of sweetness, I think you'll love Par. I did.