A Better Heart by Chuck Augello

Release: November 25th 2021
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

For aspiring indie filmmaker Kevin Stacey, it’s another day on the set of his first film. But then his estranged father, a failed Hollywood actor, arrives unexpectedly with a bundle of cash, a gun, and a stolen capuchin monkey. He’s propelled toward the journey that will change his life.

The monkey, Henry, has been liberated from a research lab by animal rights activists. Kevin is Inspired by his friend Veronica to reevaluate his relationship with other species. So he learns about the pain and suffering inflicted on lab animals as he forges a bond with the capuchin. Now, father and son embark on a road trip with Henry. Kevin is caught between the egocentric father who abandoned him and the temperamental monkey whose fate is in his hands.

Both the FBI and his mother’s ghost are watching. Will Kevin risk his career and his father’s freedom to bring the stolen monkey to safety? Meanwhile, Veronica’s encounter with an eccentric Catholic priest triggers her own journey toward change.

A Better Heart is a heartbreaking yet comic family drama. It examines the human-animal bond and the bonds between fathers and sons. And also challenges readers to explore their beliefs about the treatment of non-human species.

About the Author:

Chuck Augello is the author of the novel The Revolving Heart, a Best Books of 2020 selection by Kirkus Reviews, and the story collection The Inexplicable Grey Space We Call Love. His work has appeared in One Story, Literary Hub, Juked, Fiction Writers Review, Smokelong Quarterly, The Coachella Review, and other fine journals.

He publishes The Daily Vonnegut, a website exploring the life and art of Kurt Vonnegut. He lives in New Jersey with his wife Sheri, his dog Bella, his cats Gracie and Smokey, and a menagerie of unnamed birds and squirrels that inhabit the backyard.

Website | Amazon | Goodreads

A Better Heart Review:

“A Better Heart” is one of the unique books I have read lately because of its charming characters and entertaining yet thought-provoking plot.

Let me start by saying that I loved the subject matter. It is not every day that you read a book focusing on a father and son as they go on a road trip with a monkey. The author brings forward a unique plot that captured my attention when Edward and Henry came into the picture. From there, I was glued to the story as Edward and Kevin go on a bizarre road trip, and you don’t know what will happen to them.

I enjoyed how the author wrote the dynamics between Edward and Kevin. It was interesting to see how Kevin’s life goes for a toss as he adapts to the changes in his life. Some moments that stood out for me were when Kevin walks in on Edward and Gloria or jumps into a minivan with Rita. Edward is also full of life, and I loved his stories about Hollywood and various movie scenes where he played a part.

Moreover, I also enjoyed the details the author provided, like directing a movie or the harmful effects of animal testing. Although some scenes are pretty graphic to read, the author makes the story light-hearted and enjoyable. Even Henry is adorable with the antics, and the author also adds a touch of suspense where we wonder if the Feds would catch them or not. On a side note, I also liked Veronica and thought she was entertaining, particularly in the scenes with Father Blank.

Overall, “A Better Heart” is a lovely fiction piece with drama, humor, suspense, and great chemistry between the characters.