R.J. Garcia: “The Impact of The Outsiders” + Nocturnal Meetings of the Misplaced Blog Tour Contest

Today, I’m so delighted to host a wonderful guest post for the blog tour for The Nocturnal Meetings of the Misplaced by R.J. Garcia, which sounds super awesome and is definitely on my Want To Read list! Keep reading to learn more, and enter to win a copy!

The book that most impacted my life: The Outsiders
By R.J. Garcia

Growing up with dyslexia, I had a love-hate relationship with books. I liked the covers and premises, the idea of escaping into another time and place. Because it was harder for me to learn to read than the average kid, it made me feel stupid and a little lonely at times.

When I read The Outsiders, things turned around for me—the language was clear and conversational. The narrative invited you in with easy to read prose. The story was enticing, making you want to read the next page.

And for some reason, I never forgot the opening line: “When I stepped out of the dark movie theater into the bright sunlight, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home.”

S.E Hinton brought each character to life—including the ones with smaller parts that left you wanting more of them. There was this melancholy feeling to the narrative that pulled you in without being overly sentimental. Even the setting, 1950’s Oklahoma and poor and rich sides of town is its own presence. From the action-filled fights to the genuine relationships between the characters, the book is hard to put down. It’s even harder to forget. Yes, I still fangirl over this book.

Despite intense plot lines that include: running away, fighting, a fatal stabbing, fire, and suicide, there is subtle decency throughout. It leaves the reader with a strong sense of right and wrong. The Outsiders also speaks to the value of innocence. Although it was written before I was even born, the messages remain timeless. It made me realize, I didn’t want to grow up too fast and that it’s the person who matters and not an arbitrary social class.

Reading your first good book is like eating a chip—you must eat another and another. As I read more and more books, I discovered many protagonists who like myself and Ponyboy didn’t quite fit in either. It was like I found my people, even if they were only fictional friends.

Mystery surrounds the town of Summertime, Indiana, where fifteen-year-old Tommy Walker and his little sister are sent to live with relatives they’ve never met. Tommy soon makes friends with Finn Wilds, a rebellious local who lives with his volatile and abusive stepfather, who also happens to be the town’s sheriff.

Finn invites Tommy to late night meetings in the woods, where Tommy gets to know two girls. He forms a special and unique connection with both girls. The meetings become a place where the kids, who don’t fit in at school, or home can finally belong. As the group of friends begin to unravel clues to a cold case murder and kidnapping— they learn the truth is darker and closer than they ever imagined. Even if they live to tell, will anyone believe them?

Available Now: Amazon | Goodreads

I’m a writer, avid reader, and Hufflepuff, who wants a re-do at the sorting hat. I am a wife and proud mom, too.

I’ve earned my MSW and have worked with foster kids. Writing has been my other great love.

I have published several non-fiction pieces about teen issues and wrote short stories since I was a kid. A longer story began keeping me up at night, and I finished my first novel! I am now thrilled to announce that this story, Nocturnal Meetings of the Misplaced has found a home at The Parliament House!

Parliament House Press

Nocturnal Meetings of the Misplaced (81,000 words, mystery, suspense) – Mystery surrounds the town of Summertime, Indiana, where a group of teens must unravel secrets in order to expose the town’s dark past.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

1 winner will receive a finished copy of NOCTURNAL MEETINGS OF THE MISPLACED, US Only.