Tangent Redemptions of an Anti-Hero
$15.00
Description
The Tangent Redemptions of an Anti-Hero is my first, and depending on how well it does or doesn't do; may also be my last attempt at writing fiction. In by no means do I fancy myself a ‘writer’ and I've been told that one should never write the way they speak, so, naturally, I did just that and as usual and based on the reviews I've gotten thus far on it, it seems to have worked out just fine for me.
This piece of fiction is about love, violence, vengeance and redemption. It is an action piece that contains drama and carries a comedic undertone through dark and gritty subject matters. For more details on the content without giving anything away, please refer to the testimonials further below, the first one in particular, as it contains quite a bit of insight from an individual I have never personally met or spoken too previously who was handed my book by a mutual friend.
For starters, this book is not for everyone. Did I mention I wasn’t much of a salesman either? As one of the reviewers who wishes to remain anonymous put it; “Violent, graphic, disgusting, blasphemous, distasteful and highly entertaining read, not for the easily offended or faint of heart.” This book is intended for readers 18 and over and definitely not suitable for anyone under.
For those who have proverbially ‘been there and done that’, especially those of you who were raised in the 80’s and 90’s with the action flicks of the times, you will appreciate and relate to much of what is contained within these pages.
Thank you, enjoy, and don’t say it didn't come with a warning.
FAVOR:
After you've purchased and read it and if you enjoyed it anywhere near those who've provided the following reviews and testimonials below have; please recommend it to others for purchase (unless of course it’s immediate family, I get that), it’s only 15 bucks, it won’t break anyone but I spent several years putting that together and much time away from my son and family to write it, it would mean allot to me. Thank you and all the best.
Please feel free to write me an honest review and testimonial either here on the website (click the Reviews tab above) or on my Facebook page. Many thanks.
REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS
“Where the hell do I start with this? The pace of this book is frenetic... It doesn't let up for a second, nor should it, for it describes a life whose sheer turbulence would be far beyond the comprehension of most of us. Yet the author manages to constantly compel us to his story, drawing respect and empathy towards his complete lack of self-indulgence. He lays his life bare. His extremely violent past, his insecurities, his sexual adventures and misadventures, his guilt, his hopes, the things that draw him, yet disturb him in one way or another.
The journey begins with his preparation for a long road trip, the closing off of one avenue and the prospect of greener pastures with an old flame. It becomes a time to reflect. That's when the shit hits the fan. We are introduced to a whirlwind of encounters, laced with numerous philosophical musings which are generally flawless when stood up to scrutiny. This guy has seen it, done it and shredded the t-shirt, yet there is an amicable side to his self-effacing nature, he is modest to a fault, as well as incredibly dangerous.
The story is laced with details, names, places and characters that would suit the likes of Dexter Morgan, Carlton Leech in Rise of the Footsoldier or for that matter, the entire cast of Goodfellas. You could chuck in a good porno as well. It is a must-read!
One can't help but be drawn to the complexities of Nomad, the book's anti-hero, and their reflections on the very complexities of life itself. These are explored thoroughly, in a manner that would bemuse those who prefer to ponder the world from the armchair of academia. He simply nukes the everyday perceptions that box us all in. While reading the book I pondered Gandhi, and then pictured the same cloth wearing champion of pacifism combined with Genghis Khan. I thought I'd nailed it, even with a catchy name like Genghis Gandhi to announce to the world my wit....... The author beat me to that one, with a much more cutting statement about one of the above, but I won't spoil it.
I hope the character finds the peace he's looking for. He bloody well deserves it.
Utterly and unrelentingly brilliant!! – Derek Molyneux
“I read your book and was very impressed. It’s excellent and very interesting, the feeling of it is very affirming and your work has a Hunter S. Thompson type of feel to it. I enjoyed reading it, regards. – Louis Weider
“This book is brilliant. It’s instantly addictive, hard-hitting and at times shocking. The author's brutally honest account of a life beyond the imaginations of most is commendable in the extreme.
This narrative is shattering, hilarious, uplifting and deeply philosophical. The story-line is easy to follow while it’s also a disturbing stare into the darker side of man.... The author claims at one point to have uncovered the meaning of life... You think... 'yeah right' before hearing your mind say....... “Fuck!!!' He's right”, but you quickly realize that his apparent wisdom didn't come cheap.
This book is unforgettable, a must read for anyone who like the author, seeks more from life than a mundane road map to suburbia.”- Mick O’Brien
“Hard hitting, that’s all I could say.” - Marc Ste. Marie
"The Tangent Redemptions of an Anti-Hero is not for everyone! But for its intended audience it will no doubt prove to be thoroughly enthralling. While Rich is quite clearly ‘not an English lit major’, his prose nonetheless shines with an undeniable eloquence.
His conversational style, filled with tangents, along with his evocative language will draw the reader into a tale so intricately woven that one can scarcely believe that it is fictional. You could easily imagine Nomad telling you this tale over a few rounds of beer at the back of a seedy drinking establishment.
The story elicits a breadth of emotional responses. I laughed out loud numerous times throughout, though I'm uncertain if any but a few select segments of the general populous will find the humor in those particular passages.
Conversely, due to vivid depictions of violence -- brought to life through Mr. Dimitri's intimate familiarity with that subject, this book will undoubtedly cause vicarious trauma in more than one of its readers. As a social worker in a major city, I don't say that lightly.
Most of all, however, this book delves into the human condition: revenge, compassion, spirituality, love, rage, the absurd, the sublime; our tragic flaws and our triumphs. I recommend this book to all those with a stout stomach and a desire to peer closer at people and the world we inhabit." - Laval Martin
“It was hard hitting, I believe that some of us have to go through things for the experience because we can handle it, and not allow it to corrupt us for the rest of our lives. So that when we come out of it, we are forged and suited to do the good in this world we were called to do and you conveyed that point very well with your lead character. I will have to read it again and absorb it all.” – Dominic Alexander
“A funny, sad, erotic and overall excellent first piece of fiction, I highly recommend it.” - Georges Fahmy
“I did enjoy it. There were several parts that drew me in and were very vivid, I thought it delved deeper into the darker psyche than most chose to realize, accept, see and give ear to. It touches on a certain core. It was an easy read by and large as you write in easy to read/understand language. - Malachi Bond
Kevin (verified owner) –
Richard Dimitri’s book is a mind bending piece of fiction that will easily land in the category of being very unique in the literary world. The book will make you laugh, sad, angry, and wanting to punch something because of certain events. If you have a hard time controlling your emotions your world will be rocked. Each chapter is like a treatment for a script wishing the movie actually was made. The descriptive violence is off the hook and the easily offended will be eaten up like shark bait. I could not stop reading because each chapter dialed it up leaving me thinking that my computer was going to catch on fire. Add gasoline onto a roaring bonfire and you have read Rich’s book.
Kevin Lazzari
Chris Roberts –
My friend Richard Dimitri is in my opinion, the best self defense instructor I have ever met. BUT, I have always felt that his writing abilities are also exceptional, passionate, and very memorable. His style of writing is similar to his self defense style, and it will slap you right in the face with honesty and boldness. Well, he has written a fiction book that is a short, but intense ride that one will never forget.
Eric Farran –
in your face action combined with the most twisted and funny humour i’ve seen makes this story a great read, this as we delve into the writer’s social awareness and inner anger,
references to hunter s. thompson have been made already by someone else and i have to agree and i do, no small feat,
give us more
Tania Garby –
I couldn’t put it down and at the same time I didn’t want it to end, what a great book; sucks you in and puts you right along side the narrator in the passenger seat for one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride. Couldn’t recommend it enough.
Guy (verified owner) –
I couldn’t stop reading this book. The action is written in a way that you know it was written by someone who has been there. Mr. Dimitri clearly demonstrates that in our hearts, we are just highly evolved apes, desperately seeking acceptance, understanding and love and we will do whatever is necessary to get there. This highly entertaining piece of fiction is definitely worth it.
Guy
Dave Desmarais (verified owner) –
This was one helluva ride….and one that I enjoyed a lot.
Read it in two sittings, and will re-read it again soon.
The conversational style that Richard uses in this book reminded me of the way Johnny Cash wrote his autobiography, including the balls-out honesty.
It covers a lot of ground in a turbulent, unapologetic life lived full out, with some pretty solid philosophic content.
And while I’ve personally never lived my life that close to the bone (few have!) I recognized some very familiar tangents regarding violence and redemption.
There were times throughout the read when I found myself both wincing and chuckling….some long ago and deeply held impulses being played out on the page struck some chords.
There are two major reasons why I enjoyed this book;
One, I learned a few things about myself as I gauged my visceral reactions to it’s content and scenarios.
And two, I like this guy, Nomad.
I was drawn in and I give a shit about him.
And I hope he finds the love and peace that he’s seeking.
The closing paragraphs rang true for me.
I will read this book again, and if the dude shows up with further musings, I’ll be back.
Kate (verified owner) –
Reading this book was like listening to Rich speak. Full of passion, humour, grit and most of all, TANGENTS!!
Nomad had me hooked on his story from the outset, wanting him to find peace and happiness but also wanting him to fight on.
170 pages was just not long enough and I hope to see another book so I can catch up with a man that I have found myself rather proud of.
Derek Zaboklicki (verified owner) –
Tangent Redemptions of an Anti-Hero tells the story of Nomad, a good man with a turbulent past, trying to find peace. Witty, emotional and, at times, grotesque, Tangent Redemptions is one of those books which you can’t put away until you have closure. I highly recommend it!
Emmanuelle (verified owner) –
Loved the book. That was a hell of a ride! Holly Molly! I went through so many emotions; laughter, anger, horror (that i couldnt read fully a certain part cause it was too much for my sensitive heart), excitement, thoughtful (if that is an emotion), love, disgust, joy, even freaking sexually aroused. Fucking great job! I like the style of writting, so graphic and vivid, it sucks you right in. The story is so captivating, deeply interesting for its opinions and point of views and rich (as in “enrichissante” not as that shenshido guy that keeps plugging himself in the book) Write more please. Please!
Les Turpin (verified owner) –
a fantastic read, funny, truthful, thought provoking, it is what it is, no bullshit…loved it
Daniel Lavoie –
I truly appreciated that book. I had to put it down only once and I hated myself for it. I simply didnt want to go to bed. I enjoyed the rythm, the humor, the author’s style of writing as well as the way he chose to lay down that story. It really felt like i was riding along Nomad the whole time. And i could only recognize myself through the cynism that accompanies some of the tangents. A fantastic read. A book you that remains ‘alive’ within you, days after you put it down. Bravo!
Jennifer Goodwin (verified owner) –
Reading this book left me wanting more that’s for sure. The author writes about, or should I say, dares to write about the human primitive urges that are buried in each of us, and he does so with brutal honesty. His story is a must for all who are tormented with their inner demons and can’t decipher the messages within them. There is a message of finding balance even in the most challenging of situations.
Heidi –
This was without a doubt one of the more violent, complex and entertaining books I’ve come across in a long time.
Our main character is a complicated guy, and he makes no apologies for it. He is dark, funny, sarcastic, complex, a tad OCD and ADHD. A fierce fighter who honestly knows his own darkness and face it, but humane enough to know how to pull himself back. As he describes each one of his relationships, you can’t help but find yourself nodding in agreement and finding your own past flawed relationships staring back at you. We’ve all known an A.
He approaches his fights and conflicts head on with ego, a brash cocky attitude, and yet – you can’t help but smile when he lives to fight another day. The enthusiasm with which he describes looking up to the likes of Lee, Van Damme, Schwarzenegger, is something all of us in our various worlds of self-defense and martial arts have also admired and looked up to. Don’t we all wish and aspire to be that bad-ass?
I suspect this is thinly veiled factual events guided in a fictional entertaining read to protect certain persons and their partners in crime. Ehh…I could be wrong. 🙂 🙂
Entertaining read, thank you for sharing!
Pamela Sisson –
Honestly, I don’t even know where to begin. So I guess I will go on a tangent as that is one theme throughout this book! LOL! Love me a tangent!
I was sucked right in immediately which, I feel, is a tell-tale sign of great story writing. I felt like I was right there with Nomad, both on his journey down memory lane and in his anticipation on meeting his first love. Soooo much of this story and the character was oddly familiar to me. His POV on religion, women’s struggles (the struggle is real!), why we are here, trauma, pain, relationships etc etc etc… and then there is something I can’t quite pin point. Aside from the shared sense of humour, choice in wording…there was something else that clicked. Anyways, focus here…
This book is everything a book should be, in my humble opinion. It’s very descriptive, hilarious, clever, thought provoking, romantic, deep, surprising, no holds barred, dark and takes you through every emotion a book should… and really, it’s just the tip of the iceberg!
My one and only complaint is that it was not long enough! BUT, that also makes me love it more because Rich clearly does it on purpose to make the reader want more which is very clever on his part (not just a hat rack/pretty face, is he?!) Now, if only he’d friggin give it already! LOL!
Highly recommended read!!