Title: Joe’s Adventures: Fun on the River
Author: Joseph J. Dougherty
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 9781543411966
Pages: 146
Genre: Fiction
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel
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Pacific Book Review Star
Awarded to Books of Excellent Merit
Calling back to the simpler times of Joseph J. Dougherty, “Joe’s Adventures: Fun of the River” is an adventure following friends in the summer of 1947 in Florida. The adventures take place primarily on the ship (The Frog) they built and the places they travel upon it. It’s also reflective with the feeling that the narrator is looking back on his childhood, at a chunk of time in life when everything was simple and full of wondrous adventures, where sodas were only 2 cents and there was no need for shoes. The illustrations pair well with the tone and setting. Appearing similar to sketches, they’re simple with shading and fit the looking back theme.
At its heart “Joe’s Adventures” is a story of childhood, but also has to do with being carefree and friendship. The boys are always together and getting into some sort of trouble, but they also dream big. They wanted a ship so they built one. It’s a time in life when fear is only a challenge, though the author himself notes not to mess with rattlesnakes and alligators. The most harrowing adventure is that against the alligator, but despite the real danger, the characters are safe and get away with a story. Though, one of the most humorous scenes is one that has to do with a snipe hunt. The boys take Susan out and trick her into thinking they’re hunting for the classic made up creature, called a snipe, which turns into a fun twist where she thinks she actually caught one. Snipes is a classic touch to the story, as a practical joke not common today.
Dougherty uses his real life experiences as a inspiration, including the use of Harold his life long friend and his cousin Susan. The writing is straightforward and simple, often reminding me of the styles of classics such as “The Hardy Boys” or “Where the Red Fern Grows.” The Frog is a catalyst for the adventures, which are filled with the terrors of nature, including a rattlesnake and alligator. The biggest draw to adventure is the inclusion of Ray, who has the Jungle Den which has raccoons, snakes, turkeys, and so on.
“Joe’s Adventures” breaks the forth wall a couple of times, once even addressing “to the reader,” which provides an oral storytelling tone. The tone is often enthusiastic, amplifying the action as they try to catch a snake or narrowly escape from an alligator. The story is aimed at older kids, but the topic hits at an older audience looking to lose themselves in the joy of childhood during a time when you ran around barefoot and went on snipe hunts. “Joe’s Adventures” seems to have something that speaks to our souls, and inner being searching for more, or anyone who wants to go on an adventure without leaving their sofa.
