A Better Heart - Book Review

Chuck Augello's enthralling Novel, A Better Heart, presents you with family drama and adventure. He delves deep into the complex bond between humans and animals, bringing to light the need for change in how we view animal rights. A Better Heart is an enjoyable read with both humorous aspects as well as a powerful message on this important topic. It is a delight for the reader, featuring an engaging expedition with an endearing primate.

The novel opens finding the protagonist, Kevin Stacey, a budding filmmaker confronted with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. He is trying to produce and direct his independent film Exit 23. But with dwindling funds, quirky actors, and unreliable crew members, his dream of making the movie looks pretty slim. Kevin must find ways to push through in order for his dream project to become a reality. Can he overcome these challenges and finally turn his vision into a reality?

But Kevin's life becomes even more complicated when his estranged father, Brian Edward, unexpectedly arrives at his door. His father was an actor with a minor presence in over 600 Hollywood films. It wasn't a simple father-and-son reunion but something much more. He came bearing an endearing capuchin monkey named Henry and a thick stack of cash - but also an ominous handgun.

With FBI agents on Brian's trail for liberating Henry from a research lab, it seemed as if Brian and Henry were out of options until Kevin decided to help in finding asylum for the Capuchin monkey. This task would necessitate embarking upon an adventurous cross-country road trip accompanied by friends and family they could trust: Veronica Merrin (Kevin's best friend & lover), Mike (his lawyer brother), and Catholic priest Father Anton Blank – a big-time movie buff!

Augello weaves an exciting tale as the FBI and United States Attorney's Office attempt to best a band of unconventional characters in their mission to help Henry gain his freedom. Along the way, readers will be entertained with humor while being reminded of how some animals suffer in captivity.

Augello's brilliantly crafted novel paints complex characters in thought-provoking scenarios where readers are left to reflect on animal rights issues while being entertained along every twist and chuckle at each laugh-out-loud moment as it takes them through the novel's five-part journey.  Well written and intriguing. A Better Heart is a real page-turner that's exciting, and entertaining that gives a peek into Chuck Augello's explorations into animal rights issues.