Boyhood Friendships and Golf
“Unlike relationships between girls, I think boyhood friendships are about sharing experiences, not sharing feelings,” says Rosa. “Two for Tee” is a collection of easy-to-read, fast-paced snippets that reveal experiences that tell the story. “Too often in books,” Rosa says, “I think boys are portrayed inaccurately. Boys don’t easily share thoughts and feelings; not even with a best friend. And they certainly don’t quote poems or recite Shakespeare (at best, they know television theme songs and commercial jingles). Instead of talking about emotions, guys generally act out how they feel. They understand and learn through observation and action.” “Two for Tee” begins when both boys are ten years old. Within weeks of Buzzy moving into the neighborhood, a prank backfires with irreparable results. Each of the boys copes with the lasting effects in their own way. Chad becomes passionate about the only allowable sport, golf, and finds comfort on the course and in his imagination. Buzzy turns into the court jester hoping a dose of humor will make things better. The next obvious question for Rosa was: Why golf? “As far as golf,” Rosa says, “they both learn lessons and sometimes forget what they’ve been taught. As a writer, I stay away from the formulaic plot that would have one of the characters winning a tournament at the end of the story. My experience comes from being around the game and hopefully having an ability to identify those things that teach us lessons beyond a winning final score. The golf course provides both harmony and chaos that challenges, entertains, and keeps us coming back for more.” In “Two for Tee”, Chad and Buzzy attend a professional golf tournament, spend a week at golf camp, and play in a junior golf tournament. And since the characters are so different, their perspective experiences at each event are polar opposites. “I realize it’s a little ambitious to try and capture the entire course of a six-year friendship in 40,000 words,” says Rosa, “but most everyone can relate to memories created and shared with a childhood friend that shape who we are today. Also, I think it’s important to let young people know that it’s normal for some friendships to fade over time.” Teenage boys, nostalgic adults, and golf enthusiasts should not miss the well-worn themes replete in “Two for Tee”—time heals all wounds; choose your friends wisely; and, at the end of every journey, a new one begins. About Author "Two for Tee" can be purchased at your local bookstore or on-line. Disclaimer: Article submitters are solely responsible for the content of their articles. ArtiLib can't be held liable for the contents of the articles. Report Abuse | Browse By Category |
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