ALL HAT, a novel by local author Brad Smith, was picked up by Penguin also made into a movie.  For horse-racing fans ~ Ray and Pete, two main characters come up with an audacious plan to exact revenge on a ruthless, wealthy Sonny Stanton.

"Well, we ain't quittin' now, Ray."  Pete nodded toward the barn.  "That Paulie ~ he's a damn good kid.  You see the change in him already?  Hell, he even walks different.  When he first got here, he'd walk into a room like he was apologizing for something.  And now he don't.  All I did was give him an old hat, and he thinks I'm the second coming.  He's been told his whole life he ain't worth nothin', by people like Sonny Stanton.  Calling him down and hitting on him.  His whole life.  Now maybe I done a few things I shouldn't have done, and maybe you done a few things you shouldn't have done, and maybe when the last steer is branded we ain't much better than Sonny.  But I gotta believe we're a little bit better than Sonny, and I'd like to show that kid that it's so.  I'd like to show him that the Sonny Stantons in the world don't always come out on top."

Smith tells a fast-paced story, well constructed, humourous with heart.  Read one of Brad's stories and be ready to look for more.

~ ALL HAT, Penguin Canada, 2003.   Brad's books are available at The Neat Little Bookshop.