"Although this is his first novel, Jonathan
Clements's long practice writing the personal-finance
column for
The Wall Street Journal shows in a
quickly paced story with a plot that moves right along,
with enough detail that every middle-aged cyclist can
relate to," writes Richard Masoner,
Cyclelicio.us. "It’s a quick, enjoyable
read."
"An entertaining story," says Ray Niekamp,
BikeNoob.com.48 and Counting is, as
the novel's subtitle suggests,
A Story of Money, Love
and Bicycling. It traces amateur cyclist Max
Whitfield through three eventful seasons as his marriage
collapses and he loses control of his business.
Unemployed and unsure what to do next, he throws himself
into training for a 40-mile bicycle race.
Clare saw Max rise out of the seat. He was her
48-year-old father and yet, at that moment, he was
somebody else entirely. The muscles in his arms were
taut. His face and legs glistened with perspiration.
As the bike leapt forward and gathered speed, he sat
down, shifted into an easier gear and spun the pedals
with a controlled fury. For a few brief seconds, the
beauty was unmistakable.
Max's bike hurtled past the other two riders. A
yawning gap immediately opened up. Max had his chance.
He had broken free of the other two, who were now
belatedly trying to respond, their suddenly feverish
motion signaling how surprised they were. Max was 80
excruciating seconds from the finish
line.
Jonathan Clements is the former
personal-finance columnist for
The Wall Street
Journal. He was born in London, England, graduated
from Cambridge University and now lives in New York
City. This is Clements's fifth book and his first novel.