DiDonovan

Jack Duncan lives in the small agricultural town of Delano, where he comes of age dreaming of escaping his roots. His father was a grape grower who died under questionable conditions, and his family struggles with poverty and losing the family property. Jack believes that struggle is an inherent part of his life until he stumbles upon evidence that his father was murdered, and that local corruption led to his demise.

The Road to Delano has solid roots in historical facts and Hispanic experience, but reaches out to readers who may have little prior familiarity with either California's Central Valley or early Hispanic grape worker activism.

The story opens in the 1930s as Sugar plans both his future as a farmer and his role as a husband to the beautiful Shirley. After setting its foundations in the family farm's origins, it quickly moves to son Jack's world as he investigates a missing combine, the threat to his mother's home, and a longtime process of political and social corruption that reaches into his life and those of everyone around him.

Under John DeSimone's hand, farm worker rights and history are revealed through the eyes of a non-activist who becomes embroiled in causes and challenges beyond his normal experience. Jack moves from being a high school senior who only wants to escape the politics and process of Delano's culture to someone with a vested interest in social change. John DeSimone crafts a powerful story about farm worker rights and struggles through the eyes of a young man who wants to be anything but politically involved.

The Road to Delano surveys the evolving politics of Chavez and those on both sides as DeSimone guides a compelling saga that juxtaposes big-stakes gambles (in more than one way) with threats not just to ranching and workers, but American integrity and morals.

When a plan is hatched between Jack and his activist friend Adrian to save the family farm—one that directly confronts those behind the widespread and powerful corruption—Jack discovers his true passions, commitment, and a form of involvement that he had eschewed in the past. This creates a gripping story of not only how Jack can truly escape Delano, but how he can preserve his integrity and roots in the process.

The Road to Delano is a compelling story that will leave readers thinking about its surprise ending long after the final confrontation comes to a head.