Reviewed by Warren Maxwell
5-STAR: A charming, good-natured story collection about the friendships and adventures that make life worth living

“I like chance encounters. They can take me somewhere worth going.”

Whether catching a plane with a Hell’s Angel or sitting at the bar with a best friend, Replays is replete with the kind of down-to-earth banter and tall tales you’d be lucky to overhear from a few seats over.

As Gary Hawthorn (Hawth to his friends) explains in the book’s introduction, many of these stories are born from true events. They recount rough summer jobs, heroics in a high school gym class, battles over suburban lawns, and the experiences of traveling across country to see friends and then coming home again. There’s a lived-in quality

to each of these twenty-seven stories that makes them both easy to read and hard to forget.

“Say no more, amigo. I’d rather get a simultaneous prostate exam and root canal

than be forced to watch never-ending pictures of another person’s family vacation.”

There’s gruff, unapologetic Jersey humor sprinkled throughout the book that leads, in some cases, to full on belly laughs. One story, “Swimming with Pigs” mocks a wealthy neighbor who brags about how much money he spent on a vacation to the Caribbean Pig Island where he and his family swam with the pigs.

Hawth and his best friend DP Ski ruthlessly cut into “Mr. Materialist,” go on a tangent about the sudden emergence of Goat Yoga somewhere in Arizona, and circle back to a story about West Cape May’s pig farm. The freewheeling conversations flit from subject to subject with zest and joy at the simple fact of talking and laughing with a friend. The energy of these kindred spirits and playful dialogues is infectious and brought a smile to my face.

“As I approach the terminal exit, I see my reflection grow larger in an overhead

mirror over the doors going out. But I’ve never felt smaller. In the worst way, I want

that someone to be a stranger. I stare at myself and ask out loud, ‘And who the hell

do you think you are?’”

While the writing can have a slightly clumsy texture with awkward transitions and phrases that don’t capture the vernacular of ordinary speech, there’s something deeply charming about how rooted the stories are in place and time. In a way, the very stylistic clumsiness speaks to a certain “fuggedaboutit” Jersey attitude. That word itself, along with old phrases like “Riding high in April, shot down in May,” and other “Jersey bona fi-deees” pop up throughout the book and make for endearing reminders of what life looks and sounds like on the Atlantic coast. Jersey lovers will be pleased to find references to Trenton, Asbury Park, Atlantic City, Wildwood, Cape May, and so many other if-you-know-then-you-know places.

“Jim, can I ask you something?”

“Shoot—but don’t ask if what I just told you actually happened.”

“Not going there. Never knew you to make up anything. No need to, given the wild-

ass life you’ve led.”

“No comment.”

Among the collection’s many stories, “Breaking Up Is Very Hard to Do” is one of its strongest. Set on a boat off the coast of Florida with Hawth and his older brother Jim, the story unfurls as they first follow birds to the good fishing grounds, save a pelican tied up in fishing line, and then delve into one of Jim’s stranger romantic encounters. Even as the story retains the humor and odd ball hijinks that are characteristic of the collection, it also touches a depth of emotion and familial connection between the two brothers that is genuinely moving. This is apparent in other stories, but here it really comes to fruition, arriving at poetic moments. A slow boat ride, a day of good and bad fishing, some brotherly love, and moments of bracing honesty make this a story that is striking in its simplicity and psychological insight.

A collection of stories that exercise classic New Jersey humor while also plumbing the emotional core that hangs behind them, Replays is a heartwarming, lovable debut.

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (1/2025)
5-STAR: Nostalgic, Evocative, and Engaging

In “Replays: Short Stories by a Jersey Guy,” author Gary Hawthorn draws readers into the colorful world of Jersey life through a collection of twenty-seven short stories that resonate with nostalgia and authenticity. Written after his retirement, Hawthorn’s tales are steeped in the experiences and peculiarities of the people with whom he grew up. Many of the characters are real people whose lives are intertwined in his entertaining fictional accounts.

As a former Jersey girl, I found myself instantly transported back to some of my old familiar haunts, ranging from the Jersey shore to the mysterious Pine Barrens. Hawthorn’s storytelling realistically captures the flavor of these locales. His reflections on his childhood, particularly those involving his friend DP Ski, and his big brother Jim, add a layer of intimacy and warmth. Readers will feel connected with the underlying universal themes of family and friendship, especially as they evolve over time.

Hawthorn shares recollections about New Jersey’s rich folklore, including accounts about the mysterious painted rock, and the infamous Jersey Devil. Having grown up in the Pine Barrens, I enjoyed stepping back into this world and viewing it through his eyes. Incorporating vivid descriptions about the local culinary delights into the stories will make readers mouths water, as it did my own. Tales involving pizzas, tomato pies, pork rolls, tomatoes, peaches, and blueberries remind us all about the unique culinary and cultural heritage that sets New Jersey apart from other states. Everything tastes better in the Garden State!

What sets “Replays” apart is Hawthorn’s insightful examination of human nature. With the wisdom that he gained from his life experiences, he reflects on the complexities of his characters, revealing their special idiosyncrasies with empathy and humor. The interactions among Jersey folks are portrayed realistically as they highlight the chutzpah that is inherent in their nature.

Readers will really enjoy the lively dialogue in tales.

In essence, “Replays: Short Stories by a Jersey Guy” is a heartfelt homage to a beloved home, that skillfully blends reality with fiction, written by a man that returned after moving away. For anyone with ties to New Jersey, Hawthorn’s collection will spark memories that resonate deeply, making it a must-read for those who cherish the stories that helped shape us. I can’t wait to recommend it to other former Jerseyites!

Reviewed by Amanda Caswell for Reader Views (1/2025)
5-STAR - Jersey nostalgia through humor and heart

Gary Hawthorn’s “Replays: Short Stories by a Jersey Guy” is an engaging collection of short stories that celebrates the spirit of New Jersey life while reflecting on universal human experiences. I’m a Jersey girl, myself, so I couldn’t help but be attracted to the title and was eager to dive in. Luckily, the book did not disappoint. The author’s witty and conversational storytelling style breathes life into a variety of characters and scenarios that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Hawthorn’s undeniably deep connection to New Jersey forms the backbone of the collection. His stories are rich with the sights, sounds, and smells of the Garden State, that anyone can appreciate, especially those who call New Jersey home. From the iconic diners to the local bars where much of the action takes place, the vivid settings, including Pete’s Tavern and other quintessentially Jersey locales, are meticulously crafted, serving as both physical spaces and metaphors for the themes throughout the essays. The dialogue, peppered with Jersey slang and humor, is especially effective in immersing readers in the culture. Again, this is a delicious book for anyone to devour but those from New Jersey will eat it up as they can personally relate to much of the backdrop.

The stories in “Replays” are thought-provoking and intense at times as the themes grapple with everything from self-identity and discovery to relationships and aging. Hawthorn’s portrayal of friendship is particularly compelling, as seen in his interactions with DP Ski, a loyal and spirited companion who appears in several stories. Their humorous banter and occasional philosophical musings anchor the narrative, showcasing how shared history and camaraderie can provide meaning and comfort later in life.

I fell in love with the characters because they are an eclectic mix of quirky and profound, each offering a unique perspective. DP Ski, for instance, embodies the everyman dealing with life’s absurdities, while others, like the larger-than-life TD Duron, represent the struggle of clinging to past glories. These characters feel authentic and relatable, which are what draw readers like me into their lives that are both humorous and extremely special.

This book is a quick read because of Hawthorn’s sense of humor. Throughout the collection his wittiness shines through whether he is reminiscing about the absurdities of a summer job or an exaggerated weightlifting competition gone wrong, his wit keeps the stories lively. Yet, beneath the humor lies a layer of introspection. Many stories delve into the complexities of memory,

nostalgia, and the passage of time. Hawthorn’s reflections on aging and the shifting priorities of life resonate universally, offering moments of quiet wisdom amidst the laughter.

One of the greatest strengths of “Replays” is Hawthorn’s ability to evoke a sense of place. His love for New Jersey is palpable, and he captures its essence with affection and authenticity. Gary Hawthorn’s sharp wit and conversational style make this a delightful read for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories filled with humor and introspection. While the collection leans heavily on nostalgia and dialogue, its universal themes of friendship, identity, and the passage of time make it accessible to a wide audience. I highly recommend this book for those looking for a mix of laughter, reflection, and a touch of Jersey charm. “Replays” delivers.