“A Roof Over Our Heads and Food on the Table” by Ted J. Brooks has received acclaim from Mark Heisey of the US Review of Books. Heisey highlighted that
“Brooks’ writing is crisp, clean, and more focused on pacing than lengthy descriptions.”
The story A Roof Over Our Heads and Food on the Table seems to revolve around themes of everyday life, potentially focusing on personal narratives that explore friendship and challenges. It may delve into the complexities of friendship amidst life’s struggles, illustrated through the bond between two Irish-American characters. While at school, Pat Kavanaugh met his roommate Sean Donnelly, and they became friends. In the end, Sean was always there for Pat.
Ted J. Brooks, the author of the book, is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University. His hobbies include family research, photography, and coin collecting.
Although Pat wants to pursue an English degree, his parents persuade him to choose accounting as a major, believing it will lead to a financially stable future. While attending college, Pat and his roommate enjoy a shared heritage and become lifelong friends. Pat follows the advice of his college advisor and takes a part-time job at a local grocery store. When Pat graduates, he believes he can move into the store’s accounting department and begin a solid career. However, things don’t go as planned. Pat receives a promotion to full-time but doesn’t get the position or compensation he expected. His father is disappointed and feels that Pat is letting others take advantage of him. Pat’s employer doesn’t allow him to work a second job, which adds to Pat’s financial burden. Eventually, Pat is taken in by a group running a shady, pyramid-scheme-type business. In a short time, the pieces of Pat’s life unravel.
Recently, the book trailer for A Roof Over Our Heads and Food on the Table by Ted J. Brooks was released, offering a powerful glimpse into a story where friendship is more than just companionship—it’s survival. This gripping novel explores the unbreakable bonds forged in times of hardship, proving that in life’s toughest moments, true friends become family. The trailer hints at a narrative filled with resilience, trust, and the unwavering support that deep, time-tested friendships can provide. Watch the trailer now and step into a world where friendship isn’t just a bond—it’s the key to survival.
“A Roof Over Our Heads and Food on the Table” by Ted J. Brooks was displayed at the London Book Fair (LBF) at Olympia London from March 11-13, 2025. The LBF, held at Olympia London, reportedly drew approximately 30,000 attendees and experienced a 10-percent increase in rights-center table sales. The event hosted over 1,000 exhibitors, though providing an exact figure would offer more clarity and detail. The International Rights Center, which saw a 10-percent rise in sales compared to 2024, is said to have sold a total of 550 tables. LBF serves as a premier gathering for the global publishing community, providing a platform for individuals to forge connections, gain valuable insights, and shape the future of creative content. This event brings together a diverse spectrum of professionals, including publishers, dealmakers, copyright specialists, commissioners, and global licensors, all representing the broad scope of the publishing industry.
The US Review of Books (USRB) recommends A Roof Over Our Heads and Food on the Table by Ted J. Brooks. Here’s the review from the USRB:
“Brooks’ short fiction deals with the false hopes and dashed dreams that can sometimes affect a recent college graduate. The life once dreamed about upon completing a college degree can sometimes lead to disillusionment when the job market is tough, and breaks are hard to come by. Brooks’ writing is crisp, clean, and more focused on pacing than lengthy descriptions. This work is grounded in the everyday. Its concerns are the trials and struggles common to most young professionals as they try to navigate their path in the workplace. The dialogue is stilted at times, and there is not a lot of tension in the story. However, this work will likely appeal to those who have been through similar experiences and felt a little lost as they began to find their place in their chosen profession.”