Book & Author Spotlight: Ribbon of Dreams by Randy O’Brien
Title - Ribbon of Dreams
Author - Randy O’Brien
Publisher - Histria Fiction
Release Date - March 10, 2026
Pages - 300
Formats - Paperback and Ebook
Decription
A heartfelt coming-of-age novel set in 1970s Tennessee, Ribbon of Dreams explores identity, family, and hope as a young man faces love, loss, and change in a divided America.
Ribbon of Dreams is a coming-of-age story set in the rural American South as soldiers return from the Vietnam War, dealing with PTSD, grief, and African Americans strive for social justice.
In the spring of 1975, a teenager nicknamed Skid nears high school graduation in a small town in Tennessee. But as he prepares for the next chapter of his life, he begins to question the path laid out for him by his family and community.
Skid dreams of leaving his small town, but his widowed stepfather expects him to take over the family business of restoring vintage cars. With tensions rising between them, Skid struggles to find his identity after being swept up in a protest by African American students.
As he navigates the challenges of young adulthood, Skid discovers a passion for screenwriting and begins to see his town in a new light. Through his talent, he captures the beauty and complexity of rural America, from the rolling fields of corn to the worn faces of the town's residents.
But as Skid prepares to leave for college, a tragedy strikes his community, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of life and the fragility of his dreams. In the aftermath, he must choose whether to stay and help rebuild his life or forge ahead on his path.
Set against the background of a violently evolving America, Ribbon of Dreams explores the power of friendship, the influence of memory, community, and self-discovery.
From the author of the critically acclaimed novels Gettysburg by Morning and The Farm, O'Brien's latest novel transports readers to an America torn by years of political and social strife, family upheaval, and heartbreaking sorrow.
Five Questions with Randy O’Brien, Author of Ribbon of Dreams
Author Randy O’Brien
1. You spent decades in radio journalism. How did that experience shape your approach to writing Ribbon of Dreams?
In my early teens, I was friends with a local DJ whose grandparents lived in my neighborhood. He seemed to be having fun, and I always thought it would be great to have a morning radio show so I could write in the afternoon. I was lucky it worked out that way. I believe I discovered my radio voice and my writing voice at the same time. I think reporting the news helped me organize my thoughts and facts so people could listen to and understand them. That's the great thing about radio news. You only have one shot to get your point across, which forces you to write with clarity and structure.
2. Why did you choose 1975 Tennessee as the setting for this coming-of-age story?
My first novel with Histria Fiction is called Gettysburg by Morning, set during the Civil War. The second book takes place at the end of World War Two, while Ribbon of Dreams is set at the conclusion of the Vietnam War. I enjoy exploring America's experiences at the end of major conflicts. The Vietnam War remains a significant memory for many, with veterans still grappling with its aftermath. I had a cousin who served in Vietnam, and his experience was complicated.
3. Skid feels torn between family expectations and his own creative ambitions. What does that tension represent to you?
I was looking for an opportunity to explore the stepfather-son relationship. I know it can be very positive for a lot of people, but there have also been many negative reports about people with fraught relationships with their stepparents. I didn't have that. Both of my parents lived to a very old age and stayed married for over 50 years. When you're looking for a story to tell, you always look for the most dramatic opportunities, and I feel that's what makes for effective storytelling. Skids' expectations to take over the family business versus what he really wants to do with his life is something a lot of people run into.
4. Your novels span the Civil War, post–World War II America, and now the 1970s South. What draws you repeatedly to moments of social upheaval in American history?
While the Civil War and World War Two were supported by millions of Americans, the Vietnam War was not. In fact, I believe the Vietnam War ended because public support waned and politicians realized they would lose power if they continued to support it. I believe that any conflict results in great drama, and the conflict between those who supported the Vietnam War and those who protested it created great drama.
5. Ribbon of Dreams explores grief, protest, identity, and change. What do you hope readers carry with them after finishing the novel?
I believe readers of Ribbon of Dreams will find their time with Skid worthwhile, as he grapples with his stepfather’s expectations and his own aspirations. Almost all of us have been there. Separation from your parents is natural and necessary for a young person to find their own way. But nostalgia can be complex for readers—bittersweet, evoking both painful and joyful memories. Coming-of-age novels draw on universal themes and create drama ultimately delivering a fulfilling and hopefully inspiring reading experience.
