Holding on for Dear Life

By: Dusti Bowling

Narrated by: Jay Reum

Bloomsbury presents Holding on for Dear Life by Dusti Bowling read by Jay Reum

Acclaimed author Dusti Bowling takes the bull by the horns in this moving novel about a boy struggling to keep his family together while facing the side effects of bull riding.

Thirteen-year-old Canyon loves bull riding, but the sport doesn't exactly love him back. His body is in constant pain and doctors have warned him about the dangers of his repeated concussions, but bull riding is the only thing he and his dad connect on ever since Canyon's mom died. Canyon is convinced winning the Junior World Bull Riding championship will be the thing to bring them together again, that once he has that shiny belt buckle all the pain will be worth it. Besides, Canyon has a secret way to help his hurt: playing the fiddle.

When Canyon is unexpectedly chosen for a music competition show, a new dream begins to form. But Dad is getting worse, and Canyon feels more pressure than ever to hold his family together--even if it means choosing to hurt himself bull riding over healing through music. Soon Canyon begins to wonder if he’s holding on to all the right things, or if there are some he needs to let go of.©2025 Dusti Bowling (P)2025 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Great character, story and narrator

I cried multiple times but loved the ending. Good voices - easy listen. Good life lessons without feeling like that is the intention

Dusti does it again

This author masterfully weaves beautiful and sorrowful stories that pull at one’s heart and leave us hanging on the edge of our seats as we await the next chapter. Listen to it in all in less than 48 hours!