Most authors are lucky to launch their new book at a small bar or bookstore. James McCreath celebrated the preview of his first novel, Renaldo, at the C Lounge on Wellington Ave. West with an upscale party. A team of young soccer players added some zip and performance reality to the evening’s theme.

It was quite the highlight for this rock promoter, restauranteur and commercial real-estate magnate. With so much on the go, why become an author, we dare to ask? McCreath feels he has a wealth of life experience to express in the pages and characters of Renaldo. Born in Toronto, he has traveled the world and has always planned on one day penning this first novel. Now 10 years later, 33 chapters are a reality.

Renaldo is an epic saga of Argentina, its people, its politics, but mostly its passion for the sport known internationally as 'football.' The story begins in 1978, when the World Cup of Soccer is planning to take place in five Argentine cities. Political and economic instability threatens the nation's ability to hold a peaceful and successful tournament.

This novel allows us to discover three generations of the De Seta family of Buenos Aires and to finally have a glimpse behind-the-scenes of the World Cup of Soccer, one of the world's greatest sporting events. Renaldo De Seta evolves as the gifted young soccer prodigy who becomes as celebrated as the game itself.

McCreath has presented a journey of both triumph and tragedy set against the background of a beautifully romantic country with a dark secret. Renaldo is available at www.amazon.com.

More at www.renaldo.com

Jody Glaser
jody@juicystuff.ca