Review of The Rocking Chair by Steven Manchester

 

Synopsis:

 

Memories are the ultimate contradiction. They can warm us on our coldest days – or they can freeze a loved one out of our lives forever. The McCarthy family has a trove of warm memories. Of innocent first kisses. Of sumptuous family meals. Of wondrous lessons learned at the foot of a rocking chair. But they also have had their share of icy ones. Of words that can never be unsaid. Of choices that can never be unmade. Of actions that can never be undone. 

Following the death of his beloved wife, John McCarthy – Grandpa John – calls his family back home. It is time for them to face the memories they have made, both warm and cold. Only then can they move beyond them and into the future.

A rich portrait of a family at a crossroad, The Rockin’ Chair is Steven Manchester’s most heartfelt and emotionally engaging novel to date. If family matters to you, it is a story you must read.

 

My review:

 



I was so excited when I was able to review another of Steven Manchester's books. His books are truly heart wrenching and yet, tell timeless tales of loss and love. His book, The Rocking Chair did not disappoint.

His character John McCarthy was a hard working man, who cared for his wife who has Alzheimer's, right up to her death. He believes that hard work and lessons learned are what makes you stronger. He is not a highly educated man but his often hard learned lessons are given as he rocks in his rocking chair. They are usually poignant and understood without the need for frivolity.

After John's wife dies, he realizes his family is broken in a myriad of ways and the only way to  repair the damage is for each of them to face what haunts them, that includes John himself. Each character is brought to life with  purposeful intent and the reader cannot help but get wrapped up in them and want the best outcome possible.

As I read, I found myself  in the character Hank, who is John's son. They have been estranged for years when a misunderstanding leads to years of hatred and heartbreak. I honestly could relate to this as the relationship I had to my own father before his death two years ago.

Once I started reading The Rocking Chair I simply could not put it down and read it in one day. With tissues on hand, this book is a must read.

This book: 5 stars!

~Naila Moon

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the author for my open and honest opinion. This review is also part of the Providence book tour. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

About Steven Manchester:

Steven Manchester is the author of the #1 bestseller Twelve Months, Goodnight, Brian, and several other books. His work has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, CBS’s The Early
Show, CNN’s American Morning and BET’s Nightly News. Recently, three of Manchester’s short stories were selected “101 Best” for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

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