Can you remember what Labor Day meant to you when you were 13 years old? Back then the last weekend of the summer, most of us were busy doing some last minute back to school shopping with mom. We were probably a bit nervous, but anxious for the new school year to begin.
For Henry, the 13 year old narrator of Joyce Maynard’s soon to be released new book (pub date July 28): Labor Day: A Novel
, this is a time that will dramatically change lonely, friendless Henry’s life forever.
, this is a time that will dramatically change lonely, friendless Henry’s life forever.
Henry has lived alone with his long divorced mother, in Holton Mills , New Hampshire
On a rare shopping excursion for some back to school items, an unlikely event takes place, which forms the foundation for much of the story. A bleeding man named Frank approaches Henry in the department store, and he tells Henry he needs help. Henry introduces Frank to his mother, and they take the stranger home with them for the long Labor Day weekend. Before long they learn that “the man with kind eyes” has just escaped from prison. But all is not as it first appears on the surface.
What happens next simply captivated me, but I can't say much more without revealing too much.. The author captured the character of Henry beautifully, a wounded adolescent who felt responsible for his mother’s sadness.
Labor Day is a wonderful coming of age story that might bring a tear to the eyes of some readers. Gripping with emotion, and the power of love and forgiveness, in the end you will be thrilled you read this wonderful story. Fewer than 250 pages, I read Labor Day in just one sitting, and it will surely be in my Top 10 list for 2009. There was no way I could put this rare find down before learning what would happen to the lives of Henry, Adele and Frank. DO NOT MISS this one; highly recommended.
RATING - 5/5 - COMPLETED - 6/29/09
Where From - My Stacks (review copy)
I won't miss out on this one...I'm off to request it from my library right now!! Thanks for the wonderful review..can't wait to read this!
ReplyDeleteI'll keep this book in mind. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteYour review caught my attention! I'm adding this book to my wish list.
ReplyDeleteDiane,
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fantastic read -- great review.
OH! I wanted this one. I'm so glad to see that you loved it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review...this book caught my eye a couple of weeks ago so it was nice to read a little bit more detail about this story.
ReplyDeletethis sounds like a good book
ReplyDeleteWow, that is a ringing endorsement. I've heard good things about this book, but I wasn't sold on it, yet. But, your review put me over the top. I must get this book!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the great review of this one! I've been really curious about it and it certainly sounds very good. I first was really attracted to the cover which I still really like.
ReplyDeleteExcellent review -- you've made me want to read Labor Day. I love coming of age stories.
ReplyDeleteI am on the fence about this one. I have heard a lot of positive things about it, but I am not totally sure if I would like it. I might give it a try since you said it was one of your best reads of the year though. If I do end up reading this one, I will let you know what I thought about it.
ReplyDeleteGreat review Diane. Now I want to read the book!!
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Diane! I agree. This one's going on my Top Ten list for 2009. I thought it was terrific. Have you read An Unfinished Life by Mark Spragg? As I mentioned in my review, Labor Day reminded me of Spragg's wonderful novel. Definitely worth reading!
ReplyDelete