Saturday, May 28, 2022

Book Review - Father's Day; Simon Van Booy

 

Father's Day; Simon Van Booy
Harper Audio  (2016) - 6 hours 57 minutes
(narrated by Bronson Pinchot-very good)

This book has been among my purchased audio downloads for several years so I decided to try it as Father's Day is just (3) weeks away.

Harvey was just six years old when her parents were killed in a car accident.  Her kind social worker, Wanda is desperate to keep her out of foster homes but, her only living relative is a disabled uncle named Jason who is has a violent criminal record.   Although the two have never met, Wanda sees something in Jason that makes her believe that having him as Harvey's guardian may be just what the other needs. At first Jason refuses as he isn't convinced that he can care for a young girl but, Wanda is persistent and finally he agrees as he can't stand the thought of her going into the foster care system. Harvey teaches Jason how to care and love and Jason begins to learn what being a father is all about and, eventually he is granted permanent custody of Harvey.

The story alternates from Harvey's past to the present as a 26 year old young woman living in Paris.  Jason comes to visit her and she presents him with a gift, a memory box, which triggers flashbacks to set the story in motion.  I liked the way Jason's big heartedness begins to shine through and the reader sees that while their relationship is never perfect but it clearly worked and Harvey grew and thrived under his care.  This story moved along at a nice pace, the writing is simple and not too emotional either.  Recommended.

Rating - 4/5 stars

22 comments:

  1. Sounds really good although sometimes I get lost when the flashbacks start.

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  2. Perfect timing. And it sounds like the story worked well for you.

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  3. I really did enjoy it, kind of a simple story but, it was also mostly feel good over all.

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  4. I like the sound of this one. And what a perfect read as Father's Day approaches. I'll have to see if my library has a copy. :)

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  5. It's been a long time since I've read anything by Simon Van Booy. This novel sounds like it might be worthwhile, especially on audio.

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    1. The audio was very good and I think I've read one his earlier books as well. I meant to check that out.

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  6. I had to Google when Father's Day is just to make sure I didn't miss it. Lol. Thanks for the reminder!

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  7. How lovely to find a book that really hits the spot for you.

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    1. Yes, it's probably not a book everyone will enjoy as the story is simple, a bit slow moving but, it was very satisfying for me.

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  8. It was enjoyable; of course, I was hoping this work work out well.

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  9. Sounds like perfect timing for this one! The author's name sounds so familiar... I discovered one of his books, Everything Beautiful Began After, is in my kindle library. Unread for almost a decade. I'll need to try Simon Van Booy.

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    1. JoAnn, I am guilty of having many of those decade old unread Kindle books as well. It seems "out of sight out of mind" happens a lot with eBooks.

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  10. Sounds like a very nice feel good read about single parenting.

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    1. It sure was different especially since he had a violent past.

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  11. I like the idea of second chances and 2 "strangers" bringing out the best in each other.

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    1. It was an unexpected surprise. I do love dysfunctional family stories.

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  12. I'm not sure I would have really looked at this one but your review makes it sound really appealing. I will have to look for this one!

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  13. It worked out to be an unusual story but ultimately feel good as well.

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