{Review} The Rockin' Chair by Steven Manchester

ISBN #: 978-1611880670

Page Count: 272

Copyright: June 18, 2013

Publisher: The Story Plant

Book Summary:

(Taken from back cover)

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.

Mandy's Review:

I think I've finally figured out what it is I love about Steven Manchester's books. All of his main characters have faith and belief in God and they do their best to honor Him, but they're still real people. Some of them still cuss. Some get angry. Some are hardheaded. They're not holier than thou. They're believable. They're relatable. They're you and me.

John's wife is suffering from Alzheimer's when the book begins. Her death makes him realize that he has some "chores" to do before he can go be with her. The chores involve helping out his son and grandchildren realize their potential and love for each other.

With simple "backwoods" country wisdom, John gently guides everyone along the path towards realization. Okay, sometimes he gives them a hard shove into that realization, but it's needed. John reminded me of my own grandfather (who, ironically, was called Johnny by my grandmother): never cruel, always loving, never judgmental, always there. I miss him.

A wonderful family story about perception and the redeeming quality of forgiveness, of yourself and others, The Rockin' Chair is another fantastic edition to Steven Manchester's literary works. All of his books are simply told but with a lot of heart. Read them.


*A paperback copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.