image The Flower of Grass
by James Robinson

Are there second chances in life? John Allen hopes so. He’s been away from his home town for 16 years. He fled the city to get away from his father who abused him and was an alcoholic. John found out that you can’t run away from your problems, though. Although he was a successful writer, he battled his own addictions, and not just addiction to alcohol.

What’s drawing him back now? His father has finally died and he’s decided to go home and try to reconcile with those he left behind.

His mother had passed away years before. He’d been back for the funeral but had left the city before talking to anyone. Now he’s back to see his sister who’s suffered two failed marriages but has a wonderful daughter to show for it. She’s an aspiring writing, wanting to follow in her Uncle John’s footsteps. He also has a brother who’s a recluse, battling his own addiction to alcohol. John had also left behind the girl of his dreams, Jesse.

But can you just come home and act like those 16 years never happened? Jesse had given up on his ever returning and had gotten married. They live on her parent’s farm. Her father had died years ago. Her mother is battling cancer and doesn’t have long to live. Having John come back now isn’t something she wants to deal with.

The author deals with many issues from family relationships to mortality. One thing I was really impressed with was the colorful language the author uses. He really paints word pictures that you can almost see with your eyes.

I would recommend this book for older readers. The issues can be hard to read at times.

Review of Lynn Worley