June 25, 2021

Looking Back - A Parting Gift

Looking Back... In an effort to transfer my book journal entries over to this blog, I'm going to attempt to post (in chronological order) an entry every Friday. I may or may not add extra commentary to what I jotted down in these journals.



A Parting Gift by Ben Erickson
Fiction
2000 Warner Books
Read in May 2000
Rating: 4/5 (Very Good)

Publisher's Blurb:

When his eldest son was about to graduate from high school, Ben Erickson, an award-winning furniture maker, decided that he wanted to give him something unique, something that would last him the rest of his life. And so he wrote his son a story, a moving tale of love and loss, friendship and wisdom.

At seventeen, all Josh Bell is sure of is his love of surfing--everything else is up for grabs. The child of a broken home and about to graduate from high school, he has no idea what he'll do with his life. But when Josh meets a reclusive widower named William Davis, he gets some unexpected help. Intent on collecting the stories and hard-won lessons of his eighty-four years, Mr. Davis convinces Josh to help him record his memories. As the colorful tales unfold, Mr. Davis gains something he thought he had lost forever: a sense of purpose and fulfillment. And as he is slowly drawn deeper into the old man's world, Josh realizes that his life is just beginning and that his future is one of new wonders and endless possibilities. 

My Original Thoughts (2000):

A very good, heartwarming story. Not as emotional of a read as Tuesdays With Morrie and definitely not as sappy as Nicholas Sparks' books.

My Current Thoughts:

I've held on to this book for so many years, always hoping to make time to give it a second reading. I remember how much I loved it the first time around, so I hope it doesn't disappoint when I finally pick it up again.

12 comments:

  1. I never heard of this one but, it sounds rather good. (Hope you are having a great time on the road.)

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    1. Diane, I hope to read it again, but you know how that goes.

      We're having a great time on our trip, but it's super hot! Tomorrow it will hit 112!

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  2. This sounds very good. I feel as if I've read something by Erickson before. I see that he has a book of stories. Perhaps a story of his.

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    1. Ti, I'd be interested in reading some short stories by Erickson. I'll have to see what I can find.

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  3. I am not a re-reader and I think it's partly because I am afraid the book won't live up to my memory and expectations.

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    1. Helen, I've enjoyed rereading a few books over the years, but there have been some that weren't nearly as good as I remember and a couple that I couldn't even read more than a few chapters before growing bored. It is a gamble!

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  4. The premise appeals to me, and I hope you enjoy a second reading!

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    1. I hope I enjoy it again too, Jenclair!

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  5. This sounds like a heart-warming read. And, yes, if you do get a chance to re-read it, I hope you'll still enjoy it as much!

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    1. Iliana, I hope I'm not disappointed when I read it again. We shall see!

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  6. This is a story that is brand-new to me. I hope you do reread it soon. I will be curious to hear what you think.

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    1. I hope I reread it soon too, Deb. I'll keep you posted.

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