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Sunflowers
There's nothing like a knock on the door at 3:00 a.m. to change your life forever. Gus Moore discovers how true this is when his ex-girlfriend blows in on an icy January night just long enough to dump "his problem" on the couch. From languid single slob to competent single parent, Gus's metamorphosis over the next six years is remarkable. All is going swimmingly for Gus and his son, Sam, until two women complicate their lives: Sarah, with whom Gus has an unsatisfactory friends-with-benefits relationship, and Maureen, his son's bipolar mother, who has decided she wants back into her child's life.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 17, 2014
I wanted to click 5 stars for this book...I wanted to say it was amazing. It really was a great book, but in the end, I couldn't bring myself to click 5 stars because it was just so sad. It really hits home for someone who either suffers with mental illness of any kind or has dealt with the suffering of a loved one. This little book was really powerful and makes you really stop and think.
January 16, 2013
I would like to preface my review by saying I didn’t read the blurb before I read the book. Sometimes the blurb doesn’t sell the book to me, and oftentimes I then miss out on a great book. Therefore I’ve stopped reading blurbs. Now that that is out of the way, I’ll share what I loved and what I didn’t like so much about this marvellous book. It might contain a couple of spoilers as I outline the characters I feel had an impact on me in some way or another.
***SPOILER WARNING***
Gus – This is the first character I liked from the word go. Having a baby (which you never even knew you had) dumped on you at 3 A.M. in the morning would be a shock to anyone – especially if you’re the eternal bachelor type. Admirably, Gus takes to parenting like a duck to water. Throughout the story he is a great father and we get to witness firsthand his transformation from self-centred single guy to becoming a single parent taking on the demands and challenges of raising a child on his own. Another thing that made me like him more was his willingness to admit and face-up to his role in the deteriorating of his relationship with Maureen when they were still a couple. He does a lot of soul-searching and growing up, and all this added to the complexity of the story and his character growth. Only two small things I didn’t like about Gus is that he came across as naïve and gullible, but it didn’t prevent me from falling head over heels for him.
Sam – We initially get to meet Sam briefly as a four-month old baby in the first few chapters. Thereafter he grows into a healthy and rambunctious six-year old with lots of friends, a cute, lumbering dog, living in a safe and stable environment with his doting dad. The only thing he wants more than anything in his life is his mom. Sam was definitely one of my favorite characters along with Gus. I love how the author portrayed their daily lives and added to the realism with Sam’s typical of a six-year old’s emotional outbursts as well as the way in which he perceives the world. The only thing that made me grimace was Sam’s baby-voice which in the context of the story seemed out of place for the voice of a child his age. This unfortunately didn’t endure him to me, but the close bond between him and Gus and their quirky banter certainly did.
Maureen – She’s Sam’s mom who dumped him on his dad’s couch and then took off, only to be sent to jail awhile later after it came to light that she’s the one who broke Sam’s leg shortly before leaving him in his dad’s care. At first, of course, I really didn’t like Maureen. I don’t think the author wants the reader to like her. But then she spends the rest of the book trying to get the reader sympathetic towards Maureen’s plight – and she does so successfully. By the end, I was truly heartbroken after what happened to Maureen even though I couldn’t understand why she did what did. Don’t judge her yet though, you have to read her story and get to know her and her circumstances first before jumping to conclusions. At the end of the book she’s not the same person she is at the start.
Sarah – Of course every story has to have a villain, and although Sarah wasn’t really the villain per se, she still had my hackles up. This is one character I just couldn’t like. Her cheating, lying, stalking, vindictive behaviour didn’t sit so well with me. First she hits Sam and his dog with her car, then she stalks Gus relentlessly, uses him and Sam as her “fantasy family”, falls pregnant with Gus’s baby and then use her pregnancy in an attempt to end his newfound relationship with Maureen. Come to think of it, this does sound very villain-ish. Whichever way, between her and child-abusing Maureen, let’s just say she was NOT the lesser of two evils.
***END OF SPOILERS***
The ending was sweet, yet unexpected, but as much as I enjoyed this book I was sad that the author left a few questions unanswered. It is not a short book and it took me two days (reading from early bedtime to the break of dawn) to finish it. I was completely spellbound by the emotional bonds that were forming between Sam, Gus and Maureen. I experienced a volley of emotions from tearing up at poignant scenes to chuckling and going “awwww” in the chapters where Sam and Gus are doing their father/son thing, and then being utterly heartbroken at the tragedy near the end. I really loved the story and the superb writing genuinely made me feel as though I was part of Gus and Sam’s world. The narrative is excellent and the dialogue natural. The author deals with controversial issues sympathetically and with insight, and manages to maintain a good balance between different perceptions on both sides of these topics. The romance was subtle and although it forms the backbone of this story, it wasn’t mushy or forced. Yet, it was beautifully written and I found myself slowly falling in love with Gus and feeling protective towards Sam the further I read.
Sunflowers is a deeply moving, remarkably effortless read and I’m eagerly anticipating reading more of Melodie Starkey’s novels!
***SPOILER WARNING***
Gus – This is the first character I liked from the word go. Having a baby (which you never even knew you had) dumped on you at 3 A.M. in the morning would be a shock to anyone – especially if you’re the eternal bachelor type. Admirably, Gus takes to parenting like a duck to water. Throughout the story he is a great father and we get to witness firsthand his transformation from self-centred single guy to becoming a single parent taking on the demands and challenges of raising a child on his own. Another thing that made me like him more was his willingness to admit and face-up to his role in the deteriorating of his relationship with Maureen when they were still a couple. He does a lot of soul-searching and growing up, and all this added to the complexity of the story and his character growth. Only two small things I didn’t like about Gus is that he came across as naïve and gullible, but it didn’t prevent me from falling head over heels for him.
Sam – We initially get to meet Sam briefly as a four-month old baby in the first few chapters. Thereafter he grows into a healthy and rambunctious six-year old with lots of friends, a cute, lumbering dog, living in a safe and stable environment with his doting dad. The only thing he wants more than anything in his life is his mom. Sam was definitely one of my favorite characters along with Gus. I love how the author portrayed their daily lives and added to the realism with Sam’s typical of a six-year old’s emotional outbursts as well as the way in which he perceives the world. The only thing that made me grimace was Sam’s baby-voice which in the context of the story seemed out of place for the voice of a child his age. This unfortunately didn’t endure him to me, but the close bond between him and Gus and their quirky banter certainly did.
Maureen – She’s Sam’s mom who dumped him on his dad’s couch and then took off, only to be sent to jail awhile later after it came to light that she’s the one who broke Sam’s leg shortly before leaving him in his dad’s care. At first, of course, I really didn’t like Maureen. I don’t think the author wants the reader to like her. But then she spends the rest of the book trying to get the reader sympathetic towards Maureen’s plight – and she does so successfully. By the end, I was truly heartbroken after what happened to Maureen even though I couldn’t understand why she did what did. Don’t judge her yet though, you have to read her story and get to know her and her circumstances first before jumping to conclusions. At the end of the book she’s not the same person she is at the start.
Sarah – Of course every story has to have a villain, and although Sarah wasn’t really the villain per se, she still had my hackles up. This is one character I just couldn’t like. Her cheating, lying, stalking, vindictive behaviour didn’t sit so well with me. First she hits Sam and his dog with her car, then she stalks Gus relentlessly, uses him and Sam as her “fantasy family”, falls pregnant with Gus’s baby and then use her pregnancy in an attempt to end his newfound relationship with Maureen. Come to think of it, this does sound very villain-ish. Whichever way, between her and child-abusing Maureen, let’s just say she was NOT the lesser of two evils.
***END OF SPOILERS***
The ending was sweet, yet unexpected, but as much as I enjoyed this book I was sad that the author left a few questions unanswered. It is not a short book and it took me two days (reading from early bedtime to the break of dawn) to finish it. I was completely spellbound by the emotional bonds that were forming between Sam, Gus and Maureen. I experienced a volley of emotions from tearing up at poignant scenes to chuckling and going “awwww” in the chapters where Sam and Gus are doing their father/son thing, and then being utterly heartbroken at the tragedy near the end. I really loved the story and the superb writing genuinely made me feel as though I was part of Gus and Sam’s world. The narrative is excellent and the dialogue natural. The author deals with controversial issues sympathetically and with insight, and manages to maintain a good balance between different perceptions on both sides of these topics. The romance was subtle and although it forms the backbone of this story, it wasn’t mushy or forced. Yet, it was beautifully written and I found myself slowly falling in love with Gus and feeling protective towards Sam the further I read.
Sunflowers is a deeply moving, remarkably effortless read and I’m eagerly anticipating reading more of Melodie Starkey’s novels!
January 28, 2013
Where do I start on reviewing this book... Ok at the beginning.. when eternal bachelor Gus discovers he's the father of a 4 month old son dumped on his doorstep at 3am one fateful night. That's the night when he grows up, becomes a manand assumes responsibility for Sam. The moment of taking responsibility is a simple, sweet moment echoed by every parent through the ages. Gus is a perfect father who dotes on Sam and manages single parenthood with lots of self-faith and learning along the way.
Sam - the adorable 6 year old who's always perceptive to his father's emotions, incredibly non-fussy and a bundle of joy. His life revolves around his dad, his dog and his best friend.
Maureen - Sam's mother who I thought careless when she abandons him, selfish when she wants to spend time with him after 6 years, cruel and unstable when I found out she'd hurt her own infant in a temper tantrum. Its so easy to judge someone without understanding what makes them do what they do... Maureen suffers from bipolar disorder and inspite of therapy and medication is scared that she'll hurt the men she loves - Sam and Gus.
Sarah - who crashes into the lives of Gus and Sam, falls into bed with Gus, lies, laughes, partners with Gus only to really break his heart eventually.
As the book progresses, I appreciated the depth of difficulty living with a psychological illness like bipolar disorder and the misconceptions around it. As Melodie points out, the therapy and medication numbs the patient's (in this case Maureen's) emotions. Can you imagine Van Gogh painting the Sunflowers if he was in therapy too? Van Gogh, Kurt cobain, Beethoven, Isaac Newton - all geniuses, all supposedly afflicted by bipolar disorder... Trapped in the ecstasy and darkness their minds created.
By the tragic end, my heart went out to Maureen and her insecurities. Her illness was not her fault. And even with her illness and her history of temper, she makes a much better mother than the "stable", lying Sarah.
Gus and Sam - life dealt them a tough hand of cards, but not once did Gus flinch from behaving like a responsible, forgiving adult.
Simple story telling, Sunflowers made me reflect on and read about bipolar disorder.
4/5 for this poignant story by Melodie Starkey
Sam - the adorable 6 year old who's always perceptive to his father's emotions, incredibly non-fussy and a bundle of joy. His life revolves around his dad, his dog and his best friend.
Maureen - Sam's mother who I thought careless when she abandons him, selfish when she wants to spend time with him after 6 years, cruel and unstable when I found out she'd hurt her own infant in a temper tantrum. Its so easy to judge someone without understanding what makes them do what they do... Maureen suffers from bipolar disorder and inspite of therapy and medication is scared that she'll hurt the men she loves - Sam and Gus.
Sarah - who crashes into the lives of Gus and Sam, falls into bed with Gus, lies, laughes, partners with Gus only to really break his heart eventually.
As the book progresses, I appreciated the depth of difficulty living with a psychological illness like bipolar disorder and the misconceptions around it. As Melodie points out, the therapy and medication numbs the patient's (in this case Maureen's) emotions. Can you imagine Van Gogh painting the Sunflowers if he was in therapy too? Van Gogh, Kurt cobain, Beethoven, Isaac Newton - all geniuses, all supposedly afflicted by bipolar disorder... Trapped in the ecstasy and darkness their minds created.
By the tragic end, my heart went out to Maureen and her insecurities. Her illness was not her fault. And even with her illness and her history of temper, she makes a much better mother than the "stable", lying Sarah.
Gus and Sam - life dealt them a tough hand of cards, but not once did Gus flinch from behaving like a responsible, forgiving adult.
Simple story telling, Sunflowers made me reflect on and read about bipolar disorder.
4/5 for this poignant story by Melodie Starkey
January 2, 2012
In Sunflowers, Melodie Starkey has written a story that brings her characters to life, with all the challenges that life offers. Single male parenthood, tangled and negative family relationships, lost and then realized motherhood ... each character's demons and delights are very well cultivated in this poignant novel. Issues addressed through the story line are right to life, abandonment, parental rights, bipolar disorder, and economic disparity. The author deals with mental illness and its effects on individuals and families with empathy, knowledge, and depth. The children in the story are not just miniature adults, but true children, with their own set of emotions and perceptions. This book held my attention for a full day, as I could not put it down and needed to read to the end once started. I would highly recommend this book for readers interested in the many choices faced by ambivalent expectant parents and families facing mental illness.
March 27, 2012
quick read, interesting story. I was hooked from the first chapter - wondered where in the world this was going? But I was happy to see how Gus took to parenting so easily; of course his circumstances made that transition much easier than for most of the working stiffs in the world. The story unfolded naturally and flowed well. Overall, I liked it and stayed up late to finish the book. I found that I was sad that it ended. I'd like to know what happens to these characters next.
February 16, 2013
I enjoyed reading the book. Sometimes a little twee, but well written. The characters are well developed. The bi-polar angle came as a bit of a surprise, although the disorder is not described or explained to any great extend. Perhaps it could have been, as it is a devasting disease, not only for the person who has it, but also for their loved ones.
This was my first book by this author. I am looking forward to exploring some of her other books.
This was my first book by this author. I am looking forward to exploring some of her other books.
May 14, 2013
I really liked this book and felt it was well written. I was hooked from the beginning when Gus' ex shows up and leaves him with a 4 month old son he didn't know he had. It was at times funny with the interactions of Gus, his son and their friends and other times quite sad with the relationship with the mother of his child and her mental problems. I would definitely like to read more books by this author.
June 4, 2012
I really enjoyed this. It was a fantastic wee story about a man whose ex girlfriend abandoned her 4 month old baby on him. This wasnt a "oh noes, how do i care for a baby" books. But was more about the man and his son, together as a family. I absolutely fell in love with the characters of Gus and Sam.
June 5, 2012
Initially I thought it was just another domestic ramble. There seemed to be no drama, no adventure and a lot of telling rather than showing. We had a bipolar character but we didn't see it only had it told to us. However, this was rather clever story telling. The drama crept up on me and the pressure built as Gus was so helpless in the finish.
It made me laugh, it made me cry - great read.
It made me laugh, it made me cry - great read.
August 22, 2012
When Gus first met his son Sam, he was a few months old and was suffering from a badly broken leg, likely caused by Sam's mother Maureen. The story line takes us through Gus and Sam's lives, their friends, Gus's casual relationship with Sarah, and Maureen's re entry back into their lives. A story about love and love, friendships, and family, Sunflowers is a worthwhile read.
July 29, 2012
Gus has his son, who he knew nothing about, 'dumped' on him unexpectedly by the boy's mother. Gus has to grow up quickly in order to take care of him. The story is light hearted and funny in parts, but has a dark side too. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more by this author.
March 11, 2013
Really enjoyed this book. Very easy to read, characters believable and wanted it to turn out well for them. Only gripe is some parts were bit simplistic, book moved very fast would have liked more info. But overall enjoyed the book.
July 14, 2014
Rather a true rendition of bipolar disorder sad end
true to bipolar disorder. Unfortunately a sad but true type of ending. It would have been better if the disorder was explained a little bit more in the story.
true to bipolar disorder. Unfortunately a sad but true type of ending. It would have been better if the disorder was explained a little bit more in the story.
August 1, 2014
A bit sad but funny in its own way.
A bit sad but funny in its own way.
Kept your interest. would have liked a bit t l more information about Sarah's thoughts. Gus was one in a million type of guy!
A bit sad but funny in its own way.
Kept your interest. would have liked a bit t l more information about Sarah's thoughts. Gus was one in a million type of guy!
September 17, 2014
This is not a book about religion but it reminds me of the saying "God Doesn't Call the Qualified, He Qualifies the Called". It's amazing what a person is capable of doing once they let love and forgiveness into their hearts. A very good read.
May 2, 2015
Good Book
This story was very good. I read it almost in one setting. A book about relationships isn't usually one I enjoy but this one grabbed from the beginning and kept me till the end.
This story was very good. I read it almost in one setting. A book about relationships isn't usually one I enjoy but this one grabbed from the beginning and kept me till the end.
July 30, 2012
Normally I don't enjoy fiction books that much. But this one really drew me in from the very beginning very good read and finished it really quick it didn't blabber on and was so good!
October 30, 2012
Funny, angering, and sad. I loved this story about an amazing single father.
October 12, 2013
I loved this book! Maureen's illness was so sad, but portrayed very realistically. I loved Gus & especially Sam.
November 11, 2013
Love, love this book! It made me cry and laugh all at the same time. Every woman should want their kids to have a dad like this!
July 19, 2012
Wonderful, light-read! Fell in love with Gus and Sam.
August 21, 2013
loved this book..
June 8, 2014
Lovely book. I really enjoyed reading it
May 29, 2018
Couldn't put it down!!!
So many books that I've read are already painfully obvious by the second or third chapter. I've put down many books that I started to read and was able to figure out exactly what was going to happen. I read a few pages ahead, maybe look at the last few pages, and realize that it was all so predictable. That's what I loved about this book. There were twists and turns that were complete surprises all the way till the last page. That kind of book is hard to find. The characters were complicated and all very distinct. I laughed, I cried, I felt angry, and at the end I was sad. But, I also ended the book feeling like even though there were heart-wrenching occurrences, the characters were strong and able to deal and go on to survive and have what I am assuming was a good life. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story, full of emotion and interesting enough to keep me turning pages until the end. I am excited about reading more books by the same author. I would recommend this book and hope that whoever reads it enjoys it as much as I did.
So many books that I've read are already painfully obvious by the second or third chapter. I've put down many books that I started to read and was able to figure out exactly what was going to happen. I read a few pages ahead, maybe look at the last few pages, and realize that it was all so predictable. That's what I loved about this book. There were twists and turns that were complete surprises all the way till the last page. That kind of book is hard to find. The characters were complicated and all very distinct. I laughed, I cried, I felt angry, and at the end I was sad. But, I also ended the book feeling like even though there were heart-wrenching occurrences, the characters were strong and able to deal and go on to survive and have what I am assuming was a good life. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story, full of emotion and interesting enough to keep me turning pages until the end. I am excited about reading more books by the same author. I would recommend this book and hope that whoever reads it enjoys it as much as I did.
July 20, 2019
I can see why some people would swoon over a man caring for his son. Single fathers seem to get a lot of hype while being a single mother is simply expected. But not once did this book sell me on the concept. Gus is thrown into single fatherhood the moment his ex girlfriend leaves an unexplained bundle on his couch. Apparently she never bothers to call, write or check up on their child that her ex boyfriend had no clue existed until he was a few months old.
The story's pacing is a bit weird and didn't feel right to me at all. While it dealt with the concept of mental disorders and what's it like to be a woman and not want children, the men definitely came out the heroes in this story and it just didn't add up to me. I felt like Gus was a real jerk, especially while he juggled two women and decided to put his foot down when and where it didn't belong. The ending also could have been better. I knew it was coming but its still good to get closure even if that's not how it always is in real life.
The story's pacing is a bit weird and didn't feel right to me at all. While it dealt with the concept of mental disorders and what's it like to be a woman and not want children, the men definitely came out the heroes in this story and it just didn't add up to me. I felt like Gus was a real jerk, especially while he juggled two women and decided to put his foot down when and where it didn't belong. The ending also could have been better. I knew it was coming but its still good to get closure even if that's not how it always is in real life.
July 22, 2017
Gus is an amazing father! His ex-wife Maureen rings his doorbell late at night and throws a large bundle at him. He realizes that the noise coming from it is a baby crying. She yells that the baby is his and she wants nothing to do with him. When he takes the baby to a pediatrician for a check up, the doctor calls the police and child protective services. Gus explains what happened and Maureen gives up all rights to Addison (Gus renames the baby Sam). She also is placed on probation. While playing in the snow when Sam is about four, his dog is hit by a car driven by Sarah. She and Gus have an off and on relationship until Maureen shows up when Sam is about five. Gus is a natural father - almost too good to be true - he makes loads of money working from home writing computer games, seems to know how to handle little boys and neighbors, and is able to connect Sam with all his grandparents.
July 15, 2017
Another excellent free Kindle book I downloaded 5 years ago and regret not reading sooner. Love the special relationship Gus developed with his son, Sam. How could one not feel sad for Sam's mother, Maureen, who suffers from bipolar disorder? Each character had his/her flaws which gratefully weren't downplayed. So many emotions tugging at my heartstring made it hard for me to put the book down.
January 1, 2019
Awesome Book
Oh my gosh, when I started readiythis book, I thought , another love story and it was but with a twist. Not ur typical love story. Thus is one of the best books I have ever read. It covers every emotion. I got angry, I laughed, I cried, I cried some more. Then I just sighed. I love this book, this is one I will keep to reread again in a few years. Amazing!!!
Oh my gosh, when I started readiythis book, I thought , another love story and it was but with a twist. Not ur typical love story. Thus is one of the best books I have ever read. It covers every emotion. I got angry, I laughed, I cried, I cried some more. Then I just sighed. I love this book, this is one I will keep to reread again in a few years. Amazing!!!
November 27, 2019
Oh my gosh, what a book!!
Ms. Starkey, I will be reading all your books if they are anything like this one! From the 1st sentence to the last, I was totally immersed in this heart wrenching story. Amazing plot, character development, humor...I laughed out loud throughout the story!! Highly recommend!
Ms. Starkey, I will be reading all your books if they are anything like this one! From the 1st sentence to the last, I was totally immersed in this heart wrenching story. Amazing plot, character development, humor...I laughed out loud throughout the story!! Highly recommend!
February 5, 2023
Dramatic and Heartbreaking.
Well written but slow starting. Character development was believable and humanized. The relationship between Sam and Gus had depth,displaying the complexities of single parenthood, generational family dysfunction, and mental illnesses. The ending was heartbreaking, yet poignant. I would have preferred a longer story and a different ending.
Well written but slow starting. Character development was believable and humanized. The relationship between Sam and Gus had depth,displaying the complexities of single parenthood, generational family dysfunction, and mental illnesses. The ending was heartbreaking, yet poignant. I would have preferred a longer story and a different ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews