The Farewell Season

by Ann Herrick

Out of Print. New release available through Amazon at amzn.com/B00O4CRCDI

Genres: Young Adult

150 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 2011

About the author

Books by Ann Herrick:
The Ugly Girl Party
Boss of the Whole Sixth Grade
My Bad Boy Summer
Someone Like Him
The Next Great Rock Star!
Also Known as Lard Butt
The Farewell Season
My Fake Summer Boyfriend
Life, Love, and Surviving High School
The Perfect Guy
All's Fair in Love and Words
Hey, Nobody's Perfect
How to Survive a Summer Romance (Or Two)
Someone Like Him
Snowed In Together
The Real Me
Trading Faces

Ann Herrick is the author of several books and short stories for kids and teens. Her books have won several awards, such as the ALA Recommended Book for Reluctant Readers award and an IRA/CBC Children’s Choice award. Her stories have appeared in magazines such as 'Teen, Listen, The Single Parent, Children's Digest and The Friend.
Ann Herrick grew up in Connecticut, where she graduated from The Morgan School and Quinnipiac University. She now lives in Oregon with her husband, who was her high-school sweetheart. Their wonderful daughter is grown, married and gainfully employed, and has given Ann her only grand-dog, Puff, a bloodhound-rottweiller-beagle mix. While she misses the East Coast, especially houses built before 1900, she enjoys the green valleys, fresh air and low humidity in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Ann loves cats, walking and working in her back yard. In addition to stories and books for children and young adults, Ann also writes copy for humorous and conventional greeting cards."

The vast majority of Ann's books are HFN (Happily For Now, with the possibility of Happily Ever After. The characters are in their teens, after all, so Ever After would be a *really* long time.) Two books have positive endings, but not the standard HFN or HEA, but with those possibilities if the reader reads very carefully between the lines at the end of the story.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devastating loss, hidden pain and confusing emotions, magnified by being a teenage boy, not quite a man, but too old to act out like a child, Eric has tried to bury his emotional tsunami over the death of his father. The Farewell Season by Ann Herrick takes us into the heart and mind of a young man struggling to understand life, while not knowing how to move forward or admit his feelings, even to himself. The result, disconnection from everyone around him, resentment for added responsibilities, and a high-voltage fuse just waiting to blow. Will the start of the high school football season be the healing constant he needs or will that let him down, too?

Enter Glynnie, school reporter looking for a story about Eric and football for the school paper. Glynnie is aggravating, obnoxious and a bit of a loner, a loner who is tenacious and refuses to hear the word NO COMMENT, no matter how cruel Eric is about it. She starts off as a thorn in his foot, but slowly a friendship forms, sharing occurs and Eric finds he is looking forward to seeing her the next time. Only his guilt over continuing to live on knowing his father can’t stands between Eric and happiness. Just maybe Glynnie is the key Eric needs to unlock all that is trapped inside. Her foot is in the door, and life looks better with her in it. Is it time to grieve, let go and move on?

Grab some tissues, because this one is going to hurt in a good way. Ann Herrick has nailed the voice and heart of a teenaged boy who finds coming of age difficult, at best. Ms. Herrick has colored her world in a rainbow of colors, each color being another stage in the grieving and growing process until they become a bridge of colors leading the way from sorry to happiness, love and feeling whole for a boy who has lost so much. Beautifully written, filled with endearing characters that each play into Eric’s emotional turmoil, this is a slice of life from the darkness into the dawn. Targeted for teens, there is a message of triumph over tragedy that will warm your heart.


I received this copy from Ann Herrick in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: October 1, 2014
Publisher: Books We Love Ltd.
Genre: Coming of Age, Age Level: 12 - 18, Great BOY read
Print Length: 133 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric Nielsen has been kind of a dick since his dad died unexpectedly a few months ago. He seems to have gotten stuck somewhere between the denial and anger stages of grief, and it's made him stand-offish and surly, even to his beloved cat! But his grouchiest grumblings are reserved for his Mom, and younger sister. It doesn't seem to occur to him that they might be hurting too, or that his attitude is making things even harder for them. Despite all that, it's difficult not to like Eric. He really doesn't know how to deal with his loss any other way, and he's hurting himself just as badly as he's hurting those around him. And now, with football season about to begin, the fact that everything has changed since last year at this time really can't be avoided any longer. And what's up with that new girl, Glynnie? If she's so determined to be dowdy, why can't Eric stop thinking about her, to the point of spending enough time with her to realize that he's not the only one with father problems.

This is really a lovely book, with a sweet tone and story that pulls you into its world with a subtle embrace, until you begin to care deeply about the characters and the way they are all dealing with change, loss, grief, old pain and new beginnings. It's not a book about big events - it's a small scale story of one boy in a small town, but the emotional impact is still big. MC Eric, of course, is the focal point, but all of the characters are fully fleshed out, with real feeling personalities and voices. Not to slight the other side characters, but Glynnie is especially loveable. It's pretty cool for a YA family drama/romance to be written from a boy POV, but then to have the female character be the kind of quirky off-beat independent type we ususally see portrayed as a guy (like a Sarah Dessen boy, only she's a girl), is really quite amazing, and Eric is certainly lucky to have found her (and to have figured that out!) The vibe and flavor of the little town of Crystal Lake is beautifully portrayed, especially through all of the mouth-watering Scandinavian foods so lovingly and temptingly described. I'm not really a huge sports fan, and there's a lot of football in this book. But like Lance Armstrong so aptly said, it's not about the bike. It's about the emotional impact of Eric's commitment, about what football meant between him and his Dad, it's about how change comes to everything, in ways that we are going to have to deal with even if it's not fair, that make the football element relatable even for nerds.

This is a quietly emotional read that will sneak up on your heart (and tear ducts) if you let yourself sink into its world. I very much appreciate that author Ann Herrick provided me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say Eric is “troubled” after the death of his father is an understatement. After his father passes away, Eric is left hurt, confused, and angry. He lashes out at everyone and cannot see anyone else’s pain. Where he used to find fulfillment in football, Eric now only finds more anger, frustration and empty dreams. Over time, he will develop a friendship that will help him deal with his feelings… he just has to deal with them before he does something he can’t fix…

When I first read the premise to The Farewell Season, I prepare to be moved. Usually, I easily connect with stories that deal with personal issues of triumph after tragedy, and the journey they require. The Farewell Season is definitely one of those stories. I will admit that I cried while reading this book because I am that connected with Eric. Yes, I totally bond with a guy. In a book. Who is fictional. Go. Figure.

Eric starts out sounding like every other stereotypical jock. Arrogant. Conceited. Cocky. But, then I see beneath the facade to his true character. I see: the teenager who has just lost his father at a pivotal part of his life, the teenager who has looked repeatedly to his father for support and guidance and then has him abruptly ripped away, and, most importantly, the teenager who has never grieved over his enormous loss. This Eric is someone I can empathize with-- someone I can feel hurt, shame, pity, and triumph with. Oh, I still don’t like his behavior—at times I want to bean him over the head for his rudeness! Though I empathize with him, I am still furious that he is hindering everyone else’s attempts to move on. And, the rude way he talks to his mother grates on my nerves. In short, he sounds like a sullen teenage boy.

I really like Herrick’s writing…obviously, it moves me to tears but, moving beyond that, the story isn’t overdone. The Farewell Season isn’t an overly long book—only about 150 pages. Though there are definitely more aspects of the subplots that can be explored more fully, I think that The Farewell Season ends in a good place. If it stretched out longer, I think it would have ruined the ending for me. Besides, this way maybe I’ll get a sequel!

The Cover:

I think this cover is a great representation of the story underneath it. Unlike most YA covers that have a girl in a dress, this one actually has symbolism! I really like how the football player is out of the line of sight for the camera and how I can see the girl in the background. It looks like the football player is walking away from her… which I can see happening in the story. Very fitting cover!

*This book does have profanity*

I give The Farewell Season 4.5 out of 5 stars: Very Highly Recommended!!

See more of my reviews here: http://www.epiloguereview.blogspot.com

[Autumn Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Farewell Season is a story about a boy dealing with the loss of his father. Eric is struggling with his emotions and can't seem to find the right outlet. He's at the beginning of his senior year and his last football season, but he can't seem to be excited about it. Not only is he acting out on his coach and teammates, but he's fighting with his younger sister, his best friend, and broke up with his girlfriend. He won't open up to his mother either. Then, Glynnie enters his life. She's a quirky newspaper writer, who wants to interview Eric at the start of the season. Glynnie is also dealing with some family drama and she finds herself opening up to Eric. As they get to know each other better, they find that they are both dealing with loss, just different circumstances. Eric begins to find some peace after the time he's spent with Glynnie. Once the season begins, Eric feels like he is able to move forward and appreciate where he is and the people in his life.

This book was beautifully written. There were moments that I laughed, got frustrated, and cried, but mostly I felt hopeful that this boy and this girl would be able to comfort each other and begin to heal. Although the story isn't heavy on romance, Eric and Glynnie do begin to date. I found the romance sweet and endearing. If you're looking for a tender hearted book, this is a great story for you.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Farewell Season is about Eric, a high school football player who is grieving the loss of his father. With the new football season about to start, Eric is hoping that his life will return to normal again. That hope gets shredded when he starts fighting more with his sister, best friend Rolf, and his mother.

I absolutely loved this book. This was a quick read that held my interest from page one. The Farewell Season is an inspirational book that would tremendously help any young adult who's dealing or has dealt with a loss in their life. I know from experience, I lost my father five years ago. I am not a football lover, however my father was and I wanted to point out that this book isn't all about football, its more about Eric, his family, and his grieving. There is a little sweet innocent romance which was refreshingly simple. Ann Herrick has a wonderful way with words and and the characters were realistic. This is a book that will make you cry, laugh, and sigh with a smile at the end.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Farewell Season. Ann Herrick did an amazing job and has made a new fan!

Special Thanks to Ann Herrick for providing a kindle copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Free on Amazon today!
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Farewell-Seas...
US: http://www.amazon.com/Farewell-Season...

[Courtney Toohey · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can feel the excitement in the air. The sweet smell of freshly cut grass freshly churned dirt made from dozens of cleats, and the aroma of those few precious weeks between summer and fall float on the breeze. The sounds of clashing bodies and grunting opponents seems a fitting soundtrack to the ambience it inhabits. It’s the beginning of preseason football practices, and Eric Neilson, one the high school’s linebackers is amidst the battlefield that is the football field. But what most of his teammates don’t know is that Eric has also been fighting battles on a different war field and just how affected he is becoming by his time in the struggle.

It had only been four months since his father had passed. A father who was so largely involved with his football interest and subsequent achievements, that the pain of such a fresh wound was only becoming increasingly magnified each time he stepped out onto the field. With each practice his eyes would wander from his target to the unfilled space in the bleachers that his father used to occupy during his lunch hour to cheer his son on in the preseason. Soon however, he did notice the presence of someone new. Glynnie, a girl who was known for her journalistic efforts with the local newspaper and was interviewing one of his teammates who was injured in search of a story for her column and had caught his attention by her quirky sense of style. Shortly after his acknowledgement of her, did she approach him in the hopes that he would allow her to interview him for her piece. A most unlikely fit, Eric did not think much of Glynnie at first. But little did he know that the connection which awaited the two of them in the future would be the beginning of his accepting his grief, and becoming the man his father would have been proud of.

Just when he was least expecting it, and in the throes of his self-inflicted emotional torment, a bright spot began to shine through. This unexpected friendship with Glynnie started drawing more and more of his focus toward happier things. Toward things that could maybe make life seem normal again. Here was this girl whom he had overlooked for three years, and yet she was the one he found himself sharing his struggle with. When surprisingly they both bond over the frustrations they feel in connection to their fathers, that relationship only grows stronger. But because Eric has yet to let go and face his grief, there was always going to be something standing in the way of his happiness. What Eric had to realize is that what was standing in that barrier was himself.

Anne Herrick writes a captivating tale about a boy who loves to play football. All of the elements of the sport are infused in every page of this book, taking you back to the time when you were in high school and the main event of the week was the Friday night football game. You can almost feel yourself back there, wrapped in nostalgia while still holding focus to the originality of the story she has written before you. It is a beautiful thing to be able to recall you past and still absorb a new story being told to you as a way of identifying with the world the author has created. Herrick does this beautifully, but this is not all that she accomplishes in her writing.

Herrick breeches a topic that for most is very difficult to broach, much less express in a way that doesn’t sound preachy but instead speaks right to where we all have at one time or another found ourselves. This is a story about how you cannot outrun your broken heart. You cannot quit your so called failures. You cannot burry your heartache. You cannot bring back your past. The more you feel you are running from your feeling and the event that spurred them, the faster in fact you are running right back into them to simply live it over and over and over until you break. Losing a loved one is simply unbearable alone. To lose someone whose placeholder in your life is irreplaceable and then to act as if you are untouched by that lose is simply impossible, but it is a feat that all too many of us think that we can take on. But through her character Eric, a good, kind, boy next door kind of guy, Herrick shows us what can happen when the impossible burden brings us to breaking. She executes these avenues of heartbreak and healing with such agility and care, that there is no way that these messages could be missed. To those of us who have experienced this type of emotional turmoil, it is a reminder that we must continue to carry on and actually allow ourselves to feel our feelings. To those who have not yet encountered this inevitability of life, it is a depiction of how life can hit you in the last place you ever expect it to. Eric was all too used to taking hits on the football field and walking away from them unscathed, but when he had to take such a massive blow to his heart, the same actions he took with football were no longer valid. It’s in the learning of this that he would find healing, and by connection, so can we.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. Barring a few small editing typos that I found (which may have been an error in my download in the book) everything about this book was seamless. I could not put it down. In fact I read it in one day I was so pulled in by the story and the emotions it brought with it. I was reminded of some of my own feelings that have been pushed down, and now feel inspired to reexamine those situations to ensure that I am making the most out of my life and not letting my emotions make me. I wish much success for this book and would be hard pressed to find anyone who would not want to experience its impact.

[Arla (Leave Mommy Alone) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Ann Herrick who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review...

Let me start by saying that I loved this book. It's one of those satisfying, feel-good stories that leaves you with a sense of closure at the end. The characters are your average, everyday people who could easily be family, friends or neighbors. They've just lost the patriarch of their family and although life goes on, they will never be the same. I was touched by their story and even brought to tears, as they struggle to put the pieces of their lives back together. This story has the ability to touch all hearts because loss is universal, it's a language we all speak. And even though grieving is an essential part of overcoming loss, we don't all willingly give ourselves over to it. What then occurs is the inability to heal properly and move on.

The story is told from the point of view of Eric Nielsen, a 17 year old boy who's lost his father to a drunk driver. It's been 4 months and Eric hasn't allowed himself to fully address his grief. Instead, he's kept his feelings bottled up. This results in difficulty dealing with relationships with his mother, sister, best friend, new football coach and ex-girlfriend, as well as identifying and confronting his feelings about his dad. Can you really be angry at someone for dying? He finds fault with everyone around him - his mom smothers him, sister is a brat, best friend is too upbeat, new coach rides him too hard and this bothersome girl, Glynnie, is getting under his skin. He can't seem to find his footing as he tries to navigate through this new life without his dad. Football played a huge part in their relationship, does he even love football anymore? When the realization dawns that life is NOT fair and that we often get cheated, anger, insecurity and confusion are sure to follow.

His dad encompassed everything a good father should be; ever-present, loving, supportive, invested, dependable. You can imagine the giant void his death has left in Eric's life. Maybe you don't have to imagine. Though I haven't grieved the loss of a parent, yet, I could identify with him, with all the emotions he experiences. I grieved over the loss of the safety and security of my family when my parents divorced, when I was a young girl. This experience was at the forefront of my thoughts and what I drew upon to help me relate to Eric. This is exactly what happens with Glynnie. She and Eric find in each other a kindred spirit.

This book felt like a breath of fresh air. It left me with the kind of satisfaction I would feel at the end of an episode of Little House on the Prairie. There was a sweet innocence to it that I hadn't realized I missed. After reading the synopsis I was afraid that this book might be too serious, that it might be depressing. It addresses some serious subjects; loss of a parent, depression, conflict with family, jealousy, the grieving process. But, these issues are handled delicately, as to avoid bringing the reader down. The story never gets dark. In fact, by the end of the book, I felt uplifted! My only complaint about this book is that it ended.

This is a story I recommend for everyone. Young, old, male or female. A beautiful story to remind us that if we have loved, that love is ours to keep. We can keep those we've lost alive in our hearts and memories and pay tribute to them as we push on and live our lives to the fullest.

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http://www.leavemommyalone.blogspot.com

[Shannon Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, a heartfelt thank you to the author who provided a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review. Now to my thoughts....

The Farewell Season was one of those books that has a simple, honest story. It's all about real people experiencing a life-changing event, and how that event affects and shapes them. Eric, his sister, and mother have experienced the kind of loss that most everyone will at some point in their lives...the loss of a loved one. The way Eric deals with his father's loss was very real, and very true to how I would imagine a teenaged boy might react. Ann Herrick did an excellent job showing Eric through his stages of grief. They say that as you progress through those stages, you'll experience many emotions, one of which is anger, maybe some bitterness even. Eric is clearly in that stage at the start of the story. He pushes his family and friends away, isolates himself, snaps at people around him, including his best friend, and his coach. He treats his mother as if it's all her fault. He almost seems to be on a collision course of destruction that could potentially derail him. Enter Glynnie.

Glynnie was one of those quirky characters that you just have to love. She's a little bit of a nerd, ask too many questions, and seems to know exactly how to chip away at Eric's layers of grief. Watching her question him, get under his skin and make him think was so interesting. It seemed like she knew just what to say, just which questions to ask that would goad him and get him to open up without realizing it.

I loved watching Eric grow and change throughout the story as he worked his way through his issues. There aren't that many books of this sort out there that are written from the male perspective, so this was refreshing. I thought Ann Herrick did a great job getting into Eric's head and making his character seem real and believable. All in all, this was an simple, honestly told story that was full of growth and warmth. I would definitely recommend it.

[Sydell Voeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

(As I posted on Amazon.com under the review section for this book):

Ann Herrick is a gifted writer that artfully takes the reader into the adolescent heart and mind. In her most recent young adult novel, The Farewell Season, viewpoint character Eric grapples with his grieving for his father. His struggles are poignant and bittersweet, with touches of humor. Ann Herrick is a master of portraying both the darkness and the light.

This story is also one that both fans of football and people who are not sports fans would enjoy.

Bravo, Ann Herrick!

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, just wow. I am stunned by this book. Sure, it was not perfect, but it was pretty close to perfect! There were so many elements that I absolutely adored. Like the whole Scandinavian theme that was woven into the story, or the fact there is no instant love (just add water), or the fact that the characters seemed so real.

Eric, he took a bit to get used to. He is pretty grumpy, hides a lot of pain and he shows that outwards with anger, with making remarks and several other things. However, as soon as you find out why he is like that, you don't mind the grumpiness that much, the only thing you want to do then is give this guy a hug and you would want to help him out.
You really see him grow, from a sad, mourning guy to one who finds life again, finds hope again, finds reasons to just keep on going. With the help of his friends, a counsellor, his mom and also a girl he is very much interested in. They try to lend him a hand, try to give him a nudge in the right direction, they are there for him. Eric truly has some great people in his life, and I was happy to see he started realising it.
His relationship with his sister is pretty rocky at start and at times I found him very mean and rude towards her and I wished he would be nicer. But yeah, I can somehow see why he is so mean, she keeps bringing up their dad. Eric isn't ready for that and is grieving in another way, while his sister is trying to remember their dad, trying to bring it up. And I can imagine that hurts.
Add to that, the fact that his best friend and his sister are getting closer and closer. I can imagine that is raising some anger as well.

We also have a girl, well a girl. She doesn't really care about what she wears, chops her hair off and has big glasses. I didn't think Eric would fall for her, but he did. And thank Lord, like I said at the beginning, it wasn't instant love! Friendship, happiness and then slowly you will start seeing things happening that don't happen between friends.
Our girl also hasn't had the easiest of lives. Her dad and mom are divorced and her dad is now married to some young woman. She has quite a bit of anger and sadness over that.
Luckily Eric is there to also help her, be there for her.

I really loved this book, the surroundings, the details, and also the sports. I am normally not a big fan of sports (be them in real life, anime, manga or books), but I didn't mind it in this one. It took a big part, sure (and for reasons), but it wasn't overwhelming.

All in all this book is wonderful. Great characters, great story, great details, and I would really recommend this book to everyone. I think that people who go through the same would also really appreciate this book.

Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Anna del C. Dye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Farewell Season is a very remarkable story that deals with grief and loss. It relates a heart-warming tale of coping with death and being alive that will touch not only young adults, but also many adults. Death is never easy for those who stay behind. In this book you will find the struggles of a young man on his road to acceptance and moving on. It covers a hard theme in a very well written manner and is thoughtfully done.
Eric is ready to start football practice right before his senior year. He should be overjoyed, but something isn’t right this year and he can’t put his finger on it. After he breaks up with the cutest girl at school, he knows something is off. His mother tries to make conversation with him, but usually he brushes her off. His best friend frequents his house every day and loves his sister’s food, so does he, yet, it isn’t that that has him worried. Football perhaps? Well his old coach is sick and can’t take on the training. So they get a new coach and he hasn’t liked Eric from the beginning. He can handle him—after all, his father has always been his number one supporter, cheerleader and overall personal coach. That is… until a drunk driver kills him.
I enjoyed the voice of the author in this tale, though I feel that the few swear words were unnecessary. I would recommend this book to all readers, young and old, who are grieving or know someone who is. Actually, it is a great resource for any home since death will touch everyone in the world at one time or another. I believe this story can be use to help grieving souls get past the hurt and continue on with their own lives. Great job.

[Kaitlyn Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you lose the person you thought would be there forever, wht happens when your love for a sport was only the love you spent with that person while playing. The love for a game in anyone is strong but a bound and a shared love is even stronger, for Eric losing his father turned his life upside down. It seems that life moves forward and even though he present he doesn't feel like he did before. The love for football was always shared between Eric and his father and without him, something seems different Eric is different.

Going through routines, Eric sees that life might easier without football, its not until Eric meets Glynnie and interviews him for the paper that he starts to see that football means even more to him than he thought. Everything Eric sees at home though is tough for him because he sees his mom spending time with other men, his sister spending more time with his best friend. Yeah life at his house is hard, at least with Glynnie is seems easier. Its because she doesn't expect anything from him and he able to just talk. Even though he sees Glynnie as the type to not bother with jocks, she surprises him.

The Farewell Season was more than just the love of a sport, it was a bound that shared equally and even though Eric and his family lost someone in memory that person is always there and will always be. His story had me crying because his pain was displayed for all to see. Eric taught me that life should be valued and the memories along your journey help shape who you end up being. Football to me was always just a sport but for someone else its a shared love and should be shared with the world.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this book for free on Amazon and honestly wasn't expecting too much from it. The book was a little better than I at first thought it was going to be, but it fell a little short (for me) towards the end because I honestly I just wanted more. The romance felt rushed to me, but the book is short so that's kind of expected. I did like the secondary relationship between Eric sister and Rolf. I really liked Rolf a lot and would love a book about him. He was a great friend and seemed to have it together, unlike the main character, so I guess that's why he doesn't have his own story - lol. All in all, it was alright. Would I pay the current price of $2.99 for it? No. But I'm glad to have read it.

3.5 stars

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a thought provoking and heart touching YA book. The hero of the story, Eric, was going through some really tough stuff. He was grieving, his football coach is leaving and he is struggling through a lot of emotional situations. My heart went out to Eric. He is a good guy, although a little self absorbed at times. This short story kept my attention and engrossed me. This book was told completely from the hero's POV and I thought the author did a good job following the emotions and thought processes of an adolescent boy. Recommend for the young and young at heart. I was given a copy of this book by the author for an honest review.

[Michael Burhans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. Romance and football. LOL On a serious note this was an excellent book about love and loss, grief and acceptance. Thought provoking, and sensitive this is a book that is better than many in the genre. A nice love story is always good, but this was that an oh so much more. I liked that it ended in a very real way. There wasn't a magic wand cure all end, it was real, and all the more touching and much more impact for that realism. Highly recommended.

[Michelle Isenhoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eric has always loved football. It’s his senior year, scouts are making phone calls, a college scholarship seems secure. So why can’t he work up any enthusiasm? Because his dad has always been so closely entwined with his game, and three months ago a drunk driver unraveled everything. His dad is gone.

Ann Herrick does a respectable job on this novel for young adults. I appreciate Eric’s character. He’s such a jerk! But he knows it. As he works through the pain he’s willing to change, to make things right. I like his spirit, and I like that he’s not perfect. I love a learning, growing, maturing lead. His best friend Rolf, on the other hand, is too sweet, too predictable. I was glad to see him finally get his feathers ruffled. Kirstin, Eric’s sister, is also typical, but she has some great lines as she bickers with her brother. There’s some nice conflict and resolution between Eric and his mom as well. But it’s Glynnie – dowdy Glynnie with her unique style, tough questions, and ever-present pen and paper – who compliments Eric’s character so nicely. I was never sure what she’d say, how she’d react, where she would bring the story. And though we don’t see much of her, I loved the quirkiness of Glynnie’s cigar-smoking, French-speaking mom.

Ms. Herrick’s writing has a nice, easy-to-read flow with some very lovely moments. Here are some of my favorites:

“He was a short, solid man built like a fireplug, and he had one of those pushed-in faces, kind of like a bulldog.”

“...clapping his hands, which were as big and thick as sirloin steaks.”

“She was a real Helicopter Mother, always hovering.”

“Dancing with Glynnie was like holding a breeze.”

And one of the most powerful lines, one that summarizes the heart of Eric’s struggle all in one punch: “Maybe I was afraid. Afraid that I’d lose that sensation of potency I’d once taken for granted, but that now seemed brief and fragile.”

While The Farewell Season does a nice job exploring grief and arousing sympathy in the reader, I felt the book remained a little superficial. It has such potential for depth of meaning. Consider the wonderful title. Not only is Eric saying goodbye to his father, but also to his ailing coach, his high school, a whole period of his life, but I never felt this metaphor was fully developed on all these levels. The opportunity for truth, for richness, for thought-provoking conclusions, was lost. Also, I tend to agree with Coach Pickett who “once gave us a lecture saying that if we weren’t articulate enough to speak without swearing, we had better hit the books harder.” Unfortunately, profanity in children’s literature is in vogue, and this book is no exception.

I do appreciate, however, the sweetness of romance that Ms. Herrick maintains. The Farewell
Season does not follow the current teen trend toward obsessive, physical relationships. Rather it encourages friendship, respect, and the freedom of each individual to maintain their own identity. It’s light-hearted innocence is downright refreshing. And I say, kudos!

[Lenore Kosinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good little book, but it didn't wow me. I have yet to pin down why exactly. I enjoyed all the little references to Scandinavian words/foods/cultural thingies...but at the same time they could be overwhelming and distract from the story. I thoroughly enjoyed Glynnie and Eric's developing relationship...but I didn't get any good teasers into that in the epilogue...I wanted that for sure romance. And while this book did make me cry, I couldn't necessarily relate to Eric's anger and meanness....something just didn't work there for me.

I must say that I enjoyed the bits of Eric and Glynnie's friendship the most...swimming, the salmon hatchery, the fair...all good stuff.

[Ann Herrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so excited! I just found out there's a review of my YA novel, The Farewell Season in ALAN Review, Volume 39, Number 3, in the Clip & File YA Book Reviews!

"Football lovers and non-football fans will enjoy this compelling story...The realistic feelings and true-to-life characters provide a story with an important lesson about life and loss
...This story crosses the 'goal line'--both for teens who may face similar hurdles, and for those who wonder about such 'what ifs' in life that may be befall them."
~~Patricia D. Engelking, ALAN Review, Vol. 39, No. 3

[Jess O. (From Jess to You) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 out of 5 stars. A teenage guy deals with the death of his father. I liked the way this novel shows Eric's grief and how Glynnie, unintentionally and intentionally, helps him deal with it.

Check out my FULL review and a teaser here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-MY15ddZWwpefCvzgDktwRpjqcmw32Qc/view?usp=drive_link

[Autumn Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to come

[Ann Herrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Farewell Season has just be re-issued by Books We Love, Ltd.