Henry

by C.H. Hooks

Henry, is a humorous exploration of the life of a nearly eighty year-old man with little left to live for. Henry no longer bases his decisions on a sound mind’s judgment and jumps the moral fence of society without second thought or consideration. The story begs the question, “how do you fill your time, when you just want time to run out?” A very cynical Henry bides his time, doing what he pleases, knowing that there are no consequences to be imposed by a world that ignores and dismisses him as it moves on. Two years after the passing of his wife, Henry gradually faces the realization that the relationships of his lifetime have disappeared to either death or senility, and discovers his place as a burden in the logistic and financial life of his now smaller family. With slipping morals and mind, Henry dabbles in the proliferation of potent prescriptions while he is relieved of his responsibilities and worldly possessions.

Genres: Humor

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2013

About the author

C.H. Hooks is the author of the novels Can’t Shake the Dust (2024) and Alligator Zoo-Park Magic (2019). His work has appeared in publications including: The Los Angeles Review, American Short Fiction, Four Way Review, The Tampa Review, and The Bitter Southerner. He was a Tennessee Williams Scholar at Sewanee Writers' Conference, and attended DISQUIET: Dzanc Books International Literary Program in Lisbon. He teaches at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida.

Reviews

[Lisa James]

This book, by a LOCAL author that lives up the road in Orange Park, FL, is very darkly funny as it chronicles the adventures of Henry, a cantankerous 80 year old widower who is bent on defying his son,his daughter in law, his maid service, his doctor, & the neighborhood in his daily life. His best friend is Charleton, a 2 year old grey tomcat who goes with him on a harness & leash, frequently to places that Henry KNOWS that Charleton isn't welcome, oft times with hysterically funny results. The bank scene was reminiscent of Ray Steven's video for the Mississippi Squirrel Revival :) Never seen it? You Tube it & get a laugh. The ending leaves us hanging, so your mind gets to choose it's own ending, which in a way I appreciate, & in a way I didn't. I always like to support the local economy, & this was $10 WELL SPENT....

[Janice]

Unfortunately I didn't find this book as amusing as others. There were some funny moments but I felt so sorry for Henry. It's one thing if the actions of Henry were just thoughts in his head but it was disturbing that he actually carried out his thoughts. This book didn't do it for me.

[Ann]

Dark comedy

I received a free ebook but I'm not sure which site supplied the link. It's been a long time since I've read a book that really did make me laugh out loud. At the same time, my heart hurt for Henry and his kitty. The novel shows the plight of senior citizens, dealing with loneliness, financial woes and children that are seemingly unsympathetic. I recommend this book!

[Justin Hall]

THIS BOOK IS AMAZING.
Why are you still sitting there? Get up go to a bookstore, go to Amazon, go to Spring Park Coffee in Green Cove Springs FL, find this book somewhere.
HENRY is an old man, doing things real old men do and possibly the future of myself as an old man. You will laugh, you may cry... you will regret not reading it, so just do it!

[Gabriella O'Toole]

I loved this book! It was hilarious from the first page to the last. It had the perfect amount of comedy, sentimentality, and even a little wisdom to take away. Great, great work by a local author.

[Katie Williams]

You will laugh, you will cry, and you will laugh again. Great work done by a great local author. A must read for sure!

[Mark]

Funny and sad, wise and tragic, well worth the time spent. I liked this book a lot.

[arthur a dale]

Getting Old

A darkly humerous look at old age. Nicely written vinginettes in the life of widower who is going on eighty