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The Rockin' Chair
A rich portrait of a family at a crossroads
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2013
177 people are currently reading
1634 people want to read
About the author
Steven Manchester
41 books272 followersNew England's Storyteller Steven Manchester is the author of the soul-awakening novel, The Menu, as well as the '80s nostalgia-series, Bread Bags & Bullies; Lawn Darts & Lemonade. His other works include #1 bestsellers Twelve Months, The Rockin' Chair, Pressed Pennies and Gooseberry Island; the national bestsellers, Ashes, The Changing Season and Three Shoeboxes; the multi-award winning novels, Dad and Goodnight Brian; and the heartwarming Christmas movie, The Thursday Night Club. His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show and CBS's The Early Show; in Billboard and People Magazines. Three of Steven's short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. He is a multi-produced playwright, as well as the winner of the 2017 Los Angeles Book Festival, 2018 New York Book Festival, 2020 New England Book Festival, and 2021 Paris Book Festival. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or their children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing. Visit: www.StevenManchester.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 417 reviews
November 22, 2019
**I received an ARC courtesy of Steven Manchester**
This is the second novel that I have read of this author, and WOW, it's amazing!
The Rockin' Chair by Steven Manchester is a well written, engaging book that really makes the reader think. It is an emotional story of the McCarthy family.
The characters really draw you in; they make readers sympathize their struggles.
His description is rich in detail, but just the right balance for you to know about Montana without being redundant. He writes with poetic charisma, keeping you enthralled in the story without flashy gimmicks. It's humble, down-home, and a well-written story you won't want to miss.
I can only say go read it, you won't be sorry. You'll enjoy a wonderful and inspiring story.
-Ana @ SoManyBooksSoLittleTime
Review is also posted on my blog
August 22, 2017
The Rockin' Chair by Steven Manchester
It is not a genre I normally read, but something about the title and the cover design prompted me to read this book. The cover reminded me so much of my childhood, visiting my grandmother on her farm; the old porch where we used to sit, she peeling and slicing fruit for bottling, telling me stories of the family and her childhood. I was too young to remember who finally took her rockin' chair when she passed away, but it never bothered me. I had so much rich and beautiful memories whenever I encountered a rockin' chair ever since.
This family saga of the old gentleman, John McCarthy and his family pulled me into the American way of rural life which we often see in movies, but seldom read in books. The characters in the book were so familiar as though I knew them all my life, yet so very American in their values, talk and outlook on life. Decent, honest folks who were paternally lead and protected by a grandpa who also wrote a diary.
The writing style, the story elements, the characters...everything, gripped me from the first sentence before I even knew what the story would be about. I only knew I wanted to learn the story behind that rockin' chair on that porch and I was determined to hear it!
It was as though the author knew where to get to me. He went straight for the heart and left me sitting in total wonderment on how it was done.
Who would not react emotionally when a simple, decent, proud man writes these words:"I've had dreams of Alice calling me home and I reckon my time is close. But I'd leaved a pig-headed fool without makin' a few things clear. I reckon I've lived a life most men could only hope for. I had folks that taught me right. I found a woman that loved me right. I worked a farm that treated me right. But none of it ever added up to the love I had for my boy, Hank. Even if I owned words fancy enough, I couldn't start to say how much I love that stubborn boy."
The symbolism in the Rockin' chair is strong enough to have everyone reading this book yearn for family we never knew, or who passed away, or for opportunities we wished we had treasured. We would all agree that those rockin' chairs was more than just a few pieces of wood that made up a useful piece of furniture! It really rocked for a special reason. They all have stories to tell.
This Rockin' Chair had me in tears - of memory but also of joy. I felt so part of this family in which the challenges of a tough life, misunderstandings, and hardship did not leave much room for emotions such as love and appreciation. Yet it does not mean it did not exist.
It is a brilliant book in so many ways. It is a book that men should read just as eagerly as women. There is a lot to contemplate and a lot of our own changed values to weigh against the message this book leaves behind. In the end I needed to ask myself: and how do you measure up, girl?
Five stars for everything, grampa John!
It is not a genre I normally read, but something about the title and the cover design prompted me to read this book. The cover reminded me so much of my childhood, visiting my grandmother on her farm; the old porch where we used to sit, she peeling and slicing fruit for bottling, telling me stories of the family and her childhood. I was too young to remember who finally took her rockin' chair when she passed away, but it never bothered me. I had so much rich and beautiful memories whenever I encountered a rockin' chair ever since.
This family saga of the old gentleman, John McCarthy and his family pulled me into the American way of rural life which we often see in movies, but seldom read in books. The characters in the book were so familiar as though I knew them all my life, yet so very American in their values, talk and outlook on life. Decent, honest folks who were paternally lead and protected by a grandpa who also wrote a diary.
The writing style, the story elements, the characters...everything, gripped me from the first sentence before I even knew what the story would be about. I only knew I wanted to learn the story behind that rockin' chair on that porch and I was determined to hear it!
It was as though the author knew where to get to me. He went straight for the heart and left me sitting in total wonderment on how it was done.
Who would not react emotionally when a simple, decent, proud man writes these words:"I've had dreams of Alice calling me home and I reckon my time is close. But I'd leaved a pig-headed fool without makin' a few things clear. I reckon I've lived a life most men could only hope for. I had folks that taught me right. I found a woman that loved me right. I worked a farm that treated me right. But none of it ever added up to the love I had for my boy, Hank. Even if I owned words fancy enough, I couldn't start to say how much I love that stubborn boy."
The symbolism in the Rockin' chair is strong enough to have everyone reading this book yearn for family we never knew, or who passed away, or for opportunities we wished we had treasured. We would all agree that those rockin' chairs was more than just a few pieces of wood that made up a useful piece of furniture! It really rocked for a special reason. They all have stories to tell.
This Rockin' Chair had me in tears - of memory but also of joy. I felt so part of this family in which the challenges of a tough life, misunderstandings, and hardship did not leave much room for emotions such as love and appreciation. Yet it does not mean it did not exist.
It is a brilliant book in so many ways. It is a book that men should read just as eagerly as women. There is a lot to contemplate and a lot of our own changed values to weigh against the message this book leaves behind. In the end I needed to ask myself: and how do you measure up, girl?
Five stars for everything, grampa John!
June 19, 2013
'Just bein' able to recall my yesterdays has made `em all worthwhile.'
Steven Manchester has a way with dealing with the ends of lives and the impact each of our lives has on those left behind that is a fine recurring theme in his novels. In TWELVE MONTHS he brought to us the changes that occur in the man who has been given a certain time to live after a diagnosis of cancer is realized. In THE ROCKIN' CHAIR he again deals with en of life situations and how the coming together of a family at the time of death of a grandparent resurrects memories - and the value of dealing with memories that may have been both sad and happy.
Manchester wisely opens his story with a confusing view of Alice, the grandparent of the story as in her senility she walks through the past addressing her fears and her dreams and her expectations, allowing us at first to believe we are meeting a young girl, a young woman as she begins her life, only to ultimately realize that this is the fragile dismembering mind of a elderly woman approaching death.
But Alice is not the true main character of the book: that role is absorbed by old John McCarthy, her husband, living out his life on this Montana farm. It is when Alice, his beloved wife, succumbs that he calls his family home and the story is Grandpa John's orchestrating the resolution of memories that need to be both recalled and resolved. Each family member brings to the wise foot of Grandpa John's rocking chair those moments in their lives that have been struggles and it is in the loving wisdom of Grandpa john that the memories are tended and mended.
Manchester is able to deliver difficult messages in a manner that signifies he is wise beyond his years. Each novel grows. He will be around for a long time if there are more stories like this one to share.
Grady Harp
Steven Manchester has a way with dealing with the ends of lives and the impact each of our lives has on those left behind that is a fine recurring theme in his novels. In TWELVE MONTHS he brought to us the changes that occur in the man who has been given a certain time to live after a diagnosis of cancer is realized. In THE ROCKIN' CHAIR he again deals with en of life situations and how the coming together of a family at the time of death of a grandparent resurrects memories - and the value of dealing with memories that may have been both sad and happy.
Manchester wisely opens his story with a confusing view of Alice, the grandparent of the story as in her senility she walks through the past addressing her fears and her dreams and her expectations, allowing us at first to believe we are meeting a young girl, a young woman as she begins her life, only to ultimately realize that this is the fragile dismembering mind of a elderly woman approaching death.
But Alice is not the true main character of the book: that role is absorbed by old John McCarthy, her husband, living out his life on this Montana farm. It is when Alice, his beloved wife, succumbs that he calls his family home and the story is Grandpa John's orchestrating the resolution of memories that need to be both recalled and resolved. Each family member brings to the wise foot of Grandpa John's rocking chair those moments in their lives that have been struggles and it is in the loving wisdom of Grandpa john that the memories are tended and mended.
Manchester is able to deliver difficult messages in a manner that signifies he is wise beyond his years. Each novel grows. He will be around for a long time if there are more stories like this one to share.
Grady Harp
May 25, 2013
a *4.5* I received this book free on my e-reader from the author, Steven Manchester.I was happy to get the chance to read this wonderful book. The Main topic is " Family"the hurts, the misunderstandings, and lack of communication that goes with being part of a family. "the Rockin' Chair" starts out with John looking after his wife Alice. She has the end stage of dementia and other health problems.Alice is dying and John wants to get the family together to say goodbye.
John and Alice's son Hank lives nearby but they have gone a long time without speaking to each other.Hank harbors a lot of hurt and hard feelings toward his father that goes back to his childhood.Hank's three children are now grown. Goergey, Evan and Tara have moved away. All three have their own hurts, resentments toward their own father Hank.When the three hear news of their grandmother they come home. Each of the grown children are dealing with issues, of their own. all have their hurts and demons they are dealing with.
Over the course of seven months after all three kids decide to stay in Montana with grandpa John, things slowly start to change. Grandpa John helps the grandkids with the issues they each came with. offers advice.Slowly John and his son start to communicate about the problems and heal the rift between them. I like the story that Steven Manchester tells. it is one I can relate to. how many of us wish we could talk things out hear what we need to hear from relatives. the "I love you's" the characters need to hear. each of the character have their own issues that slowly each get help and advice. the Rocking chair in the story has it's part as well. since each relative has their named carved in the chair from Grandpa John.
A very nice heartwarming story anyone with a family can relate to.
John and Alice's son Hank lives nearby but they have gone a long time without speaking to each other.Hank harbors a lot of hurt and hard feelings toward his father that goes back to his childhood.Hank's three children are now grown. Goergey, Evan and Tara have moved away. All three have their own hurts, resentments toward their own father Hank.When the three hear news of their grandmother they come home. Each of the grown children are dealing with issues, of their own. all have their hurts and demons they are dealing with.
Over the course of seven months after all three kids decide to stay in Montana with grandpa John, things slowly start to change. Grandpa John helps the grandkids with the issues they each came with. offers advice.Slowly John and his son start to communicate about the problems and heal the rift between them. I like the story that Steven Manchester tells. it is one I can relate to. how many of us wish we could talk things out hear what we need to hear from relatives. the "I love you's" the characters need to hear. each of the character have their own issues that slowly each get help and advice. the Rocking chair in the story has it's part as well. since each relative has their named carved in the chair from Grandpa John.
A very nice heartwarming story anyone with a family can relate to.
October 9, 2013
Beware of books: 1) offering a “feel good” response, 2) that have cover art that reminds you of previous reads that did make you “feel good” and/or 3) remind you of beloved Grandparents. Any of those emotions will strongly urge one to purchase said book, ignoring the voice within that is all but shouting, “Nothing is in the information about this book that indicates there is anything about it you will like!” But, as I did, a purchase will be made and one will be required to read the book on the principle, “I bought it; I must want to read it.” I did purchase it, I did read it and I want to learn more of the function whereby humans act opposite from what their intuition tells them.
This is not a badly written, poorly edited book. It is a book meant to illicit warm feelings, fond memories (or create fond memories of events that never happened) and the occasional (read BUCKETS OF) tear(s); in those aspects this book is a total success. If one desires to read of: the loss of a Beloved spouse, the fractures that have occurred within a hardworking family and the Patriarch who, miraculously, is both the cause and the healer of said damage then rush out to read this volume.
The story of “Grandpa John” is told through flashbacks of how each of the McCarthy Family members – “Big John, Patriarch; Hank, his alcoholic, dyslexic son; Ellie, long-suffering, much beloved Daughter-in-law; George, the eldest grandson, Afghanistan War vet damaged by his tours as an Army Ranger; Evan, youngest grandson and the “sensitive” writer who moved east to pursue his dream and Tara, only granddaughter (and twin of Evan) whose desire to chase an act career created huge problems. Each of these family members needed to return to the Montana ranch all called “home,” to mourn the passing of their Grandma Alice and in hopes of finding what they had lost and being healed from what had broken them.
Many of the vignettes were sappy, too “pat” and the resolution was far too neat and tidy to have happened anywhere other than in a “penny dreadful” novel. I have to admit, I did shed a few tears in the reading of some of the moments of resolution – Mr. Manchester has some talent for evoking desired emotions in his readers.
The author makes the statement, “Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. With Him, all things are possible” on the acknowledgement page, so the book is written without undue violence, harsh language or sexual situations. There are allusions to some events of an adult nature and one or two moments where “near-adult” language is present, but overall, the book is suitable for family enjoyment.
This is not a badly written, poorly edited book. It is a book meant to illicit warm feelings, fond memories (or create fond memories of events that never happened) and the occasional (read BUCKETS OF) tear(s); in those aspects this book is a total success. If one desires to read of: the loss of a Beloved spouse, the fractures that have occurred within a hardworking family and the Patriarch who, miraculously, is both the cause and the healer of said damage then rush out to read this volume.
The story of “Grandpa John” is told through flashbacks of how each of the McCarthy Family members – “Big John, Patriarch; Hank, his alcoholic, dyslexic son; Ellie, long-suffering, much beloved Daughter-in-law; George, the eldest grandson, Afghanistan War vet damaged by his tours as an Army Ranger; Evan, youngest grandson and the “sensitive” writer who moved east to pursue his dream and Tara, only granddaughter (and twin of Evan) whose desire to chase an act career created huge problems. Each of these family members needed to return to the Montana ranch all called “home,” to mourn the passing of their Grandma Alice and in hopes of finding what they had lost and being healed from what had broken them.
Many of the vignettes were sappy, too “pat” and the resolution was far too neat and tidy to have happened anywhere other than in a “penny dreadful” novel. I have to admit, I did shed a few tears in the reading of some of the moments of resolution – Mr. Manchester has some talent for evoking desired emotions in his readers.
The author makes the statement, “Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. With Him, all things are possible” on the acknowledgement page, so the book is written without undue violence, harsh language or sexual situations. There are allusions to some events of an adult nature and one or two moments where “near-adult” language is present, but overall, the book is suitable for family enjoyment.
May 28, 2013
I wonder how many of us have a family like the McCarthy's?
This book, 'The Rockin' Chair', has provoked in me such strong emotions that I have not felt from a book, in awhile. This was my very first reading of Steven Manchester--it will not be my last--and I will absolutely recommend for anyone to read his books. What an experience that I was carried on! I cried tears of joy and sadness...experienced every single hurt, every doubt, every misunderstanding and pleading, every self-degradation, joy and peace, all the pleasure and happiness. I experienced a family...a family that is full of regrets, time wasted, broken, but put back together again. There was not a facet in this family that I could not see myself in or a family member. For me, it was truly a God-send to read this book. You'll find "old fashioned" values here. Through all the pain and sorrow, came life, joy, peace, faith, and lessons learned. I enjoyed reviewing this story...thank you Steven for the honor in doing so. What a blessing it brought to me. Thank you.
These characters in this story, were so well thought out and carried through to the end, that the avid reader will not be disappointed. The story flows very smoothly and to the Grammar sticklers out there (you know who you are LOL)-I'm very pleased to report-thumbs up!! I bet your curious about the story huh? How many of us have misjudge our parents-one wrong word and they 'don't love us', one wrong action or the lack of action and 'they don't care'? How many parents are to focussed on being right, instead of hearing what their child is trying to say? Have you loved someone, that didn't love you back...broken your heart and used you all up, though the signs were there all along, but ignored...made you question your self value-your worth? Do you know a Veteran who's 'broken'? Have you ever lost Faith in God? Questioned Him? This book is the one for you!
Now those who know me, know that I'm not one for "spoilers" when giving my views and usually I tease and suggest that the book be read in order to experience it. Spoilers are like telling the ending to a movie, before it is even half way through. I love to share how a book-a story, has moved and touched me...how it has affected and provoked me. And I am telling y'all straight, here and now that, 'The Rockin' Chair', is worth every moment of your time. A wonderful-truly wonderful story!!
This book, 'The Rockin' Chair', has provoked in me such strong emotions that I have not felt from a book, in awhile. This was my very first reading of Steven Manchester--it will not be my last--and I will absolutely recommend for anyone to read his books. What an experience that I was carried on! I cried tears of joy and sadness...experienced every single hurt, every doubt, every misunderstanding and pleading, every self-degradation, joy and peace, all the pleasure and happiness. I experienced a family...a family that is full of regrets, time wasted, broken, but put back together again. There was not a facet in this family that I could not see myself in or a family member. For me, it was truly a God-send to read this book. You'll find "old fashioned" values here. Through all the pain and sorrow, came life, joy, peace, faith, and lessons learned. I enjoyed reviewing this story...thank you Steven for the honor in doing so. What a blessing it brought to me. Thank you.
These characters in this story, were so well thought out and carried through to the end, that the avid reader will not be disappointed. The story flows very smoothly and to the Grammar sticklers out there (you know who you are LOL)-I'm very pleased to report-thumbs up!! I bet your curious about the story huh? How many of us have misjudge our parents-one wrong word and they 'don't love us', one wrong action or the lack of action and 'they don't care'? How many parents are to focussed on being right, instead of hearing what their child is trying to say? Have you loved someone, that didn't love you back...broken your heart and used you all up, though the signs were there all along, but ignored...made you question your self value-your worth? Do you know a Veteran who's 'broken'? Have you ever lost Faith in God? Questioned Him? This book is the one for you!
Now those who know me, know that I'm not one for "spoilers" when giving my views and usually I tease and suggest that the book be read in order to experience it. Spoilers are like telling the ending to a movie, before it is even half way through. I love to share how a book-a story, has moved and touched me...how it has affected and provoked me. And I am telling y'all straight, here and now that, 'The Rockin' Chair', is worth every moment of your time. A wonderful-truly wonderful story!!
July 29, 2013
I have read both Twelve Months and GoodNight Brian by Steven Manchester and loved them so much. Mr. Manchester consistently writes books that are treasures that speak to the heart and teach us what is important in life. The Rocking Chair is third of his books that I find a deeply personal connection.
A major theme that runs through Stephen Manchester’s books is the importance of family. This book is no different. The Rocking Chair includes four generations of family. At the beginning of this story, Alice McCarthy has Alzheimer’s. She has been loved so much by husband, John and her son and all the grandchildren. Now she can no longer recognize any of them, including her husband. That breaks John’s heart so much. The more memory that she loses the more lost he feels. Most of John’s thinking is done in the rocking chair. A lot of memories come back and we learn about his son, Hank and his three children, Tara, George and Evan. Each one of them has a crisis in their life even though John isn’t aware of it.
John decides that he needs all of the family to come back for his wife’s funeral. As they arrive, he becomes aware that he and his son Hank are not the only ones in anguish.
I love this book because the author is very careful to tell about the family with realism and with love. This book is so moving that I wanted to know more of what happened to this family when the book was over. Heartbreak, forgiveness and love run throughout this book.
There is one more reason that this book is special to me. There is a poem in the back of the book named The Rocking Chair that really touched me personally. Many years ago, I found some of my father’s poetry and my favorite of his was The Rocking Chair. Both poems are of love, one of my father’s love for my mother and the other in the book was of a father’s love of his son.
I highly recommend this book to all of my friends and to anyone who likes to read about families.
I received this book from Providence Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review, but that in no way influenced my review. My thoughts are my own.
A major theme that runs through Stephen Manchester’s books is the importance of family. This book is no different. The Rocking Chair includes four generations of family. At the beginning of this story, Alice McCarthy has Alzheimer’s. She has been loved so much by husband, John and her son and all the grandchildren. Now she can no longer recognize any of them, including her husband. That breaks John’s heart so much. The more memory that she loses the more lost he feels. Most of John’s thinking is done in the rocking chair. A lot of memories come back and we learn about his son, Hank and his three children, Tara, George and Evan. Each one of them has a crisis in their life even though John isn’t aware of it.
John decides that he needs all of the family to come back for his wife’s funeral. As they arrive, he becomes aware that he and his son Hank are not the only ones in anguish.
I love this book because the author is very careful to tell about the family with realism and with love. This book is so moving that I wanted to know more of what happened to this family when the book was over. Heartbreak, forgiveness and love run throughout this book.
There is one more reason that this book is special to me. There is a poem in the back of the book named The Rocking Chair that really touched me personally. Many years ago, I found some of my father’s poetry and my favorite of his was The Rocking Chair. Both poems are of love, one of my father’s love for my mother and the other in the book was of a father’s love of his son.
I highly recommend this book to all of my friends and to anyone who likes to read about families.
I received this book from Providence Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review, but that in no way influenced my review. My thoughts are my own.
July 1, 2013
Many reviewers compared this book to those of Nicholas Sparks, whom I'm really not too fond of, but I decided to give it a try anyhow.
Something was wrong with Alice. In the beginning, I couldn't decipher whether she was dreaming or crazy. The first chapter had me confused with the constant back-and-forth notion―but that is usually the way it feels with Alzheimer's.
The chair was a tombstone of cherished memories and forgotten lives. It was the thing that always provided John with comfort and pensive sorrow. Lately, he has been sitting for long hours, quietly rocking in a paralyzed state with his mind full of worry and fear over the disease that has been taking his beloved Alice away. It was stated simply that "[Alice] had become an apparition in the flesh, a ghost locked within the familiar frame." (25)
The story was nothing but memories that get dragged out by every member of the family and play on the minds like a broken record. Each section was recited in the POV of every main character, each one bringing one more demonic skeleton out of the closet that wrecked havoc on the emotions. The book was mainly a typhoon of emotions circling around the Alzheimer's, the war, and loss.
To think that family was the magical cure for life's problems was kind of naive. However, I liked how each character's flaws were rendered with emphatic resonance and frail honesty. Big John's barnyard lessons were cleverly correlated with the kids' problems. Suddenly it was up to Big John to fix them all like if he was Jesus or something, which was probably why there was a lot of praying in the story.
Ultimately, this story was all about getting over loss and heart ache―in other words, "to get back on the horse." Manchester's words painted a vibrant picture of the dirt-slappin', fly-swattin' country farm life of Montana. However, his descriptions of emotions might have been a tad too "fruity" for my taste. Now I get the Nicholas Sparks reference.
Something was wrong with Alice. In the beginning, I couldn't decipher whether she was dreaming or crazy. The first chapter had me confused with the constant back-and-forth notion―but that is usually the way it feels with Alzheimer's.
The chair was a tombstone of cherished memories and forgotten lives. It was the thing that always provided John with comfort and pensive sorrow. Lately, he has been sitting for long hours, quietly rocking in a paralyzed state with his mind full of worry and fear over the disease that has been taking his beloved Alice away. It was stated simply that "[Alice] had become an apparition in the flesh, a ghost locked within the familiar frame." (25)
The story was nothing but memories that get dragged out by every member of the family and play on the minds like a broken record. Each section was recited in the POV of every main character, each one bringing one more demonic skeleton out of the closet that wrecked havoc on the emotions. The book was mainly a typhoon of emotions circling around the Alzheimer's, the war, and loss.
To think that family was the magical cure for life's problems was kind of naive. However, I liked how each character's flaws were rendered with emphatic resonance and frail honesty. Big John's barnyard lessons were cleverly correlated with the kids' problems. Suddenly it was up to Big John to fix them all like if he was Jesus or something, which was probably why there was a lot of praying in the story.
Ultimately, this story was all about getting over loss and heart ache―in other words, "to get back on the horse." Manchester's words painted a vibrant picture of the dirt-slappin', fly-swattin' country farm life of Montana. However, his descriptions of emotions might have been a tad too "fruity" for my taste. Now I get the Nicholas Sparks reference.
June 15, 2013
This is the second book I've read by Steven Manchester, the first book being "Goodnight Brian."
This book is a book about a family traveling down the highway of life, and all of a sudden they have arrived at a fork in the road. Which way to turn, to the one leading to healing and happiness, or the rocky road leading to misunderstandings and sadness?
This was a very emotional book, the story begins with sadness, as we read about John's wife, and the struggles the family had dealing with his wife's Alzheimer's. Then, we begin to learn about each family member, and the problems they are each facing. How they each arrived on the winding road that lead to their present situation in life, and the twists and turns that helped them to continue down the highway to a happy life...all with the help of Grandpa John's guidance and wisdom.
There are happy heartfelt moments as they reminisced about things that happened in their lives. But there were times when the tears appeared as I was reading the story. I like the way the story came together in the end. It was very endearing, but also bittersweet. I enjoyed reading this book and awarded it 4****
This book was provided to me by the author, Steven Manchester, to read and give an honest review. Thank you Steven for two pleasant days of reading, I enjoyed reading your novel. Actually, after I started reading it, I had trouble putting it down.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers and authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review.
This book is a book about a family traveling down the highway of life, and all of a sudden they have arrived at a fork in the road. Which way to turn, to the one leading to healing and happiness, or the rocky road leading to misunderstandings and sadness?
This was a very emotional book, the story begins with sadness, as we read about John's wife, and the struggles the family had dealing with his wife's Alzheimer's. Then, we begin to learn about each family member, and the problems they are each facing. How they each arrived on the winding road that lead to their present situation in life, and the twists and turns that helped them to continue down the highway to a happy life...all with the help of Grandpa John's guidance and wisdom.
There are happy heartfelt moments as they reminisced about things that happened in their lives. But there were times when the tears appeared as I was reading the story. I like the way the story came together in the end. It was very endearing, but also bittersweet. I enjoyed reading this book and awarded it 4****
This book was provided to me by the author, Steven Manchester, to read and give an honest review. Thank you Steven for two pleasant days of reading, I enjoyed reading your novel. Actually, after I started reading it, I had trouble putting it down.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers and authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review.
September 28, 2013
A would-be inspirational story about the power of faith and family, centered on the trials, tribulations, and perseverance of members of the McCarthy family, a clan of no-nonsense Montana farmers in which the men have trouble expressing their true feelings and the women work very, very hard and accept their place. Grandpa John is the patriarch: he creates and sits in the eponymous rocking chair; he always has a pithy observation based on the natural world around him to solve any of life's problems.
I did not come to care about these characters, although the range of different struggles were interesting if predictable and some of the specific (but rare) examples of family bonding were endearing. Ultimately, however, the sweetness too often spilled over into sappy and the sudden conversions/solutions were unrealistic.
The novel opens with a comparatively long review of one character's suffering and demise due to the debilitation that is Alzheimer's, and seemed to be in part a teaching device to educate readers who might not be familiar with the disease. I briefly scanned the introductions of two other novels by the same author being promoted at the end of this e-text and noted they both began with a deep analysis of a terrible illness one character suffers as a way to educate readers. I guess if you find a formula you think works, you stick with it, but be prepared for this approach when you read his books.
I did not come to care about these characters, although the range of different struggles were interesting if predictable and some of the specific (but rare) examples of family bonding were endearing. Ultimately, however, the sweetness too often spilled over into sappy and the sudden conversions/solutions were unrealistic.
The novel opens with a comparatively long review of one character's suffering and demise due to the debilitation that is Alzheimer's, and seemed to be in part a teaching device to educate readers who might not be familiar with the disease. I briefly scanned the introductions of two other novels by the same author being promoted at the end of this e-text and noted they both began with a deep analysis of a terrible illness one character suffers as a way to educate readers. I guess if you find a formula you think works, you stick with it, but be prepared for this approach when you read his books.
March 6, 2014
Criticizing this little book feels a bit like kicking a kitten. The book is completely benign, bland, and harmless, but it's one not-that-long (200 pages) platitude and completely predictable, which is likely what its intended audience prefers.
The book opens with the main character, all-knowing wise Grampa John, looking on as his beleaguered daughter-in-law cares for his wife, who suffers from dementia. For some reason, the dementia kills her suddenly (this is not medically true) and he also suddenly sees that his son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren are suffering from a damaged marriage, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcoholism, and a failed engagement. Grampa John dispenses folksy wisdom and his family comes back together with little difficulty.
You'll find some jarring grammatical and spelling errors. One that particularly stood out for me was when a character grabbed a cow's utters, and then a page later uttered something. Oh dear. There is plenty of this in the book if you enjoy that sort of thing.
Very little of what these characters do is true to life. If you're someone who likes short, happy endings, Hallmark Channel movies, or Nicholas Sparks, you might enjoy this, and I wouldn't disparage you for it. But if you want your reading to challenge you intellectually or emotionally, this is definitely one to pass by.
The book opens with the main character, all-knowing wise Grampa John, looking on as his beleaguered daughter-in-law cares for his wife, who suffers from dementia. For some reason, the dementia kills her suddenly (this is not medically true) and he also suddenly sees that his son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren are suffering from a damaged marriage, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcoholism, and a failed engagement. Grampa John dispenses folksy wisdom and his family comes back together with little difficulty.
You'll find some jarring grammatical and spelling errors. One that particularly stood out for me was when a character grabbed a cow's utters, and then a page later uttered something. Oh dear. There is plenty of this in the book if you enjoy that sort of thing.
Very little of what these characters do is true to life. If you're someone who likes short, happy endings, Hallmark Channel movies, or Nicholas Sparks, you might enjoy this, and I wouldn't disparage you for it. But if you want your reading to challenge you intellectually or emotionally, this is definitely one to pass by.
May 23, 2013
Steven Manchester did it again. Another beautiful story of a grandparents unconditional love, strength and wisdom. This book made me laugh, cry and hope that I can one day be that kind of grandparent. Everyone can dream of having a Grampa John in their lives but very few will ever really have him. This author must have been one of the lucky ones to be able to portray these characters so perfectly.
January 18, 2014
This book I really liked the way you are able to see both sides of the same situation through the eyes of each person. For example the barn being burned down. The remains of the barn left untouched. Ones sees hope the other sees failure. No communication. It's never to late to communicate. It's never to late to forgive. It's hard to mend a broken relationship. Life is to short not to try. Love is powerful. This book has left a lasting impression on my heart.
June 19, 2013
The Rocking Chair: Steven Manchester
The trunk of a tree is the foundation that holds it up and prevents it from falling over. But, the forces of nature often change the position of this tree trunk and years of standing out in the cold, sun, rain, storms or snow and the heavy force of the wind might even shift this foundation and force it to tilt. Each branch on this precious tree is covered with leaves to protect it and keep it warm but when the harsh winter winds blow, the season’s change the branches are once again left to deal with nature. Life can hand us many difficult situations. Each person handles strife, despair, unhappiness, loss of loved ones, jobs that are unfulfilling and even fear in their own way. With the help of families and friends most pull through but when stubbornness, anger, harsh realities and hard times settle in and people push themselves away from those that really care what you get is a disjointed tree that once held some strong branches each with its own special memories now shattered, torn from the very heart of the tree where it once stood tall.
John and Alice McCarthy met at a special dance and have never stopped dancing since they set eyes on each other. Life was good at first and they were blessed with a son, Hank that they both adored. But, Hank’s perception of his father was not what we see as we meet John at the start of this novel. Time has passed, words have been said and the harsh feelings seemed to be settled within Hank and cannot be released. John’s life on his farm has always centered on Alice. Hank never felt that his father really needed him for anything and when he met Elle he did not realize that was the best day of his life. Foundations are the cement that keeps buildings in place, trees from falling, and families from crumbling. But, when the foundation begins to wear away and the limbs blow in different directions what you get is a tree with broken branches each trying to repair its damage, each trying to rebuild its original frame and hopefully restoring its glory.
Memories are precious except when they begin to fade within the recess of your mind. The story opens in a heartfelt and heart wrenching way with one woman’s disjointed thoughts, memories and life being replayed within what is left of her mind as she drifts slowly away. Alzheimer’s is a death sentence for the poor victim whose mind it decides to invade and destroy. Slowly, methodically and carefully it wears away at the person’s brain cells until what is left is nothing. Causing the loss of brain tissue and cell death in the person with this disease anyone looking within the brain of the person would see plagues, made up of fragments of beta-amyloid protein and tangles comprised of dead and dying neurons which become twisted and collage when tau. A normal brain protein becomes abnormal. How long before the end varies as I know because my mom lived with this illness for ten years. Some people live with it on the average for 8 years and some over 20. There is no cure for this illness and no real test to predict who will get it. Researchers have not found anything to prevent or permanently stop it as yet. Alice McCarthy was diagnosed with this dreaded illness and although John is doing his best along with his daughter-in-law to care for her his family is what he needs at this time and his hopes for reunite them would make whatever time Alice has left more meaningful for her, him and hopefully rebuild the foundation that is tilting on that very tall tree.
Hearing the voices of each character we get to understand their feelings, grief, desires, successes and failures. John’s life centered on Alice and his goal was to provide for her and his young son, Hank. But, things changed, feelings set aside and they drifted apart. Although Hank still lives on the farm he and his father are live many world’s apart. Part hurts; feelings and stubbornness within Hank caused him to become cold, hard, unhappy and bitter. Without Elle, he would probably spend more of his days in a drunken stupor. As Hank contemplates his life and reflects on his three children little does he know that the foundations of their lives have crumbled and that they are finding their way home to hopefully repair more than just their broken hearts. Someone betrayed Evan, a writer he thought he could trust. Tara, his twin sister, decided to live in New York and soon became disillusioned, drug dependent and believed in one man that would turn against her when she revealed something that he did not want to hear. George, a decorated soldier, received the medal of valor and turned it down for reasons that most would disagree with yet, his conscience could not ignore what he felt was right. Three broken branches each needing repair and each about to find its way home to as they say to the homestead hopefully to find even more.
The Rocking Chair is the story of one woman named Alice who gave her life for her family only to wind up living alone within the recesses of her mind surrounded by her past, not able to relate to the present and little time left in the future. Author Steven Manchester brings to light what happens when someone is struck with Alzheimer’s, how it affects the family, how one man deals with helping his wife live out the rest of her time with dignity and how remembering the past will help him embrace the present.
Some of us have a favorite place to sit, contemplate and unwind. As John places Alice on his lap one more time her final breath is taken and she leaves this world to join G-d in his. But, this is not just a story about Alice it is much more as we learn more about Tara, Evan, Elle, Hank, John and George each having to come face to face with their own demons, their own conflicts and hopefully resolving, forgiving those that have hurt them and moving ahead before it’s too late. As John is determined to hear what Alice tried to convey to him at her funeral, he makes the first move to mend what he can and help his grandchildren find peace and a better place in this world. But, what about Hank, just why does he resent and hate his father as the author shares his story with readers you will find yourself with tears rolling down your eyes and understanding his pain but hoping he will let it go.
Imagine a quilt each with its own special squares each square telling its own story. One that would take us back to when John and Alice met and their life together and that special rocking chair where his family would gather round to hear his stories. Another square for Hank, his early years, his memories of growing up, the fire that caused him to leave home and the one thing that might mend his heart. Evan and George share a square as Evan has to come to grips with losing the one person he thought was the love of his life only to find his way back home, hear his grandfather’s words and learn to move on. George learns forgiveness in another way and the end result for him would hopefully grant him so peace and understanding of something that has haunted him for too long. Tara whose world is centers around drugs, alcohol and bad decisions has her own special square that is filled with her past, her mistakes and hopefully a renewed start if she decides to get some help. Elle deserves her own square as she is more like the glue that keeps it all together and the one person who sees every situation for what it really is. But, can she awaken Hank and bring him back to the present and out of the past in order to focus on a better future? One final square for precious Lila: the first of a new generation.
When the story draws to a close make sure you have plenty of tissues. One man whose goal was to mend as many hearts, fix as many problems and prove that love, forgiveness, hope and faith can bring the branches of this tree back to their original form and hopefully rebuild that foundation so the trunk does not tip over anymore. Alzheimer’s cannot be cured. “Family is the foundation for Everything.” Never let time pass between visits, call those that matter and tell them, never let hate, anger and the past take away the time that you have in the future. Read the beautiful poem the last page: Evan McCarthy: the rocking chair as he hoped to fulfill his goal and write that book he promised his grandfather he would write to be the voice of so many whose lives and voices would otherwise be silenced. As Evan finds his way to becoming a writer what about Tara, George, Hank and Elle? Read the Rocking Chair, hear John’s voice tell his stories, listen to Alice’s laugh and create your own dreams. This is a heartfelt story that teaches everyone the importance of so many issues that the author has brought to light and I have spotlighted in this review. Author Steven Manchester’s research into Alzheimer’s, his understanding of what happens when someone needs help with addictions and family counseling brings all of these issues and much more to light in this outstanding book.
This book gets FIVE SPECIAL ROCKING CHAIRS
Fran Lewis: reviewer
John, Alice, Elle and Hank, George , Tara and Evan and one special one for Lila and the first one for our author: Steven Manchester
The trunk of a tree is the foundation that holds it up and prevents it from falling over. But, the forces of nature often change the position of this tree trunk and years of standing out in the cold, sun, rain, storms or snow and the heavy force of the wind might even shift this foundation and force it to tilt. Each branch on this precious tree is covered with leaves to protect it and keep it warm but when the harsh winter winds blow, the season’s change the branches are once again left to deal with nature. Life can hand us many difficult situations. Each person handles strife, despair, unhappiness, loss of loved ones, jobs that are unfulfilling and even fear in their own way. With the help of families and friends most pull through but when stubbornness, anger, harsh realities and hard times settle in and people push themselves away from those that really care what you get is a disjointed tree that once held some strong branches each with its own special memories now shattered, torn from the very heart of the tree where it once stood tall.
John and Alice McCarthy met at a special dance and have never stopped dancing since they set eyes on each other. Life was good at first and they were blessed with a son, Hank that they both adored. But, Hank’s perception of his father was not what we see as we meet John at the start of this novel. Time has passed, words have been said and the harsh feelings seemed to be settled within Hank and cannot be released. John’s life on his farm has always centered on Alice. Hank never felt that his father really needed him for anything and when he met Elle he did not realize that was the best day of his life. Foundations are the cement that keeps buildings in place, trees from falling, and families from crumbling. But, when the foundation begins to wear away and the limbs blow in different directions what you get is a tree with broken branches each trying to repair its damage, each trying to rebuild its original frame and hopefully restoring its glory.
Memories are precious except when they begin to fade within the recess of your mind. The story opens in a heartfelt and heart wrenching way with one woman’s disjointed thoughts, memories and life being replayed within what is left of her mind as she drifts slowly away. Alzheimer’s is a death sentence for the poor victim whose mind it decides to invade and destroy. Slowly, methodically and carefully it wears away at the person’s brain cells until what is left is nothing. Causing the loss of brain tissue and cell death in the person with this disease anyone looking within the brain of the person would see plagues, made up of fragments of beta-amyloid protein and tangles comprised of dead and dying neurons which become twisted and collage when tau. A normal brain protein becomes abnormal. How long before the end varies as I know because my mom lived with this illness for ten years. Some people live with it on the average for 8 years and some over 20. There is no cure for this illness and no real test to predict who will get it. Researchers have not found anything to prevent or permanently stop it as yet. Alice McCarthy was diagnosed with this dreaded illness and although John is doing his best along with his daughter-in-law to care for her his family is what he needs at this time and his hopes for reunite them would make whatever time Alice has left more meaningful for her, him and hopefully rebuild the foundation that is tilting on that very tall tree.
Hearing the voices of each character we get to understand their feelings, grief, desires, successes and failures. John’s life centered on Alice and his goal was to provide for her and his young son, Hank. But, things changed, feelings set aside and they drifted apart. Although Hank still lives on the farm he and his father are live many world’s apart. Part hurts; feelings and stubbornness within Hank caused him to become cold, hard, unhappy and bitter. Without Elle, he would probably spend more of his days in a drunken stupor. As Hank contemplates his life and reflects on his three children little does he know that the foundations of their lives have crumbled and that they are finding their way home to hopefully repair more than just their broken hearts. Someone betrayed Evan, a writer he thought he could trust. Tara, his twin sister, decided to live in New York and soon became disillusioned, drug dependent and believed in one man that would turn against her when she revealed something that he did not want to hear. George, a decorated soldier, received the medal of valor and turned it down for reasons that most would disagree with yet, his conscience could not ignore what he felt was right. Three broken branches each needing repair and each about to find its way home to as they say to the homestead hopefully to find even more.
The Rocking Chair is the story of one woman named Alice who gave her life for her family only to wind up living alone within the recesses of her mind surrounded by her past, not able to relate to the present and little time left in the future. Author Steven Manchester brings to light what happens when someone is struck with Alzheimer’s, how it affects the family, how one man deals with helping his wife live out the rest of her time with dignity and how remembering the past will help him embrace the present.
Some of us have a favorite place to sit, contemplate and unwind. As John places Alice on his lap one more time her final breath is taken and she leaves this world to join G-d in his. But, this is not just a story about Alice it is much more as we learn more about Tara, Evan, Elle, Hank, John and George each having to come face to face with their own demons, their own conflicts and hopefully resolving, forgiving those that have hurt them and moving ahead before it’s too late. As John is determined to hear what Alice tried to convey to him at her funeral, he makes the first move to mend what he can and help his grandchildren find peace and a better place in this world. But, what about Hank, just why does he resent and hate his father as the author shares his story with readers you will find yourself with tears rolling down your eyes and understanding his pain but hoping he will let it go.
Imagine a quilt each with its own special squares each square telling its own story. One that would take us back to when John and Alice met and their life together and that special rocking chair where his family would gather round to hear his stories. Another square for Hank, his early years, his memories of growing up, the fire that caused him to leave home and the one thing that might mend his heart. Evan and George share a square as Evan has to come to grips with losing the one person he thought was the love of his life only to find his way back home, hear his grandfather’s words and learn to move on. George learns forgiveness in another way and the end result for him would hopefully grant him so peace and understanding of something that has haunted him for too long. Tara whose world is centers around drugs, alcohol and bad decisions has her own special square that is filled with her past, her mistakes and hopefully a renewed start if she decides to get some help. Elle deserves her own square as she is more like the glue that keeps it all together and the one person who sees every situation for what it really is. But, can she awaken Hank and bring him back to the present and out of the past in order to focus on a better future? One final square for precious Lila: the first of a new generation.
When the story draws to a close make sure you have plenty of tissues. One man whose goal was to mend as many hearts, fix as many problems and prove that love, forgiveness, hope and faith can bring the branches of this tree back to their original form and hopefully rebuild that foundation so the trunk does not tip over anymore. Alzheimer’s cannot be cured. “Family is the foundation for Everything.” Never let time pass between visits, call those that matter and tell them, never let hate, anger and the past take away the time that you have in the future. Read the beautiful poem the last page: Evan McCarthy: the rocking chair as he hoped to fulfill his goal and write that book he promised his grandfather he would write to be the voice of so many whose lives and voices would otherwise be silenced. As Evan finds his way to becoming a writer what about Tara, George, Hank and Elle? Read the Rocking Chair, hear John’s voice tell his stories, listen to Alice’s laugh and create your own dreams. This is a heartfelt story that teaches everyone the importance of so many issues that the author has brought to light and I have spotlighted in this review. Author Steven Manchester’s research into Alzheimer’s, his understanding of what happens when someone needs help with addictions and family counseling brings all of these issues and much more to light in this outstanding book.
This book gets FIVE SPECIAL ROCKING CHAIRS
Fran Lewis: reviewer
John, Alice, Elle and Hank, George , Tara and Evan and one special one for Lila and the first one for our author: Steven Manchester
February 13, 2022
Steven Manchester writes a very moving story about a family's struggles with a number of issues, not the least of which is a loved one suffering with Alzheimer's. It became a bit preachy at the end, but the author is strong in his faith, so I wasn't too upset by that. It might seem unlikely that one family should have so many problems, but overall an entertaining read.
May 29, 2013
Being part of a family isn’t always easy, sometimes the best intentions go so far awry that the damage can be irreversible and we don’t even understand what we did wrong, until something happens that causes us to re-visit the past. John McCarthy has just lost the love of his life. After building a life together, raising a son and sharing the joys of grandchildren, John’s wife Alice has finally gone to her maker after a torturous battle with Alzheimer’s that held her mind captive and made her family strangers. As John calls his family together, he looks back on his memories and KNOWS he must guide his family on the painful journey of healing damaged relationships.
The Rockin’ Chair by Steven Manchester will draw you in with its raw emotion, deep hurts and honest admissions as the McCarthy family finally finds the bravery it takes to admit their flaws and forgive the flaws of others. If you have a heart that beats, you will feel for this family, because they are not unique, they are just like everyone else, they did what they thought was “the right thing” not realizing the later consequences. You will relate to this story. Each character is empathetic, and the rich details created by Steven Manchester with his down to Earth style makes this a story to remember and learn from. You will feel the love, you will get angry and you may cry, so grab a Kleenex or two, but definitely read this book and share it with others-it’s that good and you’ll be glad you did. If I had more than 5 stars to rate this with, I would.
I received an ARC edition of The Rockin’ Chair from NetGalley and The Story Plant in exchange for my honest review. Publication Date: June 18, 2013
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
The Rockin’ Chair by Steven Manchester will draw you in with its raw emotion, deep hurts and honest admissions as the McCarthy family finally finds the bravery it takes to admit their flaws and forgive the flaws of others. If you have a heart that beats, you will feel for this family, because they are not unique, they are just like everyone else, they did what they thought was “the right thing” not realizing the later consequences. You will relate to this story. Each character is empathetic, and the rich details created by Steven Manchester with his down to Earth style makes this a story to remember and learn from. You will feel the love, you will get angry and you may cry, so grab a Kleenex or two, but definitely read this book and share it with others-it’s that good and you’ll be glad you did. If I had more than 5 stars to rate this with, I would.
I received an ARC edition of The Rockin’ Chair from NetGalley and The Story Plant in exchange for my honest review. Publication Date: June 18, 2013
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
September 6, 2018
Memories - good and bad - are at the heart of this book by Steven Manchester. Remembering our lives through existing memories and making more as we live our lives - What will you and those you love remember as you near the time when you can make no more? Grandpa John whose wife is nearing death through Alzheimer's disease does his chores and then sits in his rockin' chair to reflect on their lives and those of their family. His son is distant while living close by and his grandchildren need to be brought home.
His son and grandchildren each have some huge problems to overcome and Grandpa John with lessons taught during chores and at his feet as he rocks on the front porch is doing his best to fix his family before he must leave them. With his own share of memories from the time he met his beloved Alice until the present, he tries to help heal the pain of each member of his family. While doing this he has to face the mistakes he has made with his son and try to bridge the gap between them.
Once again Steven Manchester has developed a family so real that I feel I know them. I alternated between tears, anger, and happiness as I read this book in two evenings. The symbol of the lessons and memories, the rockin' chair, was so real to me. When I was growing up we,too, had a rocking chair. My Grandma Rene (and my real life Grandpa John) had rocked my mother in that chair; my mother rocked me and my brothers in it; and later I rocked my daughters in it. The chair finally went to live with my brother and my sister-in-law rocked her grandchildren in it. Steven's book brought back my memories of those times with all the happy and sad times and for that reason alone I would recommend this book to everyone.
Thank you for the advance copy Steven Manchester and NetGalley and the opportunity to write this honest review. This is the third book I have read by this author and I hope to read many more in the future.
His son and grandchildren each have some huge problems to overcome and Grandpa John with lessons taught during chores and at his feet as he rocks on the front porch is doing his best to fix his family before he must leave them. With his own share of memories from the time he met his beloved Alice until the present, he tries to help heal the pain of each member of his family. While doing this he has to face the mistakes he has made with his son and try to bridge the gap between them.
Once again Steven Manchester has developed a family so real that I feel I know them. I alternated between tears, anger, and happiness as I read this book in two evenings. The symbol of the lessons and memories, the rockin' chair, was so real to me. When I was growing up we,too, had a rocking chair. My Grandma Rene (and my real life Grandpa John) had rocked my mother in that chair; my mother rocked me and my brothers in it; and later I rocked my daughters in it. The chair finally went to live with my brother and my sister-in-law rocked her grandchildren in it. Steven's book brought back my memories of those times with all the happy and sad times and for that reason alone I would recommend this book to everyone.
Thank you for the advance copy Steven Manchester and NetGalley and the opportunity to write this honest review. This is the third book I have read by this author and I hope to read many more in the future.
August 4, 2013
Every time I read a Steven Manchester book, I know it's going to be emotional, but this one was by far the most emotional book so far. I had to stay up last night in order to finish it, and I cried for several minutes. But it was worth it! This is a must-read book for anyone who has ever been a grandparent or had one. I think that takes into account just about everyone, right?
My words cannot do this book justice. Steven is a master in the art of writing narratives that truly affect his readers. He doesn't write historical fiction, romances, thrillers, or mysteries. His stories are poignant, stunning, engaging, and authentic. In short, his book are real. The reader will find some profanity in the book, but I honestly never felt offended. In fact, the author's dedication completely inspired me. The faith that is depicted in this book is raw and genuine and often a little rough around the edges. But it is enduring. Steven's characters are not just the typical, two-dimensional characters that I have found in so many supposed inspirational stories. If I can say this, his characters are four-dimensional. They are living. The reader does not feel like a spectator but a participant.
I am so glad I was honored to read this book. The description of Alzheimer's were fascinating, but the issue of death really touched me. I recently lost my grandmother, and this book was a wonderful way for me to deal with that grief. At my grandmother's funeral, I also felt I was able to say goodbye to my grandfather since I never could attend his funeral sixteen years ago. I can't thank Steven for sharing his heart with his readers.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
My words cannot do this book justice. Steven is a master in the art of writing narratives that truly affect his readers. He doesn't write historical fiction, romances, thrillers, or mysteries. His stories are poignant, stunning, engaging, and authentic. In short, his book are real. The reader will find some profanity in the book, but I honestly never felt offended. In fact, the author's dedication completely inspired me. The faith that is depicted in this book is raw and genuine and often a little rough around the edges. But it is enduring. Steven's characters are not just the typical, two-dimensional characters that I have found in so many supposed inspirational stories. If I can say this, his characters are four-dimensional. They are living. The reader does not feel like a spectator but a participant.
I am so glad I was honored to read this book. The description of Alzheimer's were fascinating, but the issue of death really touched me. I recently lost my grandmother, and this book was a wonderful way for me to deal with that grief. At my grandmother's funeral, I also felt I was able to say goodbye to my grandfather since I never could attend his funeral sixteen years ago. I can't thank Steven for sharing his heart with his readers.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
January 16, 2016
It’s all about memories, good memories and bad memories. Your good memories may be others bad memories. It’s all about perspective. The Rockin’ Chair is a story that shows that vividly.
Dancing with his wife is one of John McCarthy best memories. She is now gone from this earth but he still feels her presence as he deals with his family and their memories of the more bad times than good. His has had a rocky relationship with his son and his three grandchildren have all moved away. He decides to call the grandchildren home and hopes to mend his relationship with his son too.
As the grandkids come home he quickly realizes they are all dealing with their own personal demons and painful memories. Grandpa John knows that working together as a family they can face the demons and heal. He feels it is a legacy left to him by his beloved wife that must be taken care of before they can dance off in eternity together.
His daughter-in- law Elle has been a Godsend to him. She took care of her mother-in-law as her health deteriorated and Alzheimer’s continued to take away the woman he loved more than life itself.
This is a heart-wrenching and heartwarming story that will draw you right in and will have you hugging your family tight after you reach the last page. Then you will encouraging them to read it too. It is a wonderful story of a family that worked hard day in and day out. The kids that can’t wait to get away to greener pastures only to realize they had it pretty good right where they started. It is all about FAMILY and the memories that it creates.
Wonderful story!!! Just wonderful!! I think everyone should read this book!!
Dancing with his wife is one of John McCarthy best memories. She is now gone from this earth but he still feels her presence as he deals with his family and their memories of the more bad times than good. His has had a rocky relationship with his son and his three grandchildren have all moved away. He decides to call the grandchildren home and hopes to mend his relationship with his son too.
As the grandkids come home he quickly realizes they are all dealing with their own personal demons and painful memories. Grandpa John knows that working together as a family they can face the demons and heal. He feels it is a legacy left to him by his beloved wife that must be taken care of before they can dance off in eternity together.
His daughter-in- law Elle has been a Godsend to him. She took care of her mother-in-law as her health deteriorated and Alzheimer’s continued to take away the woman he loved more than life itself.
This is a heart-wrenching and heartwarming story that will draw you right in and will have you hugging your family tight after you reach the last page. Then you will encouraging them to read it too. It is a wonderful story of a family that worked hard day in and day out. The kids that can’t wait to get away to greener pastures only to realize they had it pretty good right where they started. It is all about FAMILY and the memories that it creates.
Wonderful story!!! Just wonderful!! I think everyone should read this book!!
June 11, 2013
First of all I need to say that I am a new fan of Steven Manchester! His writing for this fictional story was wonderful!
This story is very captivating! The novel was a easy read and it was very easy to stay interested from the first paragraph to the very last sentence.
Mr. Manchester goes into great deal describing each of the McCarthy family members. I felt like I knew Grandpa John and I had a very clear picture of what he and the rest of the family looked like. His descriptions are very detailed. However, he doesn't focus on one point on an extended period of time.
This family could easily be any family. All families have unsaid problems, hurts, memories, and things that should be aired before it's too late.
This book is a great reminder of how short life is and if we keep things inside, before you know it, it will be too late.
You will learn about Grandpa John, Alice and their son Hank and his family.
This story also talks about Alzheimer's. I started crying more than once throughout the book.
I highly recommend this book! I don't want to talk a lot about the book as it will give a lot of details away but if you are looking for a great summer read or a great book to give a friend, this IS the book to give!!
Thank you to Mr. Manchester for providing me with a review copy of this book.
This story is very captivating! The novel was a easy read and it was very easy to stay interested from the first paragraph to the very last sentence.
Mr. Manchester goes into great deal describing each of the McCarthy family members. I felt like I knew Grandpa John and I had a very clear picture of what he and the rest of the family looked like. His descriptions are very detailed. However, he doesn't focus on one point on an extended period of time.
This family could easily be any family. All families have unsaid problems, hurts, memories, and things that should be aired before it's too late.
This book is a great reminder of how short life is and if we keep things inside, before you know it, it will be too late.
You will learn about Grandpa John, Alice and their son Hank and his family.
This story also talks about Alzheimer's. I started crying more than once throughout the book.
I highly recommend this book! I don't want to talk a lot about the book as it will give a lot of details away but if you are looking for a great summer read or a great book to give a friend, this IS the book to give!!
Thank you to Mr. Manchester for providing me with a review copy of this book.
August 28, 2013
John and his son Hank had a falling out years before and have never mended their relationship, but John and Alice stayed close to Hank’s wife Elle and their children. Grandpa John loves his wife Alice more than life itself, and when she’s nearing her death he sends for their grown grandchildren, who have moved to other states, to come home. They do come, but sadly they don’t make it in time. The tensions between John and Hank, and Hank and his kids disrupt what should be a very solemn, loving time.
This is a story about family. It’s a message that no matter the problems you have with a loved one, no matter how long the rift has been there, relationships can be restored if someone takes the first step toward mending what caused the problem. After losing Alice, John realizes how precious life is and is determined to mend all the problems his family members have, and in doing so he brings everyone closer.
I loved the part about the rockin’ chair. I wish I’d have had one and done what Grampa John did. What an amazing thing to pass down from generation to generation.
This is a book that most anyone would enjoy. It’s full of sadness, relationship problems, anger and forgiveness, but mostly love.
It was a fairly short read, but packed full of stuff that keeps you reading until the last page.
I would definitely read this author again.
This is a story about family. It’s a message that no matter the problems you have with a loved one, no matter how long the rift has been there, relationships can be restored if someone takes the first step toward mending what caused the problem. After losing Alice, John realizes how precious life is and is determined to mend all the problems his family members have, and in doing so he brings everyone closer.
I loved the part about the rockin’ chair. I wish I’d have had one and done what Grampa John did. What an amazing thing to pass down from generation to generation.
This is a book that most anyone would enjoy. It’s full of sadness, relationship problems, anger and forgiveness, but mostly love.
It was a fairly short read, but packed full of stuff that keeps you reading until the last page.
I would definitely read this author again.
May 27, 2013
Alice and John have been married for a long time. They have grown old together. Lately things have not been going so well for Alice. She has Alzheimer’s and her heart is failing her. John rallies their entire children home. Before all of them arrive home Alice passes away.
Now that Alice has passed away, it is time for the family to spill secrets, heal old wounds, and band together as a family.
The Rockin’ Chair by Steven Manchester is another must read. It is also a fast read as well. This is the second book I have read by Mr. Manchester. The theme I am finding with his books are the characters. He writes them with so much life as if they are real people and not just people in a book. John was the real superstar of this story. He is the foundation that the family was built around. There was not one person that I did not like. I could connect with each of them.
I grew so close to the family that when the ending came to a near that I could not help but shred a tear or two. These people pulled at my heart strings. The Rockin’ Chair is a book that you will remember long after you have put it down. You will be recommending it to all of your friends. The Rockin’ Chair is like a warm hug from a loved one.
Now that Alice has passed away, it is time for the family to spill secrets, heal old wounds, and band together as a family.
The Rockin’ Chair by Steven Manchester is another must read. It is also a fast read as well. This is the second book I have read by Mr. Manchester. The theme I am finding with his books are the characters. He writes them with so much life as if they are real people and not just people in a book. John was the real superstar of this story. He is the foundation that the family was built around. There was not one person that I did not like. I could connect with each of them.
I grew so close to the family that when the ending came to a near that I could not help but shred a tear or two. These people pulled at my heart strings. The Rockin’ Chair is a book that you will remember long after you have put it down. You will be recommending it to all of your friends. The Rockin’ Chair is like a warm hug from a loved one.
July 3, 2017
Be prepared to laugh and shed several tears in this heart-warming novel.
Alice McCarthy is dying. And her husband John, "Grandpa John", calls everyone home. On the front porch, the old rockin' chair sits, waiting. Waiting for one last dance with Alice in Big John's arms, waiting for a new name to be carved into it, and waiting for memories sweet and foul to be remembered. The time is short. Those foul memories need to be forgiven - hard work, though.
This story of fathers and sons drew me in and worked itself into both my heart and soul. Steven Manchester is a gifted writer, and his prose is easy and uplifting. Definitely a good read for a rainy afternoon perched upon a comfy rockin' chair.
Alice McCarthy is dying. And her husband John, "Grandpa John", calls everyone home. On the front porch, the old rockin' chair sits, waiting. Waiting for one last dance with Alice in Big John's arms, waiting for a new name to be carved into it, and waiting for memories sweet and foul to be remembered. The time is short. Those foul memories need to be forgiven - hard work, though.
This story of fathers and sons drew me in and worked itself into both my heart and soul. Steven Manchester is a gifted writer, and his prose is easy and uplifting. Definitely a good read for a rainy afternoon perched upon a comfy rockin' chair.
January 19, 2014
This was very good and I was so close to rating it 5 stars, but there were some parts that seemed to drag just a little bit for me but overall it was a great read definitely 4.5 stars maybe even 4.75.
It is a family drama that packs an emotional punch. The main character is Grampa John and his family, his loving wife Alice, his estranged son Hank, Hank's wife Elle, and Hank's children George, Evan, and Tara and Tara's baby daughter Lila. They are a family in distress but little by little they are healed. The characters are all well written and I enjoyed them all.
It is a family drama that packs an emotional punch. The main character is Grampa John and his family, his loving wife Alice, his estranged son Hank, Hank's wife Elle, and Hank's children George, Evan, and Tara and Tara's baby daughter Lila. They are a family in distress but little by little they are healed. The characters are all well written and I enjoyed them all.
September 29, 2013
This is a lovely tale of the triumph of the human spirit, and the journey of a family rising from it's own ashes.
5♥'s
Please feel welcome to visit my review on my blog: Dark Obsession Chronicles for my full review.*
*Post will be live 9/30/13 @ 12:30am Central Time.
I received a free eBook from Steven Manchester (and his publisher) in exchange for an unbiased review.
5♥'s
Please feel welcome to visit my review on my blog: Dark Obsession Chronicles for my full review.*
*Post will be live 9/30/13 @ 12:30am Central Time.
I received a free eBook from Steven Manchester (and his publisher) in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 29, 2013
John McCarthy, "Grandpa John", has been a hard working rancher all his life. Estranged from his only son Hank, both live with regret and bitterness. When John's beloved wife Alice succumbs to Alzheimer disease, Grandpa John decides to write to his grandchildren to request they return home. As the grandchildren, each broken in their own ways, the healing begins. Filled with the insightful wisdom of Grandpa John the family is reunited. A truly heartwarming story.
September 28, 2013
Alice suffers of Alzheimer's in very advanced stage until she finally dies. Grampa John, her husband, vehemently wishes to follow her lead. Nothing interests him snymore. Not his farm, his horses, or his three-legged dog. However, life of his son and grandchildren needs mending. He makes his task of leaving things in order before it is' time for him to leave. An absolutely family- oriented story. Sweet, nice but nothing to write home about. If just life were so easily fixed!
October 26, 2013
A super read.... offering multi generational interplay between characters. The whole story touched me so much. I would suggest that everyone one might see just a wee bit of their family in this one.
October 27, 2013
A heartfelt look at a family facing problems that most families face; illness, death, strained relations and just life. It is the story of parents striving to do what is best, but like most of us falling short of our expectations. I felt a fondness for each character.
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