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BRUSH: A NOVEL
A glittering new adaptation of an ancient folktale, Brush is the story of two strangers.
Chris is a successful entrepreneur who gets his hands on a magic paintbrush.
Jo is a woman with secrets who lives above her quaint store on Main Street.
Their lives intersect during one transformative year, in a mysterious journey punctuated by delightful detours.
Told in short, alternating, breathtaking scenes, Brush is a quest filled with heart and humor that will propel you to the finish and leave you changed.
"Life affirming...page-turner."
--Kirkus Reviews
Chris is a successful entrepreneur who gets his hands on a magic paintbrush.
Jo is a woman with secrets who lives above her quaint store on Main Street.
Their lives intersect during one transformative year, in a mysterious journey punctuated by delightful detours.
Told in short, alternating, breathtaking scenes, Brush is a quest filled with heart and humor that will propel you to the finish and leave you changed.
"Life affirming...page-turner."
--Kirkus Reviews
- GenresFiction
614 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2023
4 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Penn Anderson
3 books3 followers"Anderson shows off a delightful descriptive style that's beautifully simple yet effortlessly evocative...Overall, Anderson's debut is an intelligent celebration of life, love, and creative endeavor...a joy to read."
--Kirkus Reviews
"The novel’s penetrating and memorable characters add distinction, and how their individual arcs eventually converge is particularly creative. Anderson is able to portray the thoughts and emotions of the story’s characters remarkably well."
--The BookLife Prize
--Kirkus Reviews
"The novel’s penetrating and memorable characters add distinction, and how their individual arcs eventually converge is particularly creative. Anderson is able to portray the thoughts and emotions of the story’s characters remarkably well."
--The BookLife Prize
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 18, 2023
Captivating
The novel pulled me with a unique style of storytelling. Just when I thought I knew where it was going, it changed things up seemingly unexpectedly, but in hindsight, there were clues pointing to the direction it was going all along. I look forward to rereading in a few months to see what more I can learn from it.
The novel pulled me with a unique style of storytelling. Just when I thought I knew where it was going, it changed things up seemingly unexpectedly, but in hindsight, there were clues pointing to the direction it was going all along. I look forward to rereading in a few months to see what more I can learn from it.
November 2, 2023
In ‘Brush: A Novel’ by Penn Anderson, a young tech whiz navigates the intricacies of ambition and identity, set against a backdrop of love, friendship, and unexpected twists.
Chris and his two friends, Scott, and Jared have tossed themselves into the computer world: video games, porn, and the occasional programming speech. They have been working for software companies they didn’t own, and a common craving has been eating into their souls—the desperation for change. Luckily for them, Chris develops an app that takes the tech world by storm. His mother also gifts him an extraordinary painting brush that belonged to his late father.
Elsewhere, Jo, a recently divorced woman, is uncertain whether anyone in Mount Horeb (her new home) knows of her past life and the events that led to her divorce. However, fate has a few surprises ahead of her, creating a strong narrative arc that will grip a reader’s full attention and stick them to the edge of their seats for a surprising reveal.
“Brush” is a book that will inspire your dreams and ambitions through the main character’s resilience and courage in attempting new projects and ideas. The recommendations, counsel, and general support offered to him by his friends are hearty and warm, and they ably tell of the blessing of having nice buddies around. The relationship between Chris and his mother Eileen introduces readers to a highly adrenalizing twist that subjects the latter to a life-altering shift in mindset and stamina.
Penn Anderson has offered a meticulous tale that celebrates love, family, and companionship. In the book, second chances have been given, ushering in grace, harmony, and inspiration. Readers will be inspired by Anderson’s imagination to arise, to take life’s challenges by the horns, and to give failed or intimidating pursuits another go. The book has short chapters that create a sense of suspense, tension, and an accelerated pace, which is exactly the effect that a reader will want from such a voluminous novel.
“Brush: A Novel” by Penn Anderson has a smooth narrative flow that is made possible by the vivid and endearing portrayal of characters, settings, and emotions. The story is without a doubt thought-provoking and will elicit a lingering post-reading experience that many novels today fail to deliver. It is truly an incredible masterpiece by a proficient author, from whom you will hope to read more.
Chris and his two friends, Scott, and Jared have tossed themselves into the computer world: video games, porn, and the occasional programming speech. They have been working for software companies they didn’t own, and a common craving has been eating into their souls—the desperation for change. Luckily for them, Chris develops an app that takes the tech world by storm. His mother also gifts him an extraordinary painting brush that belonged to his late father.
Elsewhere, Jo, a recently divorced woman, is uncertain whether anyone in Mount Horeb (her new home) knows of her past life and the events that led to her divorce. However, fate has a few surprises ahead of her, creating a strong narrative arc that will grip a reader’s full attention and stick them to the edge of their seats for a surprising reveal.
“Brush” is a book that will inspire your dreams and ambitions through the main character’s resilience and courage in attempting new projects and ideas. The recommendations, counsel, and general support offered to him by his friends are hearty and warm, and they ably tell of the blessing of having nice buddies around. The relationship between Chris and his mother Eileen introduces readers to a highly adrenalizing twist that subjects the latter to a life-altering shift in mindset and stamina.
Penn Anderson has offered a meticulous tale that celebrates love, family, and companionship. In the book, second chances have been given, ushering in grace, harmony, and inspiration. Readers will be inspired by Anderson’s imagination to arise, to take life’s challenges by the horns, and to give failed or intimidating pursuits another go. The book has short chapters that create a sense of suspense, tension, and an accelerated pace, which is exactly the effect that a reader will want from such a voluminous novel.
“Brush: A Novel” by Penn Anderson has a smooth narrative flow that is made possible by the vivid and endearing portrayal of characters, settings, and emotions. The story is without a doubt thought-provoking and will elicit a lingering post-reading experience that many novels today fail to deliver. It is truly an incredible masterpiece by a proficient author, from whom you will hope to read more.
August 29, 2023
Penn Anderson's novel Brush elegantly weaves the parallel narratives of two strangers, Chris and Jo, whose lives intersect in intriguing and complex ways. Chris, an innovative tech savant who develops a successful app, finds himself unfulfilled by his sudden prosperity and begins an unexpected journey into painting. His artistic exploration takes a mystical turn when his creations inexplicably mirror real-life events. Jo, a compassionate divorcee and florist, embarks on a trip to Zurich, where she encounters a garden designer. The enchanting evening they share becomes the catalyst for a series of interconnected events that will tie her destiny to Chris's in mysterious ways. Spanning a year in their lives, the novel tantalizes readers with hints of their eventual convergence.
Brush is a captivating novel. From the opening page, Anderson's graceful prose intrigues the reader, drawing them into a world rich with detail and emotion. Organized by months, the novel offers a layered insight into the characters and plot, creating a seamless narrative flow. The portrayal of characters is vivid and endearing, and the vivid descriptions of flowers and locales add a comforting texture to the story. The short chapters and nimble shifts in point of view not only arouse curiosity but make the reading experience engaging.
While the book's pacing and clarity of the storyline could benefit from refinement, these areas are minor in comparison to the novel's strengths. The intrigue of the twist, though occasionally obscured, contributes to a thought-provoking and lingering post-reading experience. The characters' evolution is praiseworthy, and readers will feel like they know them.
Penn Anderson's Brush is more than just a novel; it's an exploration into the multifaceted realms of life, love, art, and self-discovery. By crafting a compelling narrative that resonates long after the last page is turned, Anderson achieves a rare connection with readers, inviting them to reflect on Jo and Chris's journeys and perhaps even their own. It leaves the reader not just entertained but also contemplative, filled with an odd sense of wonderment and unanswered questions. It is, without doubt, a notable contribution to contemporary fiction that encourages the reader to dwell on its complexities.
Brush is a captivating novel. From the opening page, Anderson's graceful prose intrigues the reader, drawing them into a world rich with detail and emotion. Organized by months, the novel offers a layered insight into the characters and plot, creating a seamless narrative flow. The portrayal of characters is vivid and endearing, and the vivid descriptions of flowers and locales add a comforting texture to the story. The short chapters and nimble shifts in point of view not only arouse curiosity but make the reading experience engaging.
While the book's pacing and clarity of the storyline could benefit from refinement, these areas are minor in comparison to the novel's strengths. The intrigue of the twist, though occasionally obscured, contributes to a thought-provoking and lingering post-reading experience. The characters' evolution is praiseworthy, and readers will feel like they know them.
Penn Anderson's Brush is more than just a novel; it's an exploration into the multifaceted realms of life, love, art, and self-discovery. By crafting a compelling narrative that resonates long after the last page is turned, Anderson achieves a rare connection with readers, inviting them to reflect on Jo and Chris's journeys and perhaps even their own. It leaves the reader not just entertained but also contemplative, filled with an odd sense of wonderment and unanswered questions. It is, without doubt, a notable contribution to contemporary fiction that encourages the reader to dwell on its complexities.
September 18, 2023
Loved this book! Anderson’s ability to connect with readers blew me away. I was equally drawn into the lives of the two main characters, Jo and Chris. I loved the wholesome and endearing descriptions of Jo’s work as a florist and her relationship with a Hmong family. With Chris, I found myself alternating between wanting to strangle him and cheer him on during his journey of self-discovery. And the magic paintbrush! So fun. Mystery lovers will enjoy hunting for clues as to how the parallel stories might intersect. And to that end, Anderson does not disappoint- very clever plot twist indeed!
I can’t believe this is Anderson’s debut novel! The prose is masterful. Humorous, philosophical, and deeply metaphorical. Consider this quote about forcing branches to flower in the winter: "The thing is, these flowers were forced to bloom. They had to grow trapped in a pot, with no direct sunlight. Only what they could grab through a window, in the low slanted light of a Wisconsin winter. No rain, just water from the sink. And it shows. Yes, they’re pretty. It’s a wonderful solution. A trick, really. But there is nothing like flowers that have grown in the field, under the blue sky and the summer sun." I keep thinking about that metaphor. How important is it to be real? and what is real?
Perhaps Anderson’s greatest achievement with this book is the ability to get readers to dwell on the complexities woven into the plot. There are many! I keep musing on the theme of authenticity as a goal of self-exploration and ask myself, am I living my most authentic life?
I can’t believe this is Anderson’s debut novel! The prose is masterful. Humorous, philosophical, and deeply metaphorical. Consider this quote about forcing branches to flower in the winter: "The thing is, these flowers were forced to bloom. They had to grow trapped in a pot, with no direct sunlight. Only what they could grab through a window, in the low slanted light of a Wisconsin winter. No rain, just water from the sink. And it shows. Yes, they’re pretty. It’s a wonderful solution. A trick, really. But there is nothing like flowers that have grown in the field, under the blue sky and the summer sun." I keep thinking about that metaphor. How important is it to be real? and what is real?
Perhaps Anderson’s greatest achievement with this book is the ability to get readers to dwell on the complexities woven into the plot. There are many! I keep musing on the theme of authenticity as a goal of self-exploration and ask myself, am I living my most authentic life?
March 24, 2024
For me, it was a fun read as it's set in Dane County WI where I live and in Milwaukee where I visit. I can't remember another novel that incorporates a flower shop in Mt Horeb and a Milwaukee tech company. Out of state readers will like it for it's charm and the likeability of the characters. It is basically a story intertwined over two time periods and follows an approaching middle age woman who is divorced and lives in Mt. Horeb and runs a flower shop and then, 25 or 30 years(?) later, a young business techie man who trades his big money business ownership to pursue a career as a painter. Very colorful descriptions and a wonderful first novel. The incorporation of art and a flower shop add to the natural, warm feeling that flows throughout the book. The brush was a single item connecting the time periods. The characters are believable and their life struggles are ones we can all relate to. The inclusion of a Hmong family is very representative and overdue and handled in a heartwarming way. This is a fast read and I look forward to future novels by this author.
September 26, 2023
This is an intelligent and conspiratorial novel, refreshingly simple in language and a good test of a reader's attention to detail. There are many (details, I mean), and little of what happens is predictable. Two characters and their disparate arcs, where will they cross? Will they cross? This is a mystery and a fable. The settings - Wisconsin, Europe, countryside - and the professional connections - botany, the internet, travel - are attractive. The story is three stories, based on a fable retold and placed in a contemporary set. I liked the people and also disliked them enough to hope their situations would change for the better. So, empathetic, just enough craziness. What's good? The side characters are nicely rounded. (The first humanization of Hmong in this type of fiction, perhaps? Well done.) Once a reader gets used to reading in large print - an author preference, and also an indication this is no ordinary story or story-telling - the prose flows. Congrats on your first novel.
October 2, 2023
This book was so enjoyable to read. Between the great attention to detail, rich character development, fascinating story arc and structure, I breezed through the work at a record pace. It's rare these days to flip pages and not know where things will go in a book, so this delighted me at every turn.
The author's prose and diction was so vivid and beautiful, I would sometimes re-read the sentences that sounded like poetry. I could picture every moment.
If I had a magic paint brush, I would paint another book like "Brush," because I can't wait to read another Penn Anderson story!
The author's prose and diction was so vivid and beautiful, I would sometimes re-read the sentences that sounded like poetry. I could picture every moment.
If I had a magic paint brush, I would paint another book like "Brush," because I can't wait to read another Penn Anderson story!
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April 11, 2024Ann Sensenbrenner ’97
Author
From the author:
A glittering new adaptation of an ancient folktale, Brush is the story of two strangers. Chris is a successful entrepreneur who gets his hands on a magic paintbrush. Jo is a woman with secrets who lives above her quaint store on Main Street. Their lives intersect during one transformative year, in a mysterious journey punctuated by delightful detours.
Told in short, alternating, breathtaking scenes, Brush is a quest filled with heart and humor that will propel you to the finish and leave you changed.
Author
From the author:
A glittering new adaptation of an ancient folktale, Brush is the story of two strangers. Chris is a successful entrepreneur who gets his hands on a magic paintbrush. Jo is a woman with secrets who lives above her quaint store on Main Street. Their lives intersect during one transformative year, in a mysterious journey punctuated by delightful detours.
Told in short, alternating, breathtaking scenes, Brush is a quest filled with heart and humor that will propel you to the finish and leave you changed.
September 13, 2023
Brilliantly written
Penn Anderson's captivating storytelling is on full display in this book. The intricate interweaving of Jo and Chris throughout the narrative is masterful, leaving the reader unable to put the book down. I found myself laughing and crying, fully immersed in the story.
Penn Anderson's captivating storytelling is on full display in this book. The intricate interweaving of Jo and Chris throughout the narrative is masterful, leaving the reader unable to put the book down. I found myself laughing and crying, fully immersed in the story.
November 22, 2023
Subtle, clever, and homey; readers will want to settle in at the cafe counter and visit Jo's flower shop next door. The book's unique, fresh structure offers the perfect forum for becoming intimately acquainted with characters who feel like family. Unexpected treasures wait to be uncovered throughout. An unusual, delightful treat.
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May 16, 2025DNF...... 11% life's too short to read books your not into
October 28, 2025
3.5 stars
February 17, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed.
November 23, 2023
A complex and engaging story of several layers! Penn has provided us with a tale of two people working their ways to better lives, and it turns out that their lives may be intertwined in ways that they and others involved do not quite realize. I'm sure their experiences will resonate with may readers. Definitely give it a try!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews