Clark's Turning Leaf

by Nicholas Trandahl

Clark Grant, renowned Seattle writer of romantic poetry, has fallen into a literal and literary darkness. Depression, grim dark poetry, and a failed suicide attempt tarnish his recent past. In an effort to turn over a new leaf and make some much needed changes, Clark relocates to the rural Berkshires of western Massachusetts. In the forested hills of Massachusetts Clark relearns what it means to be a friend, a father, a lover, and a writer. But will newfound peace be lost when he’s again forced to face depression and suicide? Can recently-discovered goodness and light withstand guilt and loss?

147 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Nicholas Trandahl is a poet, journalist, outdoorsman, and U. S. Army veteran. He lives in Wyoming with his wife and daughters. He has had four poetry collections and a novel published. His most recent poetry collection is Mountain Song.
Trandahl’s poetry collection Bravery was the recipient of the 2019 Wyoming Writers Milestone Award, and his poem “Francis and Sistani” was nominated for the 2021 Pushcart Prize. His poems have been published or are forthcoming in various literary journals, including but not limited to the James Dickey Review, Sky Island Journal, High Plains Register, The Dewdrop, Duck Head Journal, Resurrection Magazine, Dreich Magazine, Voices de la Luna, Deep Wild Journal, Wild Roof Journal, Twenty Bellows, and anthologies from Middle Creek Publishing, Wee Sparrow Poetry Press, and the New York Quarterly.
Additionally, Trandahl serves as the Chairman of the annual Eugene V. Shea National Poetry Contest and is the poetry editor for the literary journal The Dewdrop.

Reviews

[Hemmie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this novel really quickly, considering life was hectic in the run-up to Christmas. I couldn’t wait to get up early in the morning, to read a few more chapters with my coffee, as I wanted to meet up with the characters who had become very real to me.
Clark Grant was pushing through a depression after a suicide attempt, and his good friend, and former publisher, Eleanor suggested he moved to the Berkshires, which he does. There we’re introduced to an array of characters – Earl Applesworth, and Minerva Brown – stick in my mind, as well rounded characters.
The journey is sometimes too smooth, until something happens to upset Clark’s equilibrium. I dislike spoiler reviews, so I’ll say no more about this.
The author describes the scenery beautifully, so I can easily picture the scenes, and see the characters at play. This is my first encounter with this author, but it won’t be the last, as his writing intrigued and delighted me.

[Shannan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by this author and once again I am amazed. The author has such a unique style of writing all his own. While reading this book I was completely taken into a whole different world. I was lost in Clark’s world and felt as if I was right there with all of the characters.

Clark’s Turning Leaf is a really nice, feel good book. I loved the words the author used to describe everything that was taking place. I honestly can’t say enough great things about the style of writing present in this book. I am very anxious for the author to come out with another book as I know it will be just as wonderful.

I give this book 5***** without a doubt and it is definitely one of my favorites. I know I will be reading this again and again. I highly recommend this book…you will not be disappointed.