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Bonsai
They know him by his nickname only. That is about all they know about Bonsai. To most people, he is a complete nobody.
The strange guy that runs the gas station on the edge of town. The town being Salinas in the valley. It's a dinosaur of a gas station, slipping in all ways into the ground, a symbol of a bygone time, like him. History.
But this is not the full story.
And contrary to everyone's assumption, Bonsai is like any of us, actually quite remarkable.
This is his story. The former driver to a Japanese Yakuza, an inveterate gambler, an Asian American immigrant, a devout father. In a strange series of events his remarkable past comes suddenly back into his reality, and forces him to resolve lots of unfinished business in his life. He learns that there is life left to celebrate even though, like any of us, he is not fully in control of his destiny. But maybe his dreams will come true and he will be reunited with his daughter? her mother would be too much to ask ofcourse.
It's a page turning, life affirming ride and you will pity the fool that entered his gas station and didn't take a second look at him in their rear view mirror.
The strange guy that runs the gas station on the edge of town. The town being Salinas in the valley. It's a dinosaur of a gas station, slipping in all ways into the ground, a symbol of a bygone time, like him. History.
But this is not the full story.
And contrary to everyone's assumption, Bonsai is like any of us, actually quite remarkable.
This is his story. The former driver to a Japanese Yakuza, an inveterate gambler, an Asian American immigrant, a devout father. In a strange series of events his remarkable past comes suddenly back into his reality, and forces him to resolve lots of unfinished business in his life. He learns that there is life left to celebrate even though, like any of us, he is not fully in control of his destiny. But maybe his dreams will come true and he will be reunited with his daughter? her mother would be too much to ask ofcourse.
It's a page turning, life affirming ride and you will pity the fool that entered his gas station and didn't take a second look at him in their rear view mirror.
Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 31, 2024
Bonsai is a unique, character-driven story featuring the owner of an independent gas station in the rural farming community of Salinas, California. The story was dear to me as the author highlighted many iconic locations in the area.
Bonsai is a quiet humble man who devotedly raised his daughter Lily as a single father. He was probably not the quintessential best father, however, his love and devotion was absolute. The secrecy surrounding Lily's absent mother, only makes her more curious and more furious at Bonsai for not telling her more.
For much of the first half of the book, characters are introduced and their relationship to Bonsai and Lily unfold. At least for the first three pivotal character introductions, the tone of the writing seemed to change in a way that felt organic and true to the nature of the character. The story progresses slowly, but the characters are intriguing enough to have kept my interest.
Bonsai is a good read for its rich characters and vivid imagery. I appreciated Nicolson's themes of second chances, redemption and forgiveness. Bonsai, the character, is a testament to the many immigrants who came to America and worked hard to improve their living condition. From the difficult first scene to the dramatic conclusion, Bonsai is a compelling read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at
www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
Bonsai is a quiet humble man who devotedly raised his daughter Lily as a single father. He was probably not the quintessential best father, however, his love and devotion was absolute. The secrecy surrounding Lily's absent mother, only makes her more curious and more furious at Bonsai for not telling her more.
For much of the first half of the book, characters are introduced and their relationship to Bonsai and Lily unfold. At least for the first three pivotal character introductions, the tone of the writing seemed to change in a way that felt organic and true to the nature of the character. The story progresses slowly, but the characters are intriguing enough to have kept my interest.
Bonsai is a good read for its rich characters and vivid imagery. I appreciated Nicolson's themes of second chances, redemption and forgiveness. Bonsai, the character, is a testament to the many immigrants who came to America and worked hard to improve their living condition. From the difficult first scene to the dramatic conclusion, Bonsai is a compelling read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at
www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
March 27, 2024
Nicolson’s debut novel is a true gem! His characters are defined, complex and enjoyable. The story line is intriguing and entertaining. His message is heartwarming and I look forward to reading future books by Nicolson! Enjoy.
September 1, 2024
Fascinating - Everyone’s life is a story to be told.
I live on the Monterey Peninsula - I love stories that evoke my surroundings from the farmlands of the Central Valley to the storied wealth of 17 Mile Drive. Sandy’s first story is a complex, interwoven mix of several people’s lives, how they connect and how the world turns in different ways - in other words - real life with a twist or two that keeps the interest to the hoped for ending, that might be different for all of us.
I live on the Monterey Peninsula - I love stories that evoke my surroundings from the farmlands of the Central Valley to the storied wealth of 17 Mile Drive. Sandy’s first story is a complex, interwoven mix of several people’s lives, how they connect and how the world turns in different ways - in other words - real life with a twist or two that keeps the interest to the hoped for ending, that might be different for all of us.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews