Through the Window Over the Bradford Pear

by Damon McLeod

Through the Window Over the Bradford Pear follows the story of Damon, a young boy growing up in South Carolina. As he watches the world around him slowly begin to change, he wonders where he fits in with so much uncertainty. Friends slowly begin to fade away. Love burns brilliantly and is extinguished. He watches from the window of his bedroom, hanging above the Bradford Pear in the front yard and wonders if the world will slow down enough for him to find his place in it. When unimaginable tragedy strikes, he is faced with the most difficult question of "Did I become who I was meant to be?"



This novel is a cozy read that will take you through sorrow, joy, and heartbreak as you remember days of your youth and the moments that made you who you are. With a cast of complex and, at times, absurd characters, Through the Window Over the Bradford Pear is a story of youthful ignorance and the cruel reality of the world around us that never stops churning.

415 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2026

About the author

Damon McLeod lives in the Midlands of South Carolina with his wife, Alycia, and their two boys. They are expecting a baby in early 2027 to add to their growing family. Damon grew up in Columbia, where he attended the University of South Carolina and studied English. They attend church when the alarm clock doesn't ring too early but are avid believers in the goodness and grace of God. Damon is working on a second novel and has plans for a third. He will continue to write from the window of what is now the nursery in the back corner of their home, looking out over the backyard where the boys run around with the two dogs.

Reviews

[Tara Pasvanis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read a book in probably 6 years and the fact that I am still hooked and creating a bond with the characters says something! It gives me such a nostalgic feeling and relation of when I was growing up myself. It has a sense of humor which I appreciate when reading! For this being the authors first book ever published he should feel so proud! I cannot wait to keep reading the rest! 😁

[Sneha · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌳 This book really said: “You can’t stop time, babe.” And honestly, I wasn’t ready. 😭

Through the Window Over the Bradford Pear by Damon McLeod is a deeply nostalgic coming-of-age story about growing up, falling in love, losing people, and realizing that life keeps changing whether you’re ready for it or not.

We follow Damon from childhood adventures, backyard forts, first kisses, church experiences, and childhood fears into the much messier realities of adulthood.

And the whole time, that Bradford Pear outside his window becomes this quiet symbol of everything that looks permanent until it isn’t.

But let’s talk about Damon and his dad, Randy because THIS relationship absolutely got me.

Their ordinary moments, playing basketball, sitting on the porch, drinking bourbon, just existing together end up carrying so much emotional weight.

I also really liked how the book plays with childhood fears.

The “Beast,” the haunted house, the old oak, and the people Damon once viewed as monsters all take on completely different meanings as he grows older.

It’s basically a reminder that childhood has a way of making everything feel enormous and adulthood has a way of showing us just how complicated people really are.

The later relationship drama gets messier, but it also captures that confusing stage of life when you’re still trying to figure out love, identity, and what you actually want.

This is for the readers who love books that feel like looking through an old family photo album at 2 AM and suddenly getting emotional over people you’ve never even met.

It’s nostalgic, raw, reflective, and sometimes messy in a very human way.

If you love stories about family, grief, childhood memories, complicated relationships, and the inevitable passage of time, put this one on your radar.

[Landry K]

Life through the Window: A tender look at time and change

Through the Window Over the Bradford Pear is a beautiful story that takes the reader on a journey through the adventure, change, joy, love and loss of growing older. The story came alive with the ever present and watchful clock keeping the passing of time and comparison of life to the beauty and perplexity of the Bradford Pear tree. The juxtaposition of childlike wonder and adventures coupled with the bitter realities of change and loss were beautifully balanced throughout the book making the reader feel like they are experiencing each quirky character and growing through the transitions of life alongside the MC.

I picked this up after a long reading slump where plots and characters felt repetitive or predictable and this story captured (and kept!) my attention from beginning to end. I found myself remembering and longing for those childhood days and laughing out loud at the internal commentary where the MC is attempting to understand the world around him-as I probably would have come to some of the same conclusions at that age. Getting older and making peace with the complexities of the world can be painful and jarring. This story does a beautiful job of expressing the pain of those experiences but holds the undertone of hope.

If you're looking for a book to get yourself out of a reading slump or just looking for an interesting and impacting story, check this book out!

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literary fiction as it should be: a beautiful prose combined with a heartfelt story of love, loss, tragedy, and self discovery.
This book follows the story of a young boy who navigates the many unique challenges of life, from first crushes to first loves, unique family dynamics, and finding your place in this world.
This book is ideal for readers who want a beautifully written, thought-provoking book that makes you question your own life while falling in love (and also hating some) fictional characters that feel all too real.

[Hannah Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my brother in laws newly published book in which I had the honor to beta read before it was released. This is a very cozy, nostalgic read with a hint of suspense, and some tragedy. It takes you back to your childhood and takes you on a walk through how everything changes, without you realizing until it’s too late. Give it a read if you have the chance :)

[Michelle Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong debut coming-of-age story with writing that stands out. The character development is thoughtful and well paced, and the author moves between past and present so smoothly that the timeline is always clear without any chapter dates to guide you. The descriptive language is vivid and pulls you right into each scene, and the South Carolina setting adds a familiar, nostalgic feel. A great pick for readers who love reflective Southern fiction.

[Bethany Broome · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book being the author is from where I live. It was so confusing, too many people at one time and switching from one time to the other I was lost a hour and half in. Maybe I'll pick it back up later but for now its on my dnf.

[Cali McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is really good!! I’m so proud of you!!!

[Kelley Goodlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not quite finished with Through the Window Over the Bradford Pear yet, but I couldn’t wait until I reached the last page to say how much I’m enjoying it.

Somehow, this book has become part of my nightly ritual. At the end of the day, I find myself looking forward to getting comfortable, picking it up, and spending a little time in its world. I’m almost finished now, and honestly, I’m not sure if I’m ready to say goodbye to it. There’s something special about a book that becomes part of your routine and gives you something to look forward to at the end of the day.

And, of course, there’s an extra layer of pride for me because the person who wrote it is my cousin. ❤️ Getting to watch someone you love pursue something they’re passionate about and then actually hold their work in your hands is pretty special.

I’m taking my time with these last few chapters because, while I’m eager to see how it all comes together, I’m also not quite ready for my nightly visits with this story to end.

I’m so proud of you, and I can’t wait to finish it!