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Dear Dad, A Novel
John Foster is a product of the ‘60s. The question is: which ‘60s? Leading a sheltered, cozy life growing up in the small town of Fairbrook, Massachusetts, John is plucked from his secure cocoon in 1969 and dropped into the maelstrom of the Vietnam War. As he witnesses and participates in the horrors of war, John literally feels his very soul, as well his will to live, eroding away. His redemption only comes after he is seriously injured and awakens to find himself in 1862 Tennessee where he joins General Grant’s troops in the days leading up to the Battle of Shiloh, one of the Civil War’s bloodiest conflicts. As his father, a decorated World War II veteran, had always told him, he discovers that it is possible to be part of something larger than himself. His humanity is ultimate restored after he embarks on a dangerous mission to make right a brutal wrong from his past.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
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7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 5, 2016
War stories are definitely not my thing, but sometimes I like to challenge myself and I pick up something unexpected. I happened to read a tweet by the author, John Hazen, and that was so funny that it triggered my interest and I ordered his book right away. Never regretted it for one minute as it's a compelling story that grabbed me immediately, it kept me animated until the very last page and wondering how much of the story is biographical.
Don't let the cover put you off, because the story may be set in the war (two wars actually: Vietnam and the Civil War) but to me it's historical fiction with a time travel twist. Relationships between people: family, colleagues and friends, are a central theme and all so wonderfully described. The writing is great and the characters are so relatable and real.
The unconditional love between father and a son made me emotional. Wow, wish I had a father like that. Total support even if he didn't always agree with his son's choices and always being there for him, not in the spotlight, but doing what ever he does subtle 'behind the scenes'. To me he is a hero, a savior. I love that man!
The main character, John Foster, finds himself in the most extreme conditions, but always stays true to himself, the truth and justice. He tries to do the right thing although maybe in retrospect it wasn't always the best thing to do and he's tortured by guilt. Being thrown in the past helps him put things into perspective and gives him the chance to set things right and feel better about himself. Was it a dream or did he actually travel in time......... I was so excited to find out and when I did I was even more confused than before, but in a very good way.
Even when you are not into war stories, be open minded, pick this book up and give it a chance. It's an amazing read, well written and an absolute page turner that will give you something to think about for days after. I'm going to check out the author, because I want to learn more about him and check out his other books. I may have become a fan.
Don't let the cover put you off, because the story may be set in the war (two wars actually: Vietnam and the Civil War) but to me it's historical fiction with a time travel twist. Relationships between people: family, colleagues and friends, are a central theme and all so wonderfully described. The writing is great and the characters are so relatable and real.
The unconditional love between father and a son made me emotional. Wow, wish I had a father like that. Total support even if he didn't always agree with his son's choices and always being there for him, not in the spotlight, but doing what ever he does subtle 'behind the scenes'. To me he is a hero, a savior. I love that man!
The main character, John Foster, finds himself in the most extreme conditions, but always stays true to himself, the truth and justice. He tries to do the right thing although maybe in retrospect it wasn't always the best thing to do and he's tortured by guilt. Being thrown in the past helps him put things into perspective and gives him the chance to set things right and feel better about himself. Was it a dream or did he actually travel in time......... I was so excited to find out and when I did I was even more confused than before, but in a very good way.
Even when you are not into war stories, be open minded, pick this book up and give it a chance. It's an amazing read, well written and an absolute page turner that will give you something to think about for days after. I'm going to check out the author, because I want to learn more about him and check out his other books. I may have become a fan.
May 25, 2020
Dear Dad is an unexpected, powerful novel. It may appear to be about the horrors of war—and it is, but it’s also about the unsung heroes and the villains (who shouldn’t be). It may appear to be about time travel—and it is, but it’s not a science fiction novel, it’s about people’s humanity. With the title, you may think it’s about family—and once again, it is, but not in the ways you might think because family can be all around us. It comes down to how we treat others. Dear Dad finds a way to blend all these different themes into a captivating and moving tale. It took many surprising turns that ultimately were very satisfying. I highly recommend this book. I am not a war or history fan so was initially hesitant about the topic, but I was completely wrong in that regard. This is a great novel for any adult.
January 21, 2020
John Hazen is a great storyteller. I was so invested in the characters by the end that I didn't want it to end. The story is a poignant character drama that made me both laugh and cry. A slice of Americana doen in the best possible way. I highly recommend this book!
May 17, 2020
Dear Dad is a smoothly told tale that weaves an accurate portrayal of an American soldier’s Vietnam experience in ’69 with a believable Civil War battlefield encounter. Mr. Hazen’s story captures the relationships of Small Town America confronting a wider world—a great read.
December 30, 2022
Dear Dad, by John Hazen, is a wonderful but harrowing read. John Foster is the son of a decorated World War II vet who grew up in small-town New England during the build-up to the Vietnam War. Eager to do his part, Foster is drawn into small disagreements with his peers and family as he battles his own misgivings about the conflict. Once in Vietnam, his resentment toward the army brass, his enemies, and his fellow soldiers grows as he’s routinely faced with the horrors of war. When he’s wounded during an attack, he awakens to find himself in 1862, where he finds a nobler purpose.
John Hazen crafts a compelling story. Foster’s background and character are fleshed out extremely well through flashbacks to his upbringing in Fairbrook, Massachusetts. We learn of his camaraderie with his childhood friend group, and there’s a touching passage about how he brings his father back from the edge after his mother’s death. These strong family bonds clash harshly with the impersonal nature he learns to adopt in the military.
Once he’s transported to the Civil War era, he is confronted with more horrors of the battlefield, but now he feels as if he is part of something worth fighting for. I really enjoyed Dear Dad, A Novel. I found Hazen’s writing remarkably easy-going and entertaining.
Each chapter was prefaced with a letter that gave a little more insight into the story. Foster’s experiences on the battlefield are truly horrific. Hazen has a sharp critique of military bureaucracy, including the incompetence of some officers, while still admirably praising men who earned their way through merit. I think anyone who likes historical fiction from the Vietnam War or the Civil War would greatly enjoy this book.
John Hazen crafts a compelling story. Foster’s background and character are fleshed out extremely well through flashbacks to his upbringing in Fairbrook, Massachusetts. We learn of his camaraderie with his childhood friend group, and there’s a touching passage about how he brings his father back from the edge after his mother’s death. These strong family bonds clash harshly with the impersonal nature he learns to adopt in the military.
Once he’s transported to the Civil War era, he is confronted with more horrors of the battlefield, but now he feels as if he is part of something worth fighting for. I really enjoyed Dear Dad, A Novel. I found Hazen’s writing remarkably easy-going and entertaining.
Each chapter was prefaced with a letter that gave a little more insight into the story. Foster’s experiences on the battlefield are truly horrific. Hazen has a sharp critique of military bureaucracy, including the incompetence of some officers, while still admirably praising men who earned their way through merit. I think anyone who likes historical fiction from the Vietnam War or the Civil War would greatly enjoy this book.
June 20, 2020
Reviewers Note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Author Bio: John Hazen came to writing novels relatively late in life, but once he started he hasn't looked back. Degrees from Rutgers, The New School and New York and NYU buttress a lifelong passion for learning and a love of history. Inspired by Lynn, his wife of over thirty years, he pursued the dream of becoming an established author and is now working on his fifth book. John and Lynn love to travel, and the experiences of those travels find their way into his writing. John's reading tastes are eclectic, ranging from histories to classic novels to an occasional piece of modern trash. His absolute "must reads" are Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series and Doris Kearns Goodwin's No Ordinary Time.
Author Blurb: John Foster is a product of the ‘60s. The question is: which ‘60s? Leading a sheltered, cozy life growing up in the small town of Fairbrook, Massachusetts, John is plucked from his secure cocoon in 1969 and dropped into the maelstrom of the Vietnam War. As he witnesses and participates in the horrors of war, John literally feels his very soul, as well his will to live, eroding away. His redemption only comes after he is seriously injured and awakens to find himself in 1862 Tennessee where he joins General Grant’s troops in the days leading up to the Battle of Shiloh, one of the Civil War’s bloodiest conflicts. As his father, a decorated World War II veteran, had always told him, he discovers that it is possible to be part of something larger than himself. His humanity is ultimate restored after he embarks on a dangerous mission to make right a brutal wrong from his past.
The Plot In Brief: No spoilers! John Foster is a young man who grew up in a small town in Massachusetts. He admits he's led a sheltered existence, he's never met a person of color in his entire life. After an attempt at college he drops out and joins the army. In Vietnam he comes to question the reasons for the war and his part in it. A blast goes off and John awakes in a medical tent in rural Tennessee. He finds himself in the midst of the American Civil War. John doesn't know if he's alive or dead, only that there is work to do, saving the lives of Union Soldiers preparing for the Battle of Shiloh.
The Characters: John Foster strikes me as the quintessential all-American White Boy. He's decent, smart, nice to his Grandma and loves his parents and loves his country. I wasn't sure what to make of him until the story built a little steam up and John finds himself out of his element, the protective shelter of small America. His interactions with those who cross his path in the army show him to be a honest guy who accepts people for who they are not what they are. I was glad to see his character develop over time as his life is impacted by the Vietnam War and the atrocities that soldiers were exposed to and participated in. I enjoyed his friends and army buddies and his father. My only complaint might be the girlfriend and their very rushed relationship, but heck if I can go along with the time travel I guess I can accept love at first reawakening.
The History: I have to admit it was the potential history that got me interested in this book. My son is at Fort Hood, and last summer I visited the Shiloh Battleground. Both are featured in this story, so I felt an immediate connection. I really enjoyed the description of life in a small New England town in the 1960s. In a way it portrayed a way of life long gone, for better or worse. That world was shattered by the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement. I thought the portrayal of life in Vietnam for the American Soldier felt authentic and captured the futility of the conflict. I wasn't sure how the time travel would work and it seemed out of place in the story, until it happened. The Civil War segment was my favorite part of the book. Having been to Pittsburg Landing and stood where General Grant stood, it made it all seem real. I thought the character of Doc Whittley and Jon Harris were marvelous and the description of medical care amply graphic.
The Writing: Told in first person the book if pretty fast passed. It is well edited with strong narrative voice. Well done!
Overall: I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book but I really enjoyed it. The story sound incongruous but the plot works and works well. The overall arc of the story is positive and John comes out the other end a better man, slightly scarred but better for his experiences.
Recommendations: I would recommend this book to lovers of military history, both current and Civil War era. The time travel element is really just a vehicle to move the action into the past, but I see no reason why time travel enthusiasts would not like this well written, engaging story.
see all my reviews at www.thebookdelight.com
Author Bio: John Hazen came to writing novels relatively late in life, but once he started he hasn't looked back. Degrees from Rutgers, The New School and New York and NYU buttress a lifelong passion for learning and a love of history. Inspired by Lynn, his wife of over thirty years, he pursued the dream of becoming an established author and is now working on his fifth book. John and Lynn love to travel, and the experiences of those travels find their way into his writing. John's reading tastes are eclectic, ranging from histories to classic novels to an occasional piece of modern trash. His absolute "must reads" are Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series and Doris Kearns Goodwin's No Ordinary Time.
Author Blurb: John Foster is a product of the ‘60s. The question is: which ‘60s? Leading a sheltered, cozy life growing up in the small town of Fairbrook, Massachusetts, John is plucked from his secure cocoon in 1969 and dropped into the maelstrom of the Vietnam War. As he witnesses and participates in the horrors of war, John literally feels his very soul, as well his will to live, eroding away. His redemption only comes after he is seriously injured and awakens to find himself in 1862 Tennessee where he joins General Grant’s troops in the days leading up to the Battle of Shiloh, one of the Civil War’s bloodiest conflicts. As his father, a decorated World War II veteran, had always told him, he discovers that it is possible to be part of something larger than himself. His humanity is ultimate restored after he embarks on a dangerous mission to make right a brutal wrong from his past.
The Plot In Brief: No spoilers! John Foster is a young man who grew up in a small town in Massachusetts. He admits he's led a sheltered existence, he's never met a person of color in his entire life. After an attempt at college he drops out and joins the army. In Vietnam he comes to question the reasons for the war and his part in it. A blast goes off and John awakes in a medical tent in rural Tennessee. He finds himself in the midst of the American Civil War. John doesn't know if he's alive or dead, only that there is work to do, saving the lives of Union Soldiers preparing for the Battle of Shiloh.
The Characters: John Foster strikes me as the quintessential all-American White Boy. He's decent, smart, nice to his Grandma and loves his parents and loves his country. I wasn't sure what to make of him until the story built a little steam up and John finds himself out of his element, the protective shelter of small America. His interactions with those who cross his path in the army show him to be a honest guy who accepts people for who they are not what they are. I was glad to see his character develop over time as his life is impacted by the Vietnam War and the atrocities that soldiers were exposed to and participated in. I enjoyed his friends and army buddies and his father. My only complaint might be the girlfriend and their very rushed relationship, but heck if I can go along with the time travel I guess I can accept love at first reawakening.
The History: I have to admit it was the potential history that got me interested in this book. My son is at Fort Hood, and last summer I visited the Shiloh Battleground. Both are featured in this story, so I felt an immediate connection. I really enjoyed the description of life in a small New England town in the 1960s. In a way it portrayed a way of life long gone, for better or worse. That world was shattered by the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement. I thought the portrayal of life in Vietnam for the American Soldier felt authentic and captured the futility of the conflict. I wasn't sure how the time travel would work and it seemed out of place in the story, until it happened. The Civil War segment was my favorite part of the book. Having been to Pittsburg Landing and stood where General Grant stood, it made it all seem real. I thought the character of Doc Whittley and Jon Harris were marvelous and the description of medical care amply graphic.
The Writing: Told in first person the book if pretty fast passed. It is well edited with strong narrative voice. Well done!
Overall: I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book but I really enjoyed it. The story sound incongruous but the plot works and works well. The overall arc of the story is positive and John comes out the other end a better man, slightly scarred but better for his experiences.
Recommendations: I would recommend this book to lovers of military history, both current and Civil War era. The time travel element is really just a vehicle to move the action into the past, but I see no reason why time travel enthusiasts would not like this well written, engaging story.
see all my reviews at www.thebookdelight.com
July 24, 2015
A child’s life is impacted not just by the mother, but by a strong father figure as well. It’s often up to the father, dad, to be the bad guy. He’s the one responsible to put down the rules, hold the kids accountable, and do all he can to raise good kids. He won’t always look for recognition as a child grows up and isn’t bothered when he sees his child say, “Hi Mom”, on TV. A dad sees that as a reward, that he did his job right and raised a smart, respectful, and great kid.
It’s a main reason the book, Dear Dad by author John Hazen, caught my attention. The book’s description makes it seem like a great science fiction tale as there is time travel. The book also has elements of general fiction in the way the book was written. Dear Dad to me was more than both of those aspects. This to me was a book that really told the importance of a father and son bond that would traverse the boys life, and time.
The book starts with a very ominous letter with John Foster writing to his father that he had a “close one” and almost died. The letter is from 1969 and as you turn the page you find yourself back in time when John’s dad is telling a story. John’s father is a decorated World War II soldier who survived the battle of the bulge and as the book opens we read that story. We learn how his dad was able to take out a machine gun crew saving the lives of others.
The book takes the reader into what I considered a normal boys life as he grew up to become a man. We read on how John grows up with his family in a very small town of Fairbrook, Massachusetts, and attends the local schools. As normally happens a young boy makes a group of great friends and by the time high school comes along often that group begins to break up. This is often due to the social aspects of maturing and in John’s case it was just normal life.
The period of the book, however, is during the turbulent late 1960’s and John is quickly about to turn 18. His dad wants him to run to Canada to dodge the war, as this is not like World War II. Vietnam is sending boys off to a war they don’t know what they are fighting for. It’s brave of Hazen to show this side of John’s dad as even today Vietnam is a tough subject for many. We read what his old friends do to get deferments from fighting, to enlisting, or maybe another branch. John, however, isn’t as lucky as his luck just isn’t there and he eventually gets called to duty.
It’s thus when John gets to Vietnam we get to see the good and the bad of the military during the conflict. The story takes us into John’s eyes as he witnesses the injustice of Vietnam along with race problems that where still strong in the armed forces. However, dark that period in John’s life may be he does makes friends, witness’s horror a horrific act. This act will haunt John’s soul as he thinks what he could have done differently, what if he had tried to help instead of turning his back. It is while he is in Vietnam that an artillery burst sends him flying through the air, and seemingly back in time.
John will find himself embroiled in a long fought war in American History. He will find himself meeting General Grant just before one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. The battle is that of Shiloh, which will leave scars not just on the land but on the men who fought there. John will be part of that battle in a unique way and a chance to correct a mistake will come and will be up to him to repeat the past or make things right.
Dear Dad by John Hazen has it’s stories, and the timelines, are tied together by John’s never-ending quest to write to his father. Chapters will open with letters home, or letters from his father. Of course no letters will exchange during the Civil War but John keeps writing. This bond, even through time, is what makes the book so strong. It brings an element of a father and son relationship as the tying factor no matter the time frame. The story has aspects of even unrequited love, but it’s that bond that makes the book so great. This shows that author John Hazen planned this book well as no matter the time frame the characters are strong and believable. Oh and John seems to have “some luck” no matter how old he is.
It’s a main reason the book, Dear Dad by author John Hazen, caught my attention. The book’s description makes it seem like a great science fiction tale as there is time travel. The book also has elements of general fiction in the way the book was written. Dear Dad to me was more than both of those aspects. This to me was a book that really told the importance of a father and son bond that would traverse the boys life, and time.
The book starts with a very ominous letter with John Foster writing to his father that he had a “close one” and almost died. The letter is from 1969 and as you turn the page you find yourself back in time when John’s dad is telling a story. John’s father is a decorated World War II soldier who survived the battle of the bulge and as the book opens we read that story. We learn how his dad was able to take out a machine gun crew saving the lives of others.
The book takes the reader into what I considered a normal boys life as he grew up to become a man. We read on how John grows up with his family in a very small town of Fairbrook, Massachusetts, and attends the local schools. As normally happens a young boy makes a group of great friends and by the time high school comes along often that group begins to break up. This is often due to the social aspects of maturing and in John’s case it was just normal life.
The period of the book, however, is during the turbulent late 1960’s and John is quickly about to turn 18. His dad wants him to run to Canada to dodge the war, as this is not like World War II. Vietnam is sending boys off to a war they don’t know what they are fighting for. It’s brave of Hazen to show this side of John’s dad as even today Vietnam is a tough subject for many. We read what his old friends do to get deferments from fighting, to enlisting, or maybe another branch. John, however, isn’t as lucky as his luck just isn’t there and he eventually gets called to duty.
It’s thus when John gets to Vietnam we get to see the good and the bad of the military during the conflict. The story takes us into John’s eyes as he witnesses the injustice of Vietnam along with race problems that where still strong in the armed forces. However, dark that period in John’s life may be he does makes friends, witness’s horror a horrific act. This act will haunt John’s soul as he thinks what he could have done differently, what if he had tried to help instead of turning his back. It is while he is in Vietnam that an artillery burst sends him flying through the air, and seemingly back in time.
John will find himself embroiled in a long fought war in American History. He will find himself meeting General Grant just before one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. The battle is that of Shiloh, which will leave scars not just on the land but on the men who fought there. John will be part of that battle in a unique way and a chance to correct a mistake will come and will be up to him to repeat the past or make things right.
Dear Dad by John Hazen has it’s stories, and the timelines, are tied together by John’s never-ending quest to write to his father. Chapters will open with letters home, or letters from his father. Of course no letters will exchange during the Civil War but John keeps writing. This bond, even through time, is what makes the book so strong. It brings an element of a father and son relationship as the tying factor no matter the time frame. The story has aspects of even unrequited love, but it’s that bond that makes the book so great. This shows that author John Hazen planned this book well as no matter the time frame the characters are strong and believable. Oh and John seems to have “some luck” no matter how old he is.
July 23, 2016
"Dear Dad" is a marvellously composed novel about war. I had expected a historical novel with patriotic undertones that would teach me about parts of American history I didn't know about.
While that is also true, I found much more than that: a mature reflection on war and humanity, where naive dreams meet harsh reality.
Hazen gets a lot of milage out of the fact that he combines, compares and plays off against each other three different war time experiences.
John's father's time in WW2, John's timein Vietnam and a surreal experience of the Civil War.
While the last part confused me at first, I soon realised the message that stands behind it all: whatever the individual circumstances of a war are, the weapons, the reasons and the setting: war is war.
Taking the uniqueness out of the equation leaves us with questions about purpose and humanity.
As I found with other work of Hazen, there is a lot of reflection in his writing, a depth and profoundness that warms the soul and provides a lot food for thought.
This is a great novel. Well written ,clever and unique. A must read.
While that is also true, I found much more than that: a mature reflection on war and humanity, where naive dreams meet harsh reality.
Hazen gets a lot of milage out of the fact that he combines, compares and plays off against each other three different war time experiences.
John's father's time in WW2, John's timein Vietnam and a surreal experience of the Civil War.
While the last part confused me at first, I soon realised the message that stands behind it all: whatever the individual circumstances of a war are, the weapons, the reasons and the setting: war is war.
Taking the uniqueness out of the equation leaves us with questions about purpose and humanity.
As I found with other work of Hazen, there is a lot of reflection in his writing, a depth and profoundness that warms the soul and provides a lot food for thought.
This is a great novel. Well written ,clever and unique. A must read.
May 9, 2016
A great war novel, unlike what I had expected to find from the cover and tweets about it.
This is one man's experiences with war: as told by his father about WW2, by his own experience in Vietnam and by a virtual experience of the Civil War. To portray war as it is experienced in different times, yet from the same perspective, is truly inspired and nothing short of genius. Hazen makes ample use of this potential and enables the reader to get a perspective on the differences and the similarities of armed conflict.
The letters, mostly written by the narrator to his father provide additional continuity and reflection.
The writing style is moving as it shows a young man with hopes, dreams and sometimes naive ideas, growing up fast and seeking purpose and redemption.
Original, innovative and highly recommendable.
This is one man's experiences with war: as told by his father about WW2, by his own experience in Vietnam and by a virtual experience of the Civil War. To portray war as it is experienced in different times, yet from the same perspective, is truly inspired and nothing short of genius. Hazen makes ample use of this potential and enables the reader to get a perspective on the differences and the similarities of armed conflict.
The letters, mostly written by the narrator to his father provide additional continuity and reflection.
The writing style is moving as it shows a young man with hopes, dreams and sometimes naive ideas, growing up fast and seeking purpose and redemption.
Original, innovative and highly recommendable.
May 25, 2020
Dear Dad is an unexpected, powerful novel. It may appear to be about the horrors of war—and it is, but it’s also about the unsung heroes and the villains (who shouldn’t be). It may appear to be about time travel—and it is, but it’s not a science fiction novel, it’s about people’s humanity. With the title, you may think it’s about family—and once again, it is, but not in the ways you might think because family can be all around us. It comes down to how we treat others. Dear Dad finds a way to blend all these different themes into a captivating and moving tale. It took many surprising turns that ultimately were very satisfying. I highly recommend this book. I am not a war or history fan so was initially hesitant about the topic, but I was completely wrong in that regard. This is a great novel for any adult.
June 6, 2016
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
If you like movies such as Platoon, Hamburger Hill, or are a wartime history buff in general, then this is the book for you. Dear Dad has not one but two wars featured in a tale that took on a Twilight Zone feel around mid-point. The plot twist happened again around the 215 page mark, when another blast sent him home (literally and figuratively).
The story didn't end there. Ghosts from John's past came back for a visit and it was not a happy reunion. I won't say anymore (read the book).
BTW: this book does end with a HEA and a WTF moment.
(See more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
If you like movies such as Platoon, Hamburger Hill, or are a wartime history buff in general, then this is the book for you. Dear Dad has not one but two wars featured in a tale that took on a Twilight Zone feel around mid-point. The plot twist happened again around the 215 page mark, when another blast sent him home (literally and figuratively).
The story didn't end there. Ghosts from John's past came back for a visit and it was not a happy reunion. I won't say anymore (read the book).
BTW: this book does end with a HEA and a WTF moment.
(See more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
April 2, 2015
This novel is a compelling story of bravery, and loss as the main character, John faces the reality of war. From his moments in Vietnam to his sudden transformation to General Grant’s troop, you find yourself connected to this character and the very different time periods portrayed through amazing details. I was intrigued by John’s raw emotions, his character kept you attached from beginning to end. Anyone who has ever experienced the hurt from a bad decision or who has been affected by war, will relate to his story.
Read
March 24, 2017In “Dear Dad,” risk-adverse Everyman John Foster aspires to the emotional safety of mediocrity and obscurity. He is content to defer to others, to allow others to lead, to seize the moment, to bask in the glory, and to snatch the girl of his dreams from under his nose. His response is not anger or frustration, but relief that he is not compelled to action or decision. But life and the capricious Fates force him into an ever deepening predicament that demands decisive action. His native response is to avoid, decline, deny, abrogate. But his conscience is not at peace and he finds himself thrust into an even more hellish predicament that presents a more immediate, albeit somewhat surreal, moral choice.
This is a coming-of-age story set in the tumultuous 1960s during the Viet Nam conflict and in the equally tumultuous 1860s during the American Civil War. The historical settings seem authentic and well researched. The narrative is brisk and flowing, making it an easy read.
This is a coming-of-age story set in the tumultuous 1960s during the Viet Nam conflict and in the equally tumultuous 1860s during the American Civil War. The historical settings seem authentic and well researched. The narrative is brisk and flowing, making it an easy read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews