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Worthy McGuire
Retired businessman Worthy McGuire knows he cannot put it off any longer. Time is not on the side of the gruff World War II veteran racing to fulfill a promise he made amid the horrors of the D-Day invasion in Normandy. As he plans a pilgrimage from Michigan to the site of both his best and worst day, Worthy now must rely on those he trusts the least—his family.With no one else to help him meet the physical demands of the trip, Worthy grudgingly includes his grandchildren, David and Shannon, who are each battling their own insecurities. His controlling son, Ted, and his manipulative daughter-in-law, Angela, follow Worthy and his grandkids to France, and they have one to drag the aging war vet back to Michigan where they hope to take command of his finances and place him in a nursing home. As Worthy searches for a family from his past, only time will tell if he can patch the crumbling relationships with his family before it is too late.In this historical tale, a World War II veteran takes a journey of honor and courage as he sets off to complete the most important mission of his long life.
305 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2013
About the author
Tim McGee
3 books16 followersTim McGee recently published his third novel, Durkin's Journey. The story is about a man who attempts to regain control of his life after having been 'an observer' for far too long. McGee is also the author of Worthy McGuire and Seasons, all of which can be found on Amazon.
Tim grew up in Michigan, attended Hope College, and spent a lifetime working in Corporate America. Tim enacted his escape plan in 2012 (with the full support of his family), and now writes full time while residing in Maine.
Tim grew up in Michigan, attended Hope College, and spent a lifetime working in Corporate America. Tim enacted his escape plan in 2012 (with the full support of his family), and now writes full time while residing in Maine.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 29, 2020
Great book
It was a wonderful story,. I thoroughly enjoyed it, looking forward to checking out other books by this author !!
It was a wonderful story,. I thoroughly enjoyed it, looking forward to checking out other books by this author !!
February 24, 2014
What an awesome book. I read it in 1 1/2 days, hated to put it down.
The dynamics of a very dysfunctional family are believable characters (I think I know some of them); the patriarch of the family seems to be the only one interested in uniting the family.
Worthy reminds me of my Dad, also a veteran of WWII, in his pride in serving his country, but unwillingness to share his experiences on those foreign lands until near the end of his long life. He is admirable, honest and a man of great integrity. The others, well, not so much, at least at the beginning.
The battle scene itself opened my eyes to the horrors those brave men faced. I learned so much about the war, and admire those who fought, sometimes giving their lives for their fellow soldiers and for our country.
This well-written book evokes many emotions: hope, horror, tears and heartbreak, along with laughter.
I recommend this book, and look forward to others by Mr. McGee! Bravo on a work well-done!
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.
The dynamics of a very dysfunctional family are believable characters (I think I know some of them); the patriarch of the family seems to be the only one interested in uniting the family.
Worthy reminds me of my Dad, also a veteran of WWII, in his pride in serving his country, but unwillingness to share his experiences on those foreign lands until near the end of his long life. He is admirable, honest and a man of great integrity. The others, well, not so much, at least at the beginning.
The battle scene itself opened my eyes to the horrors those brave men faced. I learned so much about the war, and admire those who fought, sometimes giving their lives for their fellow soldiers and for our country.
This well-written book evokes many emotions: hope, horror, tears and heartbreak, along with laughter.
I recommend this book, and look forward to others by Mr. McGee! Bravo on a work well-done!
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.
January 9, 2025
📚👴🥇⌚NOVEL THOUGHTS⌚🥇👴📚
3.5 stars
Worthy McGuire owns a car dealership which he established as a young married man as WWII was in the rear view and the world was trying to get itself back to normal. Worthy has basically retired from working there and has his son Ted, overseeing its operations. Ted runs the operation with an iron fist and his son, 30 yr old David, does everything he can to please his father and earn his praise which is rare. Ted also has a 26 yr old daughter Shannon who loves books and works as an assistant in the town's bookstore, much to Ted's disappointment. And, Ted is on his 3rd wife Angela who is a money hungry, elitist who thinks only about image and her step-children are a disappointment in this. The reader gets a look into the dynamics of this family in the first part of this book. The parents are horrible, the adult children are scared to death of them and Worthy has no relationship with any of his family since he and Ted fight constantly. Just where this book was going, I had no idea!
But then, Worthy announces at his 89th birthday party, that he is planning a trip to Normandy, to revisit the place that changed his life forever and he needs David to come along to serve as his muscle. Shannon gets wind of his trip and decides she wants to go too if only to get away from the dysfunction that is their family. Ted tells Worthy that he is too old to do something like this, that he must be mental and Worthy informs him that he is going and if Ted thinks he is going to stop him, Worthy knows some secrets about Ted that he probably doesn't want his wife to know about. And with this, the 3 McGuires set out to France. And little does Worthy know but his son and his greedy wife, are planning to declare him incompetent and bring him back to live out his life in a nursing home in order to control all his money.
It is here that the story really begins to get interesting. When Worthy shares what happened to him as a soldier that day in June as the troops left the ships on the beaches of Normandy, something begins to reshape the relationship between the 3 of them. David and Shannon begin to see their Poppa in a very new and loving way and the siblings begin to let go the anger they have for each other. Their mission now is to find that family however long it takes and for Worthy to say thank you to them.
As Worthy tells the story, the author paints an amazing picture of the action outside that little farmhouse and what those soldiers needed to do to not only save themselves also to save that little family. The most incredible thing that happened was that as the Nazis are pounding the Americans on the shoreline leaving death and destruction, a baby is being born in that farmhouse. This moment melts the reader's heart.
This is a story that shines a light not only on the heroes of Normandy, the losses and devastation but also the resilience of this section of France and their gratitude to the Allies for their sacrifices. Worthy and the grandkids meet amazing people on the journey, become closer to each other and learn to have a voice to control their own lives. Believe it or not, so does Ted after he does some rethinking about his life with his dad and his kids. I will also tell you that there is a mouth dropping moment at the end of the book but also get some tissues ready because though there are some funny moments, there are also some very sad ones.
3.5 stars
Worthy McGuire owns a car dealership which he established as a young married man as WWII was in the rear view and the world was trying to get itself back to normal. Worthy has basically retired from working there and has his son Ted, overseeing its operations. Ted runs the operation with an iron fist and his son, 30 yr old David, does everything he can to please his father and earn his praise which is rare. Ted also has a 26 yr old daughter Shannon who loves books and works as an assistant in the town's bookstore, much to Ted's disappointment. And, Ted is on his 3rd wife Angela who is a money hungry, elitist who thinks only about image and her step-children are a disappointment in this. The reader gets a look into the dynamics of this family in the first part of this book. The parents are horrible, the adult children are scared to death of them and Worthy has no relationship with any of his family since he and Ted fight constantly. Just where this book was going, I had no idea!
But then, Worthy announces at his 89th birthday party, that he is planning a trip to Normandy, to revisit the place that changed his life forever and he needs David to come along to serve as his muscle. Shannon gets wind of his trip and decides she wants to go too if only to get away from the dysfunction that is their family. Ted tells Worthy that he is too old to do something like this, that he must be mental and Worthy informs him that he is going and if Ted thinks he is going to stop him, Worthy knows some secrets about Ted that he probably doesn't want his wife to know about. And with this, the 3 McGuires set out to France. And little does Worthy know but his son and his greedy wife, are planning to declare him incompetent and bring him back to live out his life in a nursing home in order to control all his money.
It is here that the story really begins to get interesting. When Worthy shares what happened to him as a soldier that day in June as the troops left the ships on the beaches of Normandy, something begins to reshape the relationship between the 3 of them. David and Shannon begin to see their Poppa in a very new and loving way and the siblings begin to let go the anger they have for each other. Their mission now is to find that family however long it takes and for Worthy to say thank you to them.
As Worthy tells the story, the author paints an amazing picture of the action outside that little farmhouse and what those soldiers needed to do to not only save themselves also to save that little family. The most incredible thing that happened was that as the Nazis are pounding the Americans on the shoreline leaving death and destruction, a baby is being born in that farmhouse. This moment melts the reader's heart.
This is a story that shines a light not only on the heroes of Normandy, the losses and devastation but also the resilience of this section of France and their gratitude to the Allies for their sacrifices. Worthy and the grandkids meet amazing people on the journey, become closer to each other and learn to have a voice to control their own lives. Believe it or not, so does Ted after he does some rethinking about his life with his dad and his kids. I will also tell you that there is a mouth dropping moment at the end of the book but also get some tissues ready because though there are some funny moments, there are also some very sad ones.
February 5, 2019
Conflict Resolution
A truly feel good story about three generations of a dysfunctional family. The oldest, Worthy McGuire, landing that horrible day on Omaha Beach. The nightmare of what happened on that landing and taking the first bits of land framed so much of Worthy's life. His compass on navigating life was set with the horror and then the miracle of new life in the middle of it all. He enlists his estranged grandchildren to help with his final quest. His son after a lifetime of estrangement is hurt and further angered at his father for including his own children. So the three generations plus a trophy wife trail Worthy to France and his quest.
The coming together after lifetimes of conflict is carried out in a fully believable way for the most part. Everyone is close to ready for I o happen. They are tired of the pain of he alienation and mostly jump at the chance to become the loving family giving mutual respect of each other.
The story was well written and holds your attention and interest throughout. You will pull for success for them all because each character is believable and good in many ways.
Is it likely it could happen so readily given tell amount and length of he alienation? Easy answer, no. But I is a good read and when you put it down you definitely want to get back to see what happens next and how I resolves.
A truly feel good story about three generations of a dysfunctional family. The oldest, Worthy McGuire, landing that horrible day on Omaha Beach. The nightmare of what happened on that landing and taking the first bits of land framed so much of Worthy's life. His compass on navigating life was set with the horror and then the miracle of new life in the middle of it all. He enlists his estranged grandchildren to help with his final quest. His son after a lifetime of estrangement is hurt and further angered at his father for including his own children. So the three generations plus a trophy wife trail Worthy to France and his quest.
The coming together after lifetimes of conflict is carried out in a fully believable way for the most part. Everyone is close to ready for I o happen. They are tired of the pain of he alienation and mostly jump at the chance to become the loving family giving mutual respect of each other.
The story was well written and holds your attention and interest throughout. You will pull for success for them all because each character is believable and good in many ways.
Is it likely it could happen so readily given tell amount and length of he alienation? Easy answer, no. But I is a good read and when you put it down you definitely want to get back to see what happens next and how I resolves.
April 26, 2023
Strong Opening, Weak Book
The opening of the book is quite compelling and was enough to drive me to finish it.
The majority of the book isn’t good. The author uses large amounts of exposition and is very repetitive with it. The story devolves into sentimentality. The humor is trite and has weak delivery. The characterization is inconsistent. The characters begin as caricatures and the author missed many opportunities to make development gradual rather than spontaneous. There is a heavy reliance on tropes and cliches, but these are poorly used and pull the reader from the story.
Overall, this book is not that bad. It is an easy read. The prose is simple and clear. The author uses a few literary devices competently. At a few points the sentimentality breaks through the exposition and repetitiveness to actually be touching. I liked that the author repeated the opening line at the beginning of the closing, even though it didn’t quite match tonally.
Best way to describe this book is a simple tale, poorly told.
I would only recommend this book to someone that earnestly enjoys sentimental made-for-TV movies.
The opening of the book is quite compelling and was enough to drive me to finish it.
The majority of the book isn’t good. The author uses large amounts of exposition and is very repetitive with it. The story devolves into sentimentality. The humor is trite and has weak delivery. The characterization is inconsistent. The characters begin as caricatures and the author missed many opportunities to make development gradual rather than spontaneous. There is a heavy reliance on tropes and cliches, but these are poorly used and pull the reader from the story.
Overall, this book is not that bad. It is an easy read. The prose is simple and clear. The author uses a few literary devices competently. At a few points the sentimentality breaks through the exposition and repetitiveness to actually be touching. I liked that the author repeated the opening line at the beginning of the closing, even though it didn’t quite match tonally.
Best way to describe this book is a simple tale, poorly told.
I would only recommend this book to someone that earnestly enjoys sentimental made-for-TV movies.
May 11, 2018
Worthy of reading
This is a fine story highlighting those brave boys who landed on Omaha beach June 6, 1944. It also is a story of a quest by one of the survivors approaching his 89th year, and of his dysfunctional family. I have read a lot of classic WWII stories...Battle Cry, The Caine Mutiny, The Thin Red Line are some, and Worthy McGuire ranks right up there in the ability of the author to put the reader in the midst of the action. I most highly recommend this book.
This is a fine story highlighting those brave boys who landed on Omaha beach June 6, 1944. It also is a story of a quest by one of the survivors approaching his 89th year, and of his dysfunctional family. I have read a lot of classic WWII stories...Battle Cry, The Caine Mutiny, The Thin Red Line are some, and Worthy McGuire ranks right up there in the ability of the author to put the reader in the midst of the action. I most highly recommend this book.
March 11, 2019
A feel-good ending helped to make this a delightful story.
A grouchy old veteran of the WW D-day invasion, an angry son married to a social climbing woman provided an interesting formula for telling a story of an unhappy family. The veteran's trip to France with his two grandchildren was the setting for narrating his experiences during the invasion. The experiences of this trip eventually brought the family to better relationships
A grouchy old veteran of the WW D-day invasion, an angry son married to a social climbing woman provided an interesting formula for telling a story of an unhappy family. The veteran's trip to France with his two grandchildren was the setting for narrating his experiences during the invasion. The experiences of this trip eventually brought the family to better relationships
October 22, 2020
Worthy is a WWII World War II veteran racing to fulfill a promise he made amid the horrors of the D-Day invasion in Normandy. As he plans a trip from Michigan to the site of both his best and worst day, Worthy now must rely on those he trusts the least—his family. He doesn't get along with his son, not close to his two grandchildren. But he can't go alone. What a great book
November 17, 2022
👌👌
My children love these little books. They thoroughly enjoy each and every story, as if they are all unique and individual without any cause for similarity among them. Even though sometimes, they might seem tedious and repetitive to me as a parent, I do enjoy being able to read short-stories to my children that are clean and respective.
My children love these little books. They thoroughly enjoy each and every story, as if they are all unique and individual without any cause for similarity among them. Even though sometimes, they might seem tedious and repetitive to me as a parent, I do enjoy being able to read short-stories to my children that are clean and respective.
December 4, 2018
never expected this
this was a heart warming, heart healing experience to read this book. unfortunate family relationships being healed by God’s grace and leading to normal family actions. highy suggested to read.
this was a heart warming, heart healing experience to read this book. unfortunate family relationships being healed by God’s grace and leading to normal family actions. highy suggested to read.
July 28, 2019
Wonderful story!
This book had me from the first sentence. Thank you Mr. McGee for a wonderful story. I could hardly put this down! Will definitely look for more books by this author. This story sucks you in and releases you with such a great feeling.
This book had me from the first sentence. Thank you Mr. McGee for a wonderful story. I could hardly put this down! Will definitely look for more books by this author. This story sucks you in and releases you with such a great feeling.
January 17, 2019
Excellent
Everything about this book is good. The history, the family relationship. I highly recommend it. Worthy is an exceptional character, nut many like him around these days
Everything about this book is good. The history, the family relationship. I highly recommend it. Worthy is an exceptional character, nut many like him around these days
February 7, 2019
Loved this book. Good story, likeable characters, satisfying ending.
September 16, 2016
Never in a million years did I expect to love this book THIS much! It isn't the type of book I typically read, but I am SO glad I gave it a chance. This story was beautifully written. The characters were vivid and so easy to visualize. The words came to life off the pages and it was as if I was in the story. This novel had it all - happiness, sadness, drama, comedy, hope, love, on and on. Anyone who doesn't take the time to read this book is truly missing out. Thank you Tim McGee for such a wonderful story. Looking forward to your next book!
March 14, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. The author did a great job developing a dysfunctional family of characters on the edge. The description of the battle were vivid. I felt like I was there! I like the it ended... With some "loose ends". Realistic...
September 2, 2016
This is one of those books that you read, and there is a depth and beauty to the story that catches you off guard. I've given this book as a present, and the other readers have loved it as well. Great debut novel.
December 14, 2013
What a wonderful book! Anyone who grew up with parents who served in WWII will relate to this. Beautifully written.
February 27, 2014
This was a book that was hard to put down. Great historical fiction, filled out with family drama.
October 28, 2017
Beautiful story
Beautifully written book Tim McGee! I stumbled upon this book on Amazon and it was a great story of family and how WW2 affected many people.
Beautifully written book Tim McGee! I stumbled upon this book on Amazon and it was a great story of family and how WW2 affected many people.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews