Second Spring

O'Malley's (Family Saga) #6

by Andrew M. Greeley

It's 1978 and the whole country, exhausted from the twin traumas of Vietnam and Watergate, seems to be suffering from a massive hangover. Chucky O'Malley knows how the country feels; approaching fifty, he finds himself in the grip of a debilitating mid-life crisis. He hasn't lost his faith, exactly, but he does feel disillusioned and depressed. As he travels the world, Chucky searches for a way to renew his weary spirit.
Fortunately, he doesn't have to face this challenge alone. With the loving support of his family, and especially his irrepressible and adoring wife, Rosemarie, he just might rediscover his lost hope and optimism in time for a Second Spring. . . .

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Literature, Historical Fiction, Mystery

357 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Andrew Greeley was a Roman Catholic priest, sociologist, journalist, and author of 50 best-selling novels and more than 100 works of nonfiction. For decades, Greeley entertained readers with such popular characters as the mystery-solving priest Blackie Ryan and the fey, amateur sleuth Nuala Anne McGrail. His books typically center on Irish-American Roman Catholics living or working in Chicago.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/andrew...

Reviews

[John M. Gruber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed

Difficult to read as it goes through Viet Nam Watergate, the Chicago Democratic Convention with all the turbulence associated. Hearing of young people growing up in those times rekindled so many memories and emotions

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

Second Spring by Andrew M. Greeley is book 6 of the O’Malley Family series, set in 1978 Chicago. The O’Malleys have a wide range of experiences and accomplishments, recounted in detail in earlier books, referred to briefly in this book. Charles Cronin O’Malley, “Chucky” to his friends, “Chucky Ducky” to his wife Rosemarie, is approaching age 50 and suffering a mid-life crisis. He manages to suppress his depression for family celebrations, but it’s a recurring theme throughout the book. Chapters alternate between Chucky and Rosemarie’s point of view. They travel to Rome for papal conclaves, and at home pursue their own hobbies, which are also lucrative careers. Chucky is an award-winning photographer who self-effacingly says “I just take pictures”. Rosemarie is a writer, no surprise her red-headed protagonist resembles Chucky Ducky. The Irish American family is powerful in Chicago politics and in the Catholic Church. In this ongoing saga, family members start new relationships and the family adjusts to the new personalities, and they encounter obstacles in school, work or faith, and the family rallies round to make things right. It’s a testament to the power of love and faith. It would be best to read this series in order, starting with Summer at the Lake, in order to understand the trials and triumphs the family has weathered, and how their personalities have developed. I enjoyed earlier books in the series more than this one, because they have more action, less introspection. Next (and last) book in the series is Golden Years.

[Gerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a very long-time fan of all of Father Andrew M. Greeley’s books. This is particularly true of his Nuala Anne McGrail series and most especially true of his books about the Crazy O’Malleys. Second Spring is the 5th in the 6-part series about Charles Cronin “Chucky-Ducky” O’Malley and his loveable family. This volume covers the period 1978-80 and finds Chucky approaching his 50th birthday with extreme dread. As a result of this “debilitating mid-life crisis,” he thinks he is not only “over the hill” but that he has achieved nothing worthwhile during his lifetime so far. This is regardless of the fact that he did indeed have numerous very notable accomplishments, including serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Germany and having become an internationally known and respected photographer. Chucky is not doomed to “swim these murky waters” alone. His bride of almost 30 years Rosemarie Helen Clancy O’Malley is at his side every step of the way providing all the guidance and direction he should need if he would only listen to her.

Second Spring is a delightful tale which I enjoyed immensely.

[Book 48 of 2013 Target 50
(Jan-6; Feb-3; Mar-3; Apr-4; May-6; Jun-6;
Jul-5; Aug-2; Sep-4; Oct-3; Nov-4; Dec-2)]

[Jo-Ann Murphy]

I have always loved Andrew Greeley's books. I like his insight on the Church and have always liked his stories...until now. I did not like the characters in this book. They did not engage me or draw me in. If I read "Chucky Ducky" one more time I was ready to throw the book. I got so sick of Chucky Ducky's whining. He has a distinguished past career, a good job, a profitable second career, and a large loving family and all he does is see his death, be depressed and whine about how old he is when he is still a young man. And his wife was not much better. I liked the parts about the Church, but the rest of the book from the plot to the characters was worthless and not worth my time..

[Susan Hester · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit sophomoric. Doubt that I'll read any more of Father Greeley's books. I was surprised he was a priest given all the sex (between the main characters, a married couple) in this book. How does he know these things?

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little slow for my taste and a little too much like reading a journal I shouldn't be reading. Not sure whether it is a religious/political statement by the author or just a story. Good enough to finish, but not nearly as good as other books by Greeley.

[Sheree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catholic Storyline. Kind of hard to follow. Also Dirty, lots to confess about.

[Pat Baratta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifth book in the series, brings The O'Malley's into the 1970's.

[Laurie Mcclary · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not much care for this book, very slow and confusing. Actually, I stopped reading after about chapter 3.