End of Summer

by John Lamb

A deceptively simple spiritual story about the inevitability of death, the interconnectedness of life, and the redeeming power of love.When twelve-year-old Nick Harper loses his father in an automobile accident, he enters a period of mourning that threatens to engulf him. His mother, badly injured in the crash, lies comatose in their home. For weeks he wanders about his family’s Ohio farmland in a world of his own, while his aunt, nursing her own grief with red wine, looks on helplessly. Yet as the early summer sun warms the earth, something awakens inside of Nick and he slowly opens up to those around him, hoping to make sense of the terrible tragedy. But it is a force of nature that actually begins his a voice calls to him, first as the cry of a frightened, lost soul, and by summer’s end as a source of comfort and inspiration. A beautiful, mystical fable, The End of Summer will reaffirm your belief in the power of the human spirit.

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 1995

Reviews

[Wissal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was 12, the same age as Nick the protagonist. I am now 20 years old, and it's still my favorite. I remember clutching at the book and crying at 1AM way past my bedtime.
It will always be my favorite.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle and thought-provoking read about the nature of living and dying. John was a classmate of mine who recently passed unexpectedly. Made reading this poignant.

[Pia · Rating 5 out of 5]

John - if you're reading this on goodreads - find me!

[Gabriel Cortez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book the first month that I met you John many years ago in Cleveland, I loved it.
I read it again when you passed.. Rest in peace friend.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it did certainly have a surprise ending, I kind of figured it out before the end. But seriously, a talking puddle? It was such weak symbolism it makes me a bit queasy that I have to teach this book to students.

[Aaron Mcmahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

John is a dear friend of my family's. I read this book when I was 12 or so, though it is timeless. One of my favorites always.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing! made me cry so much. l love this book!