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What begins as a coming-of-age story in the 1950s develops into a beautiful, nostalgic testimony to one man’s journey of finding his place in this world. This novel is told through the eyes of Clayton, the son of a former baseball player whose rise to stardom was unexpectedly cut short. The reader follows Clayton through the early days of childhood when he still views his father as a larger-than-life idol and then sees him process scandal and disappointment.
The protagonist learns a few tough lessons as he progresses through high school, seeing firsthand the effects of racism and political upheaval in a small town during this era. He and his friends get swept up in the draft. As he enters the camp and is shipped out to Vietnam, his story continues through letters exchanged between Clayton and his new girlfriend, Trudy. He returns a “war hero,” although he is quick to discount the title. When he returns home, he pursues new interests, ultimately finding his passion as a restorer and salesman of jukeboxes. Along the way, he suffers loss and finds new loves. The very end poses a dramatic twist that creates a hauntingly beautiful symmetry to Clayton’s family story.
With engaging scenes and snappy dialogue, this is a nostalgic masterpiece. The author brings each character to a vivid, unforgettable life, creating a beautiful portrait of a microcosm of America spanning five decades. Each chapter begins with a song title, allowing the reader to weave music through the author’s lyrical prose. These small details combine to create a story full of warmth and heart. Joy's book is a pleasure to read and will have readers hooked all the way to its surprising end.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review