a book you should read

"After Visiting Friends" by Michael Hainey.

If you haven't decided to read this book yet, continue reading.

The true story of a son pursuing the real story of his father's death at an early age. Simply and beautifully written, sensitive to the intimacy of family, and touching. Touching in that way that makes you pause while reading, drop the book to your side, and stare out into the world as you absorb the meaning of what you have just read.

This pulsating story about truth weaves a fabric with strands of family, intimacy, ambition, silence, brotherhood, regret, demons, and all the unexpected things we learn in the pursuit of a truth. A truth denied for too long.

You know how every author and every book has a rhythm, a cadence to the writing that you accustom yourself to after reading into the meat of the story. Hainey's rhythm immediately calms you into reading without any sense of how many pages you've turned. If you've ever wondered or if you're still wondering "What's the real story here?", this book will advance your curiosity.

And here's a personal note. A central character in this story grew up in Tiffin, Ohio and there are several touching scenes that occur in Tiffin. For the fond memories I have from times spent in Tiffin, I just want to offer a "tip of the hat" to Tiffin.