You ever come across one of those books where you start it with low expectations. Maybe it was something a friend lent you, maybe you found in a box of other books you bought, or maybe you just grabbed it because it looked interesting in the store, but then you pick it up from your book shelf and you're just not sure you'll like it? But then, for some reason, you decide to read it anyway, and by the time you put it down you realize you've discovered a gem? This is one of those books.

John Lowry Lamb has written only this single book as of this review, 15 years ago, and only 9 people have it entered here on Librarything. I happened upon it at my local library, I already had more books than I needed but for whatever reason I grabbed this little book and tossed it atop the pile I was carrying, figuring if I didn't have time to read it that was no big deal. I'm so glad I had time to read it.

It sounds like a depressing read at first, as it deals with a young 12 year old boy's struggle to come to terms with his father's death 6 months ago. He is watched over by his aunt while his mother lies comatose in her bedroom. But it is one of those novels that can take such a sad topic and turn it into a positive, uplifting experience. The boy, Nick, learns that the world around all of us is a reflection of our inner selves, and that by holding on to grief we only cloud our vision to the beauty of love we have for those who are still with us.

A truly remarkable book. I admit I went into this with low expectations, I should know by now not to do that. Shame on me. Don't make my mistake and risk missing some of the gems out there. ( )