Synopsis: "In the small town of Hadlee, Mississippi, during the 1980's, Jason Lee Rainey struggles to find his way amongst the old, steadfast Southern attitudes about race, while his friendship with a black boy, Samson Johnson, deepens.
By way of stories from others, Jason Lee learns about his larger-than-life father, who was killed in Vietnam. He longs to become that sort of man, but doesn't believe he has it in him.
In The Clock Of Life he learns lessons from the past, and the realities of inequality. He flourishes with the bond of friendship; endures the pain of senseless death; finds the courage to stand up for what he believes is right; and comes to realize he is his father's son.
This story explores how two unsettling chapters in American history, the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War, affect the fate of a family, a town, and two boyhood friends."
My Review: This was a very moving and intense book to read. It tackled so many tough issues but didn't seem to really push them on you. I really think this would be a great book for book club, there are so many things to discuss. The characters are all so very rich and full of life as is the setting, they start to seem real. I came to love so many of the characters but especially Uncle Mooks with his drops of wisdom and Mr. Otis with his hard ways brought on by a hard life. There isn't a lot going on in the story, it seems to be more for pondering. You can see the influence of To Kill a Mockingbird, which I really enjoyed, but it is definitely not the same story once you get into it.
By way of stories from others, Jason Lee learns about his larger-than-life father, who was killed in Vietnam. He longs to become that sort of man, but doesn't believe he has it in him.
In The Clock Of Life he learns lessons from the past, and the realities of inequality. He flourishes with the bond of friendship; endures the pain of senseless death; finds the courage to stand up for what he believes is right; and comes to realize he is his father's son.
This story explores how two unsettling chapters in American history, the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War, affect the fate of a family, a town, and two boyhood friends."
My Review: This was a very moving and intense book to read. It tackled so many tough issues but didn't seem to really push them on you. I really think this would be a great book for book club, there are so many things to discuss. The characters are all so very rich and full of life as is the setting, they start to seem real. I came to love so many of the characters but especially Uncle Mooks with his drops of wisdom and Mr. Otis with his hard ways brought on by a hard life. There isn't a lot going on in the story, it seems to be more for pondering. You can see the influence of To Kill a Mockingbird, which I really enjoyed, but it is definitely not the same story once you get into it.
My Rating: I really enjoyed this book and it is one that will remain with me for some time to come. I give it a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!
The Clock of Life was sent to me by the author for an honest review.
You can find out more about Ms. Klann-Moren and her work on her Website or Goodreads Page.
You can also obtain your own copy of The Clock of Life in print or digital format on Amazon or digital format on Barnes and Noble.
Ang,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the great review! I appreciate you spreading the word. All my best, Nancy Klann-Moren
It was a great novel, thank you for giving me the opportunity to read it!
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