Junk-drawer Corner-store Front-porch Blues

Many years ago I seen Mr. Power's speak. I am not much into speakers, but this man grabs your attention. I got his book which he personilized to me, read it and it has become one of my favorites. I grew up in Chicago so could relate to alot of it, it is the one book that I suggest to everyone. If you get the chance to read, or hear him speak you will remember it.

I think this book is an excellent book and I just love everything that John R. Powers writes. He has a way of being funny and poignant at the same time. He writes about growing up in Chicago as if you are actually doing it yourself. His way of writing draws you in because it is very funny and touching and really makes you think about life. The fact of the matter is that I loaned this book to a friend and now I can't find it in print again. It is truly a good book!

I loved the other John R. Powers books and discovered this one, believe it or not, in an airport gift shop. As with his other books, it was a joy to read and had an emotional depth so rarely found in books that are also miraculously funny. Powers may well be the most underrated writer to emerge in the last 30 years. His books are so entertaining, you don't notice yourself being moved. Until later, that is. Like, ten seconds later. Wonderful writing I recommend to anyone with a heart and a funny bone.

It's a shame that the synopsis indluded here tells so much of the story. Part of the impact on me was the shock effect of Mr.Powers' remarkable ability to sneak up on the reader. I lost a brother about 6 weeks before someone put this book in my hands and told me to read it without telling me why. It was the saddest, hardest, bestest therapy I could have had. Simply a great book of insights into the human spirit of brotherhood and missed moments. The reader should also know Mr.Powers lost a brother about 20 years before he wrote this book. He knows first-hand of the emotions he will lead you through!

I needed to finish this book! I couldn't wait to get to the end. I knew what the story held in store for me, but the words dragged me along to finish the book. I have read other works by Mr. Powers and loved them. Many of them I have read more than a dozen times. This will be added to the list