The Summer the Wind Whispered My Name

"The Summer the Wind Whispered My Name", by Don Locke is a quiet emotional look at the progress of America's small-town existence as seen through the eyes of a young boy growing up in the sixties. Although the story develops slowly, the pace quickly escalates when a black family moves into their all white neighbor, which then divides the neighborhood like a demarcation line that brings an ugly element pitying neighbor against neighbor. As you put yourself into the story, "Do you think your own prejudices are in place if you were a part of this neighborhood?" I think that you will be gently reminded about your own views of race, justice, and our struggle to live by the Golden Rule. For those of you who lived through the sixties, you will enjoy Don's nostalgia return to the simple life: twenty-five cent a gallon for gasoline, the Good Humor Man in white uniforms driving through the neighborhood, fallout shelters, and reminiscence of the days when you rode your bike into town to catch the latest horror film on a one room one screen theater. (I still remember ducking below the seats whenever a scary scene came screaming out onto the large screen.) Either way, whether you lived through the sixties or not, I am sure that you will enjoy reading this story. Don's writing style draws you in with each advancing chapter. It's a story that you will read and then want to pass on to your friends and family.

You'll enjoy this well written, thought provoking book. And for the older readers among us, like me, you'll take a walk down memory lane. It's quite enjoyable!

The Summer the Wind Whispered My Name by Don Locke is a powerful novel about a summer in which a young boy, and an entire neighborhood, are forever changed. Davy Connors has a near perfect life in 1960 Ohio, and he knows it. His father is the director of a popular local children's TV show. His mom ensures that he never has to deal with dirty dishes or clothing, even laying out his clothes every morning before his paper route. His older siblings, Peggy and Bobby, are teenagers and starting to spread their wings. But most of Davy's world revolves around his friends: Sheena, Mouse, Jimmy, and the rest of the neighborhood kids who play Wiffle ball in the street, have a treehouse in a majestic old oak tree, and spend their extra pennies by caps so they can scrape off the gunpowder in hopes of making a massive bottle rocket in time for the Fourth of July. Davy is on the cusp of adolescence and starting to pay more attention to the people around him. When a black family buys a home in the neighborhood, several of the men get together and come up with a plan to drive them out, but Davy's mom instead forms a welcoming committee, and the stage is set for turmoil and conflict in the neighborhood and the Connors home. Locke has a very conversational tone in writing that implies confidence and trust. Davy doesn't always make the right decisions, but his inner battle about what feels right and what doesn't makes for an inspirational read. By the end of the summer, Davy's confidence in his father has been shaken and rebuilt, he sees his mother as a courageous human being, and he has begun to see the hand of God in the world around him. It's a great coming of age story along with a powerful message about loving your neighbor.

I don't often give out 5 stars, but I loved this book. "With hilarious narrative alongside poignant life leesons, Don Locke has captured growing up in the sixties with all its charm as well as its ignorance. Each chapter reminded me of a Wonder Years episode, causing laughter and tears. It saddened me terribly to close the book at the end."

Don Locke's novel, "The Summer the Wind Whispered My Name", is the poignant story of a young boy who confronts his faith in the face of racism on his road to self-discovery during the 1960s. This book impressed me on many levels: its easy readability, the cleverness of the chapter titles, the author's responsible handling of such controversial subject matter with sensitivity and truth, and how the author brilliantly transports the reader back in time to this turbulent era. The features in this book are incredible, as well. The reader guide includes incredible questions for discussion or contemplation. "The Way Things Were" trivia was fascinating, especially the cost of living statistics. This is a thought-provoking read.