Bequest

Bequest is one of the most interesting and entertaining books I've read in a long, long time. I too would like to see Bequest join Oprah's Book Club. I'd also love to see an Oprah interview with Ian Thomas who is every bit as funny and charming as his equally talented brother Dave. I hear Ian Thomas and Dave Thomas are performing together these days, with Dave drawing on his experience with Grace Under Fire, SCTV, Saturday Night Live, etc. and Ian drawing on the Red Green Show and his vast experience as a singer-songwriter of Painted Ladies and other hits for himself, Chicago, Manfred Mann, America, Santana, etc. etc. I would think Ian Thomas would be Oprah's best interview ever.

Bequest, the bestselling debut novel by Ian Thomas, and the equally remarkable The Road by Cormac McCarthy, share my highest recommendations. The Road is an Oprah Pick, and if there's any justice in this world, Bequest will also be blessed with this wonderful honor. The charm and warmth of this outstanding novel make it a must read for Oprah, her legions of followers (myself included) and anyone else who appreciates a captivating story well told. Author Ian Thomas is the same famous singer-songwriter of hits such as Painted Ladies and Right Before Your Eyes (and songs recorded by Chicago, Manfred Mann, America, Santana, etc.) Bequest proves Thomas is not just a great songwriter, but a great writer, period. Bequest explores the turmoil the main character, George Moss, experiences when his father dies unexpectedly and George has visions of murder and environmental destruction. He travels from Canada to New York State and seemingly goes back in time to the town of his childhood, a time of misunderstandings and hurtful exchanges with his father. While trying to cope with lost opportunities to make amends, George realizes his gift - or curse - of visions may give him a chance of redemption. Both Bequest and The Road expertly explore the often difficult relationship between father and son; both reveal the father as all too human; both explore the compromises each make that conflict with the other's ideals. Both books explore this often unexamined relationship from different standpoints and perspectives but each book is joy to read. I recently purchased both books on the strong recommendations of several friends. I agree they make a great pair and I would highly recommend both of these captivating novels. Bequest in particular is a remarkable book you won't want to stop reading for even a moment.