Summer of Light by W. Dale Cramer

5 Stars

When iron worker Mick Brannigan loses his job in less than stellar circumstances, he assumes another one will be just around the corner. And it is....just not the one he expected!

With his wife Layne finally settled in to a well paying job and their youngest, Dylan, diagnosed with a learning disorder, Mick finds himself taking on the reigns of house husband and stay at home dad. Fortunately for him, he has it all worked out, "Babies were a lot like old trucks-they leaked and made noises. Clean up the mess, top off the fluids, and the noises usually stopped."...or so he thought! Not surprisingly Mick soon realises that staying at home is not easy and caring for three young children is a never-ending and often thankless task. When some of his work colleagues hint he is less of a man and as Mick finds himself drowning in a sea of laundry, daily disasters and the complexities of Dylan's therapy, he wonders if he doesn't agree.

Every instinct Mick ever had about what it means to be a man is threatened. Despite his protestations, Mick's eyes are slowly opened to the wonder of his children's smiles, the importance of true friendship, the possibility of a meaningful faith and the artistry hidden within him and his burgeoning hope in himself is mesmerizing. Mick's journey is shaped by his ever curious kids, confronting encounters with a homeless man and his tragic past and an hilarious exploit with an errant tree and a borrowed chainsaw!

W. Dale Cramer has penned a captivating and exhilarating tale of a hardworking man forced into an unfamiliar and downright uncomfortable position by circumstances beyond his control. Summer of Light is a story about a regular guy, told with dignity and respect, a unique trademark of Cramer's writing that is beautiful to read. I have been enthralled by all Cramer's previous offerings but this book exceeds even those with delightful humour, believable characters and a voice which story that seeps compassion from each page. The redemptive message is subtle yet profound and the reminder of the preciousness of our children's fleeting early years is powerful. This book will easily engage men and women. Summer of Light comes with my highest recommendation ~ more please, Dale!