Another Way Home: A Single Father's Story

by John Thorndike

Book Overview

Staekly honest and deeply moving, this is John Thorndike's riveting story of raising his son alone as his wife slides inexorably into madness. John discovered early on how all-consuming it is to raise a child. Yet the rewards were enormous, and seldom has a child been so alive on a page.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0517705427
• ISBN13: 9780517705421
• Release Date: April 1996
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 245 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

very emotional and personal story of a father and son

I met Janir a few months ago. He is an amazing man and I hope to someday meet his father, John. They have had a challenging life together and have prevailed with support from each other. I was emotionally involved in this book, but even if you do not know either of these men you will find this book hard to put down. I cried through the entire book and after reading the last sentence broke down myself. I was overwhelmed with lonliness and felt honored to be a part of Janir's life. This story is powerful, emotional, and REAL.

Thought provoking & heart-wrenching

I read this book several years ago, after meeting Janir at summer camp. Knowing little of his background, I was overcome by the emotion in the story. A fantastic (if heart-wrenching) read.

Awesome!

This book is very well written, it gives a very honest depiction of the problems associated with being a single parent. I know John Thorndike's son personally as his summer camp counselor. Janir, now in his twenties, is enthusiastic, considerate, creative and full of energy. A tribute to John meeting the challenges presented to him in his life.

Moving, Truthful, Touching: Thorndike's Book is Awesome

When I cracked open my copy of Another Way Home, I didn't have any idea what I was in for. Once I was reading, I couldn't put it down. I read for hours, crying and wishing I could reach out and hold Janir and John. The prose is smooth and emotional, darkly textured with passion. I feel like I know every character, like I know John. The imagery and characters are vivid, the style is clear and beautiful. And how badly I wanted to be in Athens, Ohio. I could feel the timelessness of the place: The brick house, the lawn, the boy and his father playing ball. The fields, that's what drew me in: John was creating life-- he was planting seeds and farming and tending his garden as well as tending his son, raising Janir. I can't imagine anyone *not* loving this book. The quote on the back of the book says not only fathers and sons, but mothers and grandmothers will love this book. But look at me. I'm a young woman, a daughter, and nothing could have affected me so proufoundly as hearing his stories: About affairs, trials with Clarisa, his schizophrenic ex-wife, about raising his boy. It pulled heart strings within me. I was raised, I know how it is to have parents cheat on each other, how it is to have crazy relatives, how it is to be lonely. I know you will love it. It contains some very valuable information, and if you pass this one up, you'll be missing out. I promise you that much.

Moving, incredibly well-written and deeply heartfelt

I recommend this book highly! John Thorndike deserves critical praise and your money! Another Way Home is moving, truthful and YOU should read it! You hear me! Tell your friends!