Thursday, September 23, 2021

Spotlight of Dad by Steven Manchester


 

PHOTO SOURCE:
TYPORAMA

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DAD
STEVEN MANCHESTER
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Dad: A Novel chronicles the sacred legacy of fatherhood. 

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It's become a bit of a signature for Steven to include a poem at the very end of his novels. 

Here's what he has selected for this one.


The Greatest Teachers
by Steven Manchester

My children have taught me…
that trust is sealed before the first step
and real understanding does not require words;
that a baby’s breath and angels’ wings make the same sound,
and bonds forged on sleepless nights are eternal.

My children have taught me…
that the greatest wonders are found within the smallest moments;
and the grip of a tiny hand slips away much too fast;
that the word “proud” can inspire unimaginable feats,
while the word “disappointed” can scar the soul.

My children have taught me…
that doing something means so much less than being there,
as one day at the park is more valuable than ten visits to the toy store;
that laughter is contagious and can destroy all worries,
and Santa Claus is alive and well—all that’s needed is faith.

My children have taught me…
that the most powerful prayers are made up of the simplest words,
humbled, grateful and spoken from the heart;
and that for most ailments, the best medicine is a kiss
or a hug for someone who wouldn’t dream of asking.

My children have taught me…
that friends can be made with no more than a smile
and real blessings are found amongst family and friends;
that the future promises magic and wonder,
and that dreams must be chased until each one comes true. 

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ALL INFORMATION IN THIS POST IS COURTESY OF THE AUTHOR.
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PRAISE FOR DAD:

“Heartfelt and uplifting, DAD is Steven Manchester at his best. An absorbing story of reconciliation, love, and the ripple effects of the past.” -- Carla Neggers, New York Times bestselling author, COLD RIVER

“Steven Manchester's DAD is a poignant portrait of fatherhood and the triumphs and tragedies of being a husband, a father, and a son. A must read for men of all ages.” -- Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestselling author, THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF SAM HELL

“Steven Manchester writes with heart. Raw, probing and honest―keep the hankies close.” -- Tanya Anne Crosby, New York Times bestselling author, THE KING'S FAVORITE

“Steven Manchester once again proves he doesn't just tell a good story so much as he paints a vivid, multi layered portrait. Enthralling from its frantic start, and written with all the confidence of a seasoned literary veteran, DAD is both a poignant and inspiring read.” -- Vincent Zandri, New York Times bestselling author, THE GIRL WHO WASN'T THERE and THE REMAINS

“Steven Manchester is a master at understanding the psyches of ordinary American men, and a poet at writing about them. You will reach the end of this book smiling through your tears.” -- Judith Arnold, USA Today bestselling author, THE DADDY SCHOOL and FULL BLOOM

“From a perspective too seldom explored, Steven Manchester offers a sensitive and sympathetic recounting of the significant challenges and rewards of fatherhood through the eyes of three men experiencing its different stages.” -- Donald Hubin, PhD, Chair of National Parents Organization

“DAD: A NOVEL demonstrates the psychological power and importance of fatherhood and a father's love. This is a welcome addition to the culture's growing interest in and appreciation for fathers' emotional engagement with their family.” -- Raymond A. Levy, PsyD, Founder and Director, The Fatherhood Project at MGH
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ABOUT DAD:

Three generations of dads, playing traditional roles in each other's lives, arrive simultaneously at significant crossroads. The decisions they make and the actions they take will directly – and eternally – affect each other.

After a life of hard work and raising children, Robert is enjoying his well-deserved retirement when he discovers that he has an illness he might not be able to beat. At 19, Jonah is sprinting across the threshold of adulthood when he learns, stunningly, that he's going to become a father. And Oliver – Robert's son and Jonah's dad – has entered middle age and is paying its demanding price. While reconciling the time and effort it has taken him to reach an unfulfilling career and an even less satisfying marriage, he realizes that it's imperative that he keep it all together for the two men who mean everything to him.

When different perspectives lead to misunderstandings that remain unspoken – sometimes for years – it takes great strength and even more love to travel beyond the resentment.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Steven Manchester is the author of the #1 bestsellers Twelve Months, The Rockin' Chair, Pressed Pennies and Gooseberry Island; the national bestsellers, Ashes, The Changing Season and Three Shoeboxes; and the multi-award winning novels, Goodnight Brian and The Thursday Night Club. 

His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show, CBS's The Early Show, CNN's American Morning and BET's Nightly News. Three of Steven's short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. 

He is a multi-produced playwright, as well as the winner of the 2017 Los Angeles Book Festival and the 2018 New York Book Festival. 

When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or their four children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing. 

Visit: www.StevenManchester.com


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