Blog Tour--The Flower of Grass

The Flower of Grass
A powerful novel of a prodigal’s return

James E. Robinson
Monarch Books, 2008
$13.99, 256 pp, pb
ISBN: 0825462863



Minnow Stef says, The back cover copy is a good place to start: “John Allen returns to his home town after the death of his alcoholic, abusive father. He has been gone nearly 20 years and has become a successful writer, but with major addiction problems of his own. Now he struggles to make amends with his careworn sister and alcoholic younger brother - and, perhaps, to pick up the pieces of his teenage love affair with Jesse. But Jessie tired of waiting for letters that ceased to come, and has been married for six years. At what cost might their love be rekindled? This is…a classic love story framing deeper themes of mortality and passing time, the true nature of faith, and the delicate balance of human relationships. ”

The Flower of Grass is stunning. I was riveted by Johnny's mother, Belle, as she battles cancer. Someone I love is facing the same battle, and it hurt to read about Belle’s pain.

I was no less riveted by the battles that the other characters face. Robinson’s bio states he is “an award-winning singer/songwriter whose songs have been recorded by many country, Christian, and rock musicians. He also works as a professional recovery counselor.” He obviously knows whereof he speaks. Remember Roberta Flack’s hit, Killing Me Softly? “I felt he’d found my letters/and read each one out loud” is perfect to describe my feelings as Robinson probed each character’s flaws and temptations, especially Johnny’s, since he is an author. Though we are Christians, we are human, too.

There are no pat conversion scenes to tie conflicts up with a neat bow. Redeemed characters struggle to hold on to their faith, and characters who have yet to accept Christ do not wind up in the front pew at church where all their questions are answered by the pastor’s sermon. As a matter of fact, the only preacher in the story is battling Alzheimer’s. If you or a family member is asking, “God, why do You allow bad things to happen to good people?”, you will not find the answer here. But if your question is “Will You help me hold on, Lord?”, The Flower of Grass bears witness that yes, indeed, He will.

You can purchase The Flower of Grass at CBD .

You can watch a video trailer here.

Visit James's Web site here.

And find more reviews at these sites:

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