This story is about a father and son's relationship through life and the father's death, and how the son deals with his grief, his memories and his personal life and job. It was really interesting to see how Sam's father helped him with his grief, even though the letters were a different idea! I didn't realize the book wasn't a true story, because it felt like it was. I won this book through Library Thing. ( )

Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an objective Book Review. I obtained this book through LibraryThing. This did not effect my opinion in any way.

Sam is a Middle School Teacher that shares a love of baseball with his father. In fact, they are inseparable baseball fanatics.

Sam is also a runner. The youngest of the family, he now resides at the family home. He spends his time running, teaching and visiting his Dad at his retirement community.

His father dies, suddenly of a heart attack and leaves Sam with some pretty convoluted instructions for his last wishes.

His father leaves a series of letters detailing where he wants some of his ashes to be dispersed so he can always be a part of that place. But there is more to it. There lies a secret message within each letter which Sam must figure out.

Is he able to decipher his father's parting message? What will he find along the way that his father so desired? ( )

A very enjoyable read with characters you’d want to call your friends. The relationship between Sam and his father and the places and things they shared will inspire and bring a few tears. ( )

Sam Holmes, a young enthusiastic schoolteacher is tasked with scattering the ashes of his father following the reading of his father’s last will and testament. In the process he runs a marathon, becomes involved in a union dispute and meets a young woman Rachel Parker, who brings direction, clarity, and companionship to Sam’s lonely life. A well constructed novel illustrating the highest aspirations or ideals of persevering through the physical challenge of a marathon while overcoming the challenges that life brings to everyone in so many ways. This is an inspiring book and I’ve no hesitation in awarding it 4 stars.

An electronic copy of this book was provided for review by publishers Artemesia Publishing, via Library Thing. ( )

DISCLOSURE: An electronic copy of this book was provided for review by publishers Artemesia Publishing, via Library Thing.

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When Sam Holmes’ father dies unexpectedly, Sam is tasked with scattering the ashes – at several diverse locations. As he travels to Washington, D.C. (the second of seven trips), he meets a young woman and their growing relationship forms a strong part of the plotline.

Also included are the discoveries Sam makes about his father and himself as he makes the trips, and conflict in his teaching job, as Sam is torn between supporting his co-teachers in a labor negotiation and providing for his students, even if it means breaking ranks with the negotiation’s tactics.

There’s also a whole bunch – way too much for this reviewer’s tastes, about running. (Sam is training for the New York City marathon as the book opens.) At one point, he writes that “runners love to tell other people … about their latest runs. I don’t think anyone really cares.” Got that right.

Even if the step-by-step running stories are overdone, the notion of preparing for a physical challenge, and persevering through challenge to achieve the goal is a valid metaphor for the journey Sam is taking. The insider's view of what it's like to compete in the New York City marathon is interesting, if essentially a side-trip.

At times veering dangerously close to sappy, the tale will probably bring tears to a few readers, particularly if they have lost (or are contemplating the loss of) a parent. It’s a quiet, contented kind of read. Not great literature, but a comfortable way to spend a rainy weekend. ( )