Henry Stuart's doctor delivered the grim news that he was succumbing to consumption and had only a year left to live. The doctor also recommended that he seek a warmer climate to make the most of his remaining time.

At the age of late sixties, Henry made a bold decision. He abandoned his family and friends in Idaho and embarked on a journey to Alabama. There, he aimed to become a modern-day Thoreau, seeking a simpler and more fulfilling life.

The story is beautifully written, filled with memorable passages that delve into one man's personal search for peace and harmony. Even though others may not fully understand his quest, Henry remains resolute in his pursuit. His journey serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that it's never too late to follow our dreams and find meaning in life.

Overall, this is a captivating tale that explores themes of mortality, self-discovery, and the power of following one's heart. It's a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Onvan: The Poet of Tolstoy Park - Nevisande

Author: Sonny Brewer

ISBN: 345476328

ISBN13: 9780345476326

Pages: 304

Publication Year: 2005

This book, "The Poet of Tolstoy Park - Nevisande" by Sonny Brewer, takes readers on an engaging literary journey. With its unique ISBN and ISBN13 numbers, it stands out in the world of literature. The 304 pages are filled with captivating stories and vivid descriptions. Published in 2005, it has since become a beloved work among readers. The author's writing style brings the characters and settings to life, making it a truly immersive experience. Whether you're a fan of poetry or simply enjoy a good read, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

It offers a glimpse into the mind of the poet Nevisande and the beauty of Tolstoy Park. Through Brewer's words, we can explore the emotions, dreams, and experiences of the characters, and gain a deeper understanding of the human condition. So, pick up a copy of this remarkable book and let yourself be transported to a world of poetry and imagination.

Henry Stuart, much like a great number of us, engages in ceaseless pondering over the questions of life and the pursuit of becoming the best version of oneself.

He leans significantly on Tolstoy for direction, frequently quoting the latter or drawing examples from his life. Both Henry and Tolstoy are propelled by their insatiable curiosity and questioning nature.

Brewer demonstrates excellent writing skills, and it is evident that he has a deep investment in both Henry's story and Tolstoy's.

Ultimately, this story prompts me to wonder just how far we are willing to go to uphold our position or to bring a dream to fruition. It makes one reflect on the lengths people will go to in the face of challenges and the sacrifices they are prepared to make.

Will we stop at nothing to achieve our goals, or will we find ourselves limited by our own fears and insecurities? These are the kinds of thought-provoking questions that this story leaves us with.

Oh, this is truly a treasure!

I am not usually a devotee of such an abundance of philosophy and the concept of ideal living within my fictional works - be it historical fiction or with a real protagonist.

Nonetheless, there are copious quotes within this piece that have the potential to keep one's life firmly on the right path.

These quotes seem to offer valuable insights and guidance, serving as a source of inspiration and motivation.

They have the power to make one reflect on their own life choices and actions, perhaps even leading to positive changes.

Despite my initial reservations about the heavy dose of philosophy, I find myself drawn to these quotes and the wisdom they impart.

It is as if they are little pearls of wisdom, waiting to be discovered and cherished.

Overall, this work, with its collection of quotes, has the potential to have a profound impact on the reader's life.

I truly relished reading this enchanting book, which was chosen by Lawyer, a moderator of the group, on the Southern Literary trail. Sonny Brewer's writing is simply beautiful, and I am absolutely certain that I will be delving into more of his works.

This is the genuine story of a man in the early 20th century who was diagnosed with tuberculosis and given only a year to live. He made the decision to relocate from Idaho to Fairhope, Alabama, as he had heard that the weather there was beneficial for his condition. Additionally, the community in Fairhope lived by a single tax law.

The man was an enthusiastic reader and a great fan of Tolstoy. Throughout the book, he makes references to poets, writers, scripture, and quotes that hold significance for him. He desires to construct a single-room hut for the remainder of his time and insists on building it without any assistance. He gradually becomes a beloved and familiar figure in their small town.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about all the individuals who entered and exited his life. However, most of all, I cherished the experience of getting to know him.

This is an interesting story, but it is written in a rather tedious and pretentious manner. There are obvious attempts to sound profound, which sometimes come across as forced.

Moreover, there is too much padding in the form of excessive talking, philosophizing, and details about building. These elements seem to overshadow the core of the story and make it feel rather bloated.

However, if the author were to strip away some of this excess and focus on the essential elements, it might have the potential to make a sweet short story. With a bit of pruning and refinement, the story could shine through and engage the reader on a deeper level.

As it stands now, it has its moments of interest, but it is weighed down by its overly elaborate and verbose style.

Life through Loving Your Neighbor

I truly relished this book. It deviated from my typical genre preference, yet it narrated a captivating story. It demonstrated how the inner workings of our minds have the power to transform not only our attitudes but also our physical well-being. The characters within the book were truly wonderful. Each one was unique and contributed to the rich tapestry of the story. The protagonist, in particular, served as an inspiration. Their journey and growth throughout the narrative were both moving and thought-provoking. However, some of the detailed descriptions of the build were a little reminiscent of reading an instruction manual. While this might seem a bit odd at first, it actually helped to provide a deeper understanding of Henry. It allowed the reader to get inside his head and see the world from his perspective. Overall, this book was a great read that I would highly recommend to others.

First,

do no harm and live until you die. What a beautiful story indeed!

This simple yet profound statement holds great wisdom and significance.

It emphasizes the importance of leading a life free from causing harm to others and to the world around us.

By choosing not to harm, we are able to create a more peaceful and harmonious environment.

It also implies that we should strive to live our lives to the fullest, making the most of every moment until our final breath.

This story serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that we have the power to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us.

Whether it is through small acts of kindness or larger efforts to make a difference, we can all contribute to a better world by following the principle of "do no harm and live until you die."

Let this beautiful story inspire us to be more mindful of our actions and to live our lives with purpose and intention.

This is the best single book I've read all year.

Fairhope, AL author Sonny Brewer, who is not only Rick Bragg's editor but also the owner of Over the Transom bookstore, is truly an outstanding writer.

He vividly brings to life the legendary hermit of Fairhope, who spent his final days in the eccentric artist enclave on Mobile Bay.

The book is filled with poetic philosophy about various aspects of life, such as love, death, and illness.

It offers deep insights and thought-provoking perspectives that make it a captivating read.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking a profound and engaging literary experience.

I can't wait to explore more of Sonny Brewer's works.

This book was a personal recommendation from Goodreads legend Mike Sullivan, who champions Southern writers, both classic and recent. That's good enough for me - or even decent people - to give it a try.

This book, inspired by a true life, tells the fictionalized story of Henry Stuart. He is 67 and recently widowed, living in Idaho in 1925. When his doctor informs him he has advanced, but non-contagious tuberculosis and has about a year to live, Henry, a mystical sort who soon becomes eccentric, decides to take action. Distant from his two sons but friendly with the local preacher, he conducts an inter vivos disposition of his worldly goods and takes a train to Fairhope, Alabama. There, he builds a round concrete 'hut' by himself, weaves rugs, and follows the philosophy of Tolstoy. He never wears shoes and ruminates and discourses in theological matters. Clarence Darrow even comes to visit six times.

The story, despite the promise of plot, is rather banal. There's a lot of how-to. How to mix cement. How to dig a foundation. How to ride out a hurricane. I didn't find Stuart very likable. And I found the dialogue stilted. Folks here couldn't have a conversation without one of them putting his hand on the shoulder of the other. They say 'shall' a lot and try and outdo each other quoting poets, philosophers, and Indian sages. When Stuart is about to go out into a major hurricane, a little girl tells him, "You are safe...This is a good place for hiding. The storm cannot find you here. I promise."

Here's a sentence which I think will give you a flavor of the writing style:

When Henry wove a rug, he wove it from the depths of his spirit and from the fullness of his heart, and with the careful eye of a focused mind.

Oh. And I don't revere Darrow, which the author clearly does, like just saying his name is enough. There are people who think if the cause is right then any means, even jury tampering, is acceptable. I'm not one of those people.

All that said, this book had many charms. I liked his reflection of the Rilke poem Be ahead of all parting. I liked that Stuart, as a younger man, considered a murder case where the victim, a decent man, was not a churchgoer. The killer wasn't either till he took up the habit in prison. A grammar-schooler, thought Henry, could see something wrong with the killer getting his writ to enter Heaven while a good man had been murdered and tossed to Hell.

I liked that after a one-day read, admittedly underwhelmed, I could reach the final pages, with my feet in the sand, and my eyes puddling up.

Historic fiction that is loosely based on the true story of Henry Stuart, a 67-year-old retired professor, widower, and father of two sons. In 1925, after being diagnosed with a terminal illness, he decides to leave his past life in Nampa, ID and head for the warmer clime of Fairhope, Alabama. Told by his doctor that he may fare better in a warmer place, but still given a prognosis of only a year to live, Stuart, inspired by the words of his favorite poet Tolstoy, shucks off his boots and sets out barefoot on what he thinks will be a solitary and soul-searching journey.

He buys 10 acres of piney woods, sets about making a labor-intensive concrete brick round house, and begins communing with nature and a few of the locals who visit him at his settlement, which he names Tolstoy Park. There's probably a part of all of us who'd like to leave it all behind, and so Henry's plight is interesting. However, he's not always a completely endearing character as his decisions at times render him more than a little selfish. The prose-filled book is a very thought-provoking read. It makes us wonder how much of our lives we owe to our family and friends, and for how long. If we knew we had a year to live, what might our journey be?

Read for On The Literary Trail January 2018 - 4 stars

One of my absolute favorites is this particular item. I purchased it and promptly sent it to my son to read. To my great delight, it has become his favorite as well.

We have now hatched a plan. One day, when we are traveling through to Orange Beach, we intend to stop by the town where this item is associated and visit the site.

I can already envision the excitement on my son's face as we explore the place that holds such significance for both of us. It will be a memorable experience, I'm sure.

This simple act of sharing a favorite has not only brought us closer but has also opened up a world of possibilities for future adventures together.

I look forward to that day with great anticipation, knowing that it will be a special one for us.