Just a few months from now, I will be embarking on a trip to Fairhope, Alabama. This charming city has long been on my radar, and I am truly excited about the upcoming visit. There is a particular attraction in Fairhope that is on our itinerary, and I can't wait to explore it. Additionally, I have been told that there is a certain book that is a must-read in relation to Fairhope. It seems that this city has so much to offer, from its beautiful landscapes to its rich history and culture. I am looking forward to experiencing all that Fairhope has to offer and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Demands a trip to Fairhope

Fairhope is a city that everyone must see. Its unique charm and allure draw people from all over the world. Whether you are interested in art, history, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, Fairhope has something for everyone. The city is known for its vibrant downtown area, which is filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries. There are also several parks and nature reserves in and around Fairhope, providing ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. I am confident that my trip to Fairhope will be an unforgettable experience, and I can't wait to share my adventures with others.

A book that has the power to make you stop in your tracks, lose yourself in thought, and gaze out the window while savouring a profound idea or an inspired turn of phrase. Such is the magic of literature that can transport us to different worlds and make us feel a connection with the author. I, for one, would’ve loved to know Henry James Stuart. His works are renowned for their intricate plots, rich characterizations, and beautiful prose. I can only imagine the depth of his mind and the creativity that flowed through him as he penned his masterpieces. To have had the opportunity to sit down with him, listen to his thoughts, and gain insights into his writing process would’ve been an absolute dream. It makes me wonder what kind of conversations we would’ve had and what I would’ve learned from him.

I truly adored this book!

It is a novel that is based on the life of a real man. What I particularly cherished were the profound reflections of the poet as he was pondering over how to spend the final year that the doctor had allotted to him.

The quotes from renowned poets like Tolstoy and other authors, along with the reprinting of the poems written by the man himself, added an extra layer of depth and beauty to the book.

It has now become a part of my permanent collection as I know I will read it time and time again. Each reading reveals new insights and emotions, making it a truly remarkable and unforgettable literary work.

Quotes that I found quite captivating are as follows:

"All that God wanted from Abraham was his willingness to sacrifice his son, not the deed at all. This makes one wonder. It's like a rich man who is willing to part with his riches but might as well remain rich. It's an interesting concept to ponder upon."

"In anger, truly the harm is to oneself. The body is the first student of the soul, and if the soul is stirred in anger, the body learns to throw tantrums. This quote makes us realize the importance of controlling our emotions. Anger can have a negative impact not only on our mental state but also on our physical well-being. We should strive to keep our emotions in check and not let anger get the better of us."

These quotes offer valuable insights into different aspects of life and human nature. They make us think deeply and reflect on our own actions and behaviors.

I really wanted to like it.

However, I just didn't. I forced myself to finish it because I appreciate what the author was attempting to achieve.

The characters were sweet, but unfortunately, the story was just plain boring.

There was a lack of excitement and engaging plotlines that would have kept me hooked from start to finish.

Despite the author's good intentions, the execution fell short for me.

I found myself constantly looking at the page count, hoping that it would end soon.

It's a shame because I had high hopes for this book, but in the end, it just didn't deliver the entertainment value that I was expecting.

A real treat awaits readers as they get a glimpse into the life and ideas of Henry George, a prominent proponent of the "single tax" system in economics. Leo Tolstoy, who was a great fan of George and his work, provided the framework for this book. The story is about a simple man with a clear understanding of how he wants to die, and it is actually based on a true story that took place in Fairhope, Alabama, where the author still resides. This book offers a unique perspective on life and death, as well as an introduction to the ideas of Henry George. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in economics, philosophy, or just a good story. And I should mention that I, too, come from a small town in Alabama, so I can relate to the setting and the characters in the book.

Sonny Brewer's first writing attempt was truly a struggle for me to get through.

I discovered that the manner in which he crafted the character, Henry Stuart, was one of selfishness and arrogance. It's somewhat exemplified by this line from the book, "We become obsessed with our own cleverness." Sonny Brewer seems to be preoccupied with his own cleverness and has projected that onto his protagonist.

The fact that he abandoned his sons is something I find incomprehensible. His refusal to live with them is a clear indication of his failure as a father. And his preference for the company of strangers is, in my opinion, unforgivable. The author really should have done a better job of clarifying these aspects.

I believe there was more to Henry Stuart that Brewer failed to convey effectively. The literary allusions appeared to be more about showing off the author's intelligence rather than enhancing the story or the character. Stuart's dialogue felt stilted and artificial. I constantly found myself asking, "Who talks like that?"

Regrettably, I tried my best to like this book. However, the author just continued to dig an even deeper and wider hole for himself.

I had never heard of this book or author before my recent visit to Fairhope.

We stopped to take a look at the little round hut based on the recommendations of the most interesting points of interest. It was truly fascinating to see and step into this hut that Henry Stuart built almost 100 years ago!

I loved the story and the central truths about living and dying in this part novel based on a real man. He learns he has consumption and doesn't have long to live. He lives in Idaho and his doctor suggests that maybe living in a warmer climate might help. Then he researches and finds a few places and chooses Fairhope, Alabama.

I really enjoyed this book, learning the story behind the little hobbit round house in the middle of a business parking lot! Readers may be more inclined to read this if they have ever visited the area or seen the round house.

With that being said, the writing was captivating and I'm likely to check out more of this author's other works.

I was completely immersed in the story and the unique setting of the round house. It added an extra layer of charm and authenticity to the narrative.

The author did a great job of bringing the characters and their experiences to life, making it easy for the reader to empathize with them.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story with a touch of history and a unique setting.

I have always been deeply attracted to books that tell the stories of people who have left everything behind. They simply walked away from their familiar lives one day and embarked on a new adventure. They might have made new friends or chosen to be alone. Some went to another part of the country, while others traveled to a completely different country. I firmly believe that it requires an enormous amount of courage to take such a step.

Henry Stuart was one such person. After receiving a terminal diagnosis of tuberculosis from his doctor in Idaho, he was given only one year to live. His doctor suggested that a warmer climate might make the end a little more bearable. So, at the age of 67, Henry chose Fairhope, Alabama, without ever seeing the place. He went there, built a hut in the woods, and to everyone's surprise, he lived for another 20 years, happier than he had ever been before. His literary hero was Leo Tolstoy, who also left his home and family at the end of his life.

Now, let me make it clear. I don't have the desire to build a hut in the woods. I need the conveniences of modern life such as electricity, running water, and all the creature comforts that I have become accustomed to. I also enjoy a good glass of wine, a cup of coffee, and delicious food. Additionally, I need other people to talk to. However, I do have a daydream. It involves spending a month or two completely on my own in a new place. I would have plenty of time to think and read, without the constant interruptions of daily life. Although there is a possibility that I might get bored, the idea still sounds very attractive to me. I have been to Fairhope, Alabama, and I think it would be a charming place to spend some time, if I ever manage to "get away". Then, I could visit the actual hut that Henry Stuart built in the woods, as well as the bookstore that the author of this novel owns. I could also soak up the Gulf breezes that seemed to have cured Henry of his tuberculosis. This book has made me think deeply about the meaning of life and death, as well as friendship and family. It has been a truly enjoyable journey.

This book is firmly rooted in the true life of Henry Stuart. It offers a captivating and detailed account of his experiences and adventures.

Listening to this audio book proved to be the absolute best way to "read" this remarkable story. The reader's voice was simply perfect, as it sounded exactly like I had imagined Henry's voice to be. It added an extra layer of authenticity and brought the character to life in a truly remarkable way.

The book itself is extremely well written. The author has a talent for painting vivid pictures with words, allowing the reader to easily envision the scenes and events as they unfold. The story is engaging from start to finish, filled with interesting characters and exciting plot twists. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history or biographies.

Overall, I highly recommend this book and the audio version in particular. It is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the life of Henry Stuart and gain a deeper understanding of his significance.

A very thought-provoking, unique, and philosophical look at life and end-of-life issues awaits us. The main character imparts a profound lesson to his children and friends: learn to die in peace. This simple yet powerful message holds great significance in our complex lives.

There is a truly fabulous poem about a wave that is well worth pondering. The poem may describe the journey of the wave, its rise and fall, its ebb and flow. Just like the wave, our lives also have their own rhythms and cycles.

As we reflect on the main character's lesson and the poem about the wave, we are encouraged to think about our own mortality and how we can make the most of our time on earth. We can learn to accept the inevitable and find peace within ourselves as we approach the end of our lives.

Let us take this opportunity to explore these deep and meaningful topics and gain a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

A truly stunning book was presented to me by my 75-year-old father on my 51st birthday. This novel is incredibly rich in content, context, history, and spirit. It is a work that I know I will read and re-read countless times.

What makes it even more special is that it was completely unexpected. Set in the 1920s, it takes the reader on a journey that we will all embark on someday. It makes us reflect on how we want to approach life, what values we hold dear, and how we will make the choices that shape our future.

The story is not only a captivating read but also a profound exploration of the human condition. It makes us think about the past, the present, and the future. It shows us that no matter what era we live in, there are certain universal truths that remain constant.

This book is a treasure that I will cherish for a lifetime. It is a reminder of the love and thoughtfulness of my father, and it has opened my eyes to a world of possibilities. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story and is looking for something that will make them think and feel.