I had hoped for so much more. Loved the idea, but the execution was disappointing

Life through loving your neighbor

I enjoyed this book. It is not my usual choice of genre but it tells a good story of how the workings of our mind can change not only attitudes but also our physical wellbeing. The characters are wonderful and the protagonist is an inspiration. Some of the detailed descriptions of the build was a little like reading an instruction manual, but it helps you understand Henry.

Historic fiction loosely based on the true story of Henry Stuart a 67 year old retired professor, widower, and father of two sons who in 1925 decides to leave behind his past life in Nampa, ID and head for the warmer clime of Fairhope, Alabama, after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Told by his doctor he may fare better in a warmer place, he is still given the prognosis of only a year to live, so Stuart inspired by the words of his favorite poet Tolstoy shucks of his boots and barefooted sets out 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. 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. How much of our lives do we owe to our family and friends, and for how long? If you knew you had a year to live, what might your journey be?
Read for On The Literary Trail January 2018 -4 stars

Henry believes in God. He doesn't go to church. He's preparing to die of TB. He leaves his two grown sons and his best friend (a preacher, in whose church he hasn't stepped since his wife died), and moves far away, takes a stint in solitude, realizes that he's gone too far over the line into himself, and yet it has been good medicine too.

Lots of good insight into what really matters, in a time where you could take the time to find it out from your own soul.

I liked his book fast. I've done that myself for shorter times.

I wanted to be a hermit often, as I grew up.

I struggle with wanting to be alone enough to know myself and my relationship to God, and wanting to know all the people around me deeply, which takes time and energy. Still not to the place in age where he is; it is one of the stories that can't be adapted directly into the busy life of a stay at home mom. But still, a lot of good stuff. I loved it. Even when I didn't agree everywhere; it's the sincerity that carries it. The best that is in us is that sincerity, each different in each person's solitary universe.

A wonderful story about a man who left his home and sons behind in Idaho to move to the warmer climate of Fairhope Alabama. Henry's doctor told him he had a terminal case of tuberculosis and had only a year to live. That year could be easier living in a warmer climate. Henry a retired professor, and lover of the writings of Tolstoy decided to do just that, he bought 10 acres of land and moved to AL to begin what he believed to be the last year of his life. As such stories go many unexpected things happened along the way and Henry took it all in his stride. The author writes in a very lyrical way that gives the reader pause to consider what they would do if they were faced with similar circumstances, including the twist in this man's story. A wonderful book and one that can be savored by reading again and again.

Sometimes it is great to slow down and read a book that is gentle and philosophical. Sonny Brewer's novel based on the life of Henry Stuart is just such a book. When diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1925, Stuart made the unusual decision to leave his home and go to a place where he could face his impending death in solitude and on his own terms. To that end, he bought ten acres of undeveloped land in Fairhope, Alabama, gave away most of his worldly goods, and climbed aboard the train that would, he assumed, take him to the place of his passing. Fortunately for Henry, and for us, that passing took much longer than expected. For almost twenty years, the hermit of Tolstoy Park, the name he called his new home, became Fairhope's own version of Henry David Thoreau, complete with his own outlook on life, and more importantly, death. I highly recommend this book.

This is a quietly written book that gets inside you. Sonny has a great writing style that captivated me and inspired me to visit Henry Stewarts home in Fairhope, Alabama. (A long trip from the Isle of Man but worth the detour). Henry was a stubborn Englishman which appealed to me.
It is a fascinating story based on fact which lifts the spirits.
Really enjoyed the book.

Charming novel based on the true story of Henry Stuart, a retired professor and philosopher, who moved to Fairhope, Alabama. Stuart had been greatly influenced by Tolstoy and simply wanted to "perfect his soul" before he died. I learned a lot about the history of Fairhope and thoroughly enjoyed delving into the mind of the warm, complex philosopher/poet Henry Stuart.

I enjoyed this book tremendously. Thanks for the suggestion.

A very thought provoking, unique and philosophical look at life and end of life issues. The main character's lesson for his children and friends: Learn to die in peace. There's a fabulous poem about a wave that is worth pondering.

One of my favorites. Bought it and sent it to my son to read. His favorite, too. Plan to stop by the town and visit the site, one day when traveling thru to Orange Beach.

Philosophy light without being corny. I loved it!