Just wondering what people who have read this novel think about it. I'm not too far into it yet... but it is a little unsettling to me because I see so much of myself in it. Particularly the father of the main character. He really reminds me of the decline of my own father and my own disillusionment with him during that decline. I have so many great memories (although I was embarrassed by his behavior too) growing up.... and I was angry when he let himself go. Like the character.. my dad never held a job for more than a year at a time. Myself and my family knew nothing of bipolar disorder and didn't realize until recently that that was what he has been going through. One excerpt in particular really struck home... when the father explained to his son how lucky he was to be 'blessed' with such depth of feeling and sensitivity. This happened while they were fishing and the boy was devastated by the death of a fish they caught. This reminded me of the time that my cousin killed a possum by beating it with a stick (the other kids thought it was funny). That moment is still etched onto the back of my eyes. I also got in trouble for punching a kid who shot a bird with a BB gun. Ha.. I was even made fun of for crying when kids were destroying some small trees.

And then there is the main character's sadness at his failure to his family. My wife bears so much of the burden in our house. My kids love my enthusiasm and what I have to teach them and our crazy projects and adventures. But they know my wife is the heart of the family. My failing business consumes so much of my time. I really fear that my kids will also see that aspect of me and lose respect for me. Which is why I'm trying so hard to overcome this.

Anyway... just curious what other folk's impressions are of this book. Don't reveal spoilers since I haven't gotten that far. :-)