Review: "The Changing Season" by Steven Manchester

From Twelve Months, the first novel that I read by Steven Manchester, I have thoroughly enjoyed his books. They have all been wonderful, heartwarming tales that not only tell a story, but help us to recognize the human qualities in all if us. I have just finished The Changing Season and, in my opinion, it is the best of his novels. This is the story of Billy Baker’s pivotal summer after high school graduation and the start of college. He plans to enjoy his dog, his friends and party the summer away. He falls in love for the first time and she becomes his world. Then, though one tragic mistake, lives are changed forever. He learns what is truly important to him. He learns that sometimes to keep your integrity, you must give up what you think you can’t live without and he learns to understand and forgive important people in his life.

Mr. Manchester has filled this plot with glimpses of all our teenage years that resonate with us all. From first drinking experiences to first loves, there is something that everyone can relate to and takes us back in our minds to those years. With his skillful writing, the plot has many twists and turns that keep the story interesting. Just when you think you know what is going to happen, he adds a twist to make the story like no other.

As with all his books, I highly recommend this book for both the teenage reader and up. It is a beautiful story about growing up physically and emotionally that will touch your heart and leave you with a smile.