Book Review

Return to Autumn by John Richards, is a beautiful coming-of-age story rife with male camaraderie, romance and tragedy.

And I really loved it. It made me think of summer days and mischievous nights. Return to Autumn provides a wonderful male POV of first love and of first painful life experiences. 

Return to Autumn (Release Date: October 14 2016)

Adam Raynor and his best friends started the summer of 1992 with their usual antics. Each of them in their own way preparing for their last year of high school and the interruption of their friendship that college would bring. What they didn’t know was how getting a girlfriend, using drugs and experiencing the death of someone close would turn their worlds upside down.

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My Thoughts…

Whenever I read a really good coming-of-age story from the male perspective I can’t help but think of “Stand By Me” by Stephen King. For me, it is the quintessential “boys” story, full of adventure, danger, friendship and of course loss. That’s not to say that Return to Autumn is anything like it. For one thing, the characters are 17 and 18 years old so the POV is of course, more mature. I’m just saying I think that John Richard’s novel is that good.

I loved Adam. His character is wonderfully realistic. He is a good guy with a solid foundation. He’s generally respectful at all times except when he is with the guys, he loves his family, gets good grades but still blows off steam by sneaking beers with his friends. Just a normal, REAL teenager and that elevated the story for me.

I’m not sure where the author has drawn his inspiration for this story but everything about it is comfortably realistic and relatable. The writing is fantastic but the tone is conversational–again comfortable for the reader. As a result, I felt everything Adam did, experienced his joy and tragedy. Trust me, you will experience a whole range of emotions reading this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed Return to Autumn and would happily recommend it to anyone. My husband is reading and enjoying it right now.

Rating… A 

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About the Author

John Richards was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs where he currently resides with his wife, kids and German Shepherds. John worked as a book seller for a few years before attending law school and becoming a litigation attorney. John’s writings are loosely drawn from personal life experiences but would never admit to it. When not at work or writing, John and his family enjoy spending time outdoors and vacationing in the Mountains of Tennessee.

John Richards

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