Review: Beautifully Written
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 2, 2013
Cool Side of the Pillow*May Contain Spoilers*Award-winning author of Patchwork of Me, Well With My Soul, Proud Pants: An Unconventional Memoir and Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Super Hero with Autism has written another book that has garnered much attention. Gregory Allen has drawn on his theatrical background to create a book that is about being true to yourself and carving out your own niche in the world.Zachary Kleinmann is a stay at home dad, not by his choice but strictly due to financial reasons in that his wife Leah makes more money. Although the situation has caused a rift between him and his wife, Zach and his son Sean have created an unshakeable bond from being completely involved in each other's lives. As Sean nears his 4th birthday and the inevitability of starting school, Zach is faced with the prospect of lonely days with little to do. Constant badgering by overbearing in-laws, and his aloof wife reminding him daily that he needs to start earning his share of the home's income have only contributed to his growing angst.On their regular visit to the local library Sean and Zach are treated to a performance of Heidi by a local acting troupe, and the privilege of meeting Ginger the eccentric leader of the troupe. An instant bond is formed between the three and they soon are spending days enjoying each other's company. Ginger's contagious spirit and encouraging words have Zach exploring a different side of life and back in the saddle keeping the books for the troupe.Circumstances beyond their control change life for the father and son forcing Zach to take the bull by the horns follow his dream and take back his life. Along the way there are tears, triumphs and a second chance at love.Beautifully written by a skilled storyteller, Cool Side of the Pillow is a lovely read. Filled with a diverse cast of characters, some quirky, some unlikeable, and each written with such intricate detail you feel you are actually in their presence as you read. Allen's description of Ginger's ramshackle home filled with a hoarder's collections wrapped in a cocoon of love is a complete opposite to the sterile "just so" designer space Leah prefers, and the comparison goes a long way to define the choices life has put out for Zach. I don't know if the author intended to write Leah as such a cold and unfeeling woman but he did just that. I found myself wanting to strangle to woman in most every scene she was in. On the other hand, the situations Zach finds himself in are nothing short of hilarious and will have you laughing along with the antics.My final thought; this book is a winner. I expect to find it on several of this year's award lists.