Slow Way Home

by Michael Morris

Book Overview

On the surface, Brandon Willard seems like your average eight-year-old boy. He loves his mama, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and G. I. Joe. But Brandon's life is anything but typical.

Wise beyond his years, Brandon understands he's the only one in this world he can count on. It's an outlook that serves him well the day his mama leaves him behind at the Raleigh bus station and sets off to Canada with her destiny -- the latest man that...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060727675
• ISBN13: 9780060727673
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: HarperOne
• Length: 284 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

A story of redemption

A young boy is a pawn in a custody fight between his grandparents and his broken mother. While at first it appears that there is one victor in this case, the author draws out the complexities involved in such cases and adequately shows how no one wins when the custody of a child is at stake. I found this story to be one of heart felt redemption. While the opening scene pulled me into the book, it is the young boy's voice that forced me to keep reading. This novel is tragic, tender, and most of all very real. The writing is artfully crafted and the plot, while sometimes predictable, does not disappoint.

Lyrical writing and a memorable character

Slow Way Home is a treasure of a novel. I discovered it as a Staff Pick at my local library. It is beautifully written with childlike innocence and lyrical prose. The back of this novel claims that the voice of Brandon will reamin with the reader. It certainly did with me. I look forward to reading this author's other books.

teacher approved

I'm a fourth grade teacher and I have seen the story in this book played out time and time again. The writer captured the raw emotions of a child in need. Surprisingly, with humor and loving characters who are sent to help this boy, the book is not at all depressing. I only hope that when you read this book you will think about what you can do to help children like this boy who are in need of love.

A treat

Having heard the author read this novel at Prairie Lights I knew that I was in for a treat. He made the characters come to life and I couldn't wait to dive into the story. Since then, I've passed the book along to all of my sisters and they agree that it is a winner.This novel is one of hardship and hope; family and redemption. The narrator in the novel is a young boy who is caught in the middle of it all. He tells a beautiful story without coming across as pitiful. A touching ending makes this novel one of the most memorable that I've read this year.

Slow Way Home - Heart-Touching Book!

This story of Brandon's life is so true of the way many children live today, in homes with parents who never consider the emotional trauma they bring on the children. But Brandon, like many others, has loving grandparents who will stop at nothing to give him the life he deserves. Many other influential people are there for him along the way. This is a touching story for me because my husband lived with his grandparents, and Michael Morris describes the life just as I've heard my husband do many times. You must read this book. I've also read Michael's book "A Place Called Wiregrass" and it was great too but this one really touched my heart in a way no other book has. Read both of Michael's books, and I'm certain you won't be disappointed. Michael Morris is an excellent writer, and I'm looking forward to reading many books by him in the future.