LIGHT FROM DISTANT STARS by SHAWN SMUCKER

This is the first book I've read from this author. His writing style is a bit different than I'm use to. He has strong characters though which he develops slowly like peeling an onion with precision. 

Cohen is a complex person who has had a troubled relationship with his father. They seemed to disconnect after Cohen's mother leaves with his sister. It must have been hard to be separated from his mother. I enjoyed the letters he received from Kaye, his sister as they grew up. 

The story is a very dynamic look at a father and son relationship. It's not unusual for a son to want approval from his father and Cohen desired that more than anything. He wanted his father to be proud of him, but he seemed to disappoint him on a level that was hard for Cohen to understand. 

He made lots of trips to church and after awhile I wanted to tell him to listen to the wisdom he has been told and move on.  I don't want to take away the obvious topic of relationships because the author does a great job of examining how Cohen felt guilty of not really letting his father know how much he loved him. Cohen just seemed not able to  let go of his guilt and it hurt to think he may not get the chance to tell his father how important he has been in his life.

For me the book does make you think about your life and how your relationship is with family. Life is too short to let a day go by being angry because of your pride. It looks like the author accomplished a very important message through this book. Be thankful for everyday and let those you love know how important they are to you.

I received a copy of this book from Revell  Reads Blog Program. The review is my own opinion.