This is a beautifully written story about the author’s transition from boy to man. He starts the novel at the age of eight and by the time he is eleven, he becomes the man of the family. It beautifully illustrates a wonderful relationship of a father and his oldest son. Ralph’s father knew him so well that he was able to mold him and shape his character without Ralph really noticing. The book has a great message without being preachy. I couldn’t help but to fall in love with each of the characters. Because of the way it was written I understood why Ralph did the crazy things he did, which then led to some insights into the mind of my own son. This is a terrific family book that I highly recommend.