" ... This sweeping novel follows the lives of several well-developed characters who have as common touch point a great beech tree on the shores of the Great Lake. The interwoven lives of generations of soldiers, baseball players, and activists tell tales of love lost and regained, and opportunities that go by to be recaptured.... A timely book of redemption and a reminder that all is not ever lost." -- Amazon Review
The Beech Tree chronicles the lives of some of those who visited the tree and shared their loves, their hopes and dreams, beneath the tree’s dark green canopy … and their curious, inexplicable connection to one another.
The tree held the secrets of hundreds of people who carved their initials into her smooth, grey bark. Their lives’ intersection at the tree leaves them with an inexplicable connection, a “Don’t-I-know-you-from-somewhere?” moment when they meet.
Meet Johnny & Margo who visit the tree just before Johnny ships off to fight in The Great War in 1918. He returns from the war and strikes up a socially taboo friendship with Bullet Joe Rogan, a pitcher in the Negro Leagues.
Meet Mason and Debby who pledge to return to the tree when he comes home from his tour of duty in Vietnam. Neither of them shows up. Their lives have taken unexpected turns. Nevertheless, first loves sometimes last forever.
The Beech Tree is about hope, courage and the human spirit. It is about life.
Assessment:
Strongly rooted in a Michigan beach town, Phelan's sweet, sweeping novel often crosses into sentimental territory. The short chapters tell the stories of many characters who encounter the same beech tree in different parts of the 20th century. The novel would profit from more ambiguity around how the characters' stories intersect as well as from lingering longer and digging deeper into each character's story. As it is, much of the plot is expected, and the characters, while sympathetic, often come across as one-dimensional.
Date Submitted: June 03, 2016
Bold. Fearless. Poetic. Captivating.
Tammy rated it it was amazing
I love it when a book goes where few others dare- the real, raw and intimate truth about ourselves as humans. Phelan's book sews together an unlikely cast of characters so well written you feel as though you could pick up the phone and call them. In fact, you'll want to call them as you hold your breath while they make mistakes, remember your own summer romance, cheer them on as they battle social injustice, and feel your soul welling up with cheers and tears as a guest on the shores of Lake Michigan looking on from under the beech tree.
Diana E. rated it it was amazing
This was a very moving book. It challenges social norms in a compelling, humorous, and emotionally powerful way, all the while weaving charming relationships together into an entertaining story.
Great summer read!
5.0 out of 5 stars
By Lucy M. Kubash on June 24, 2016 Format: Kindle Edition
If you grew up on the west side of Michigan, especially along the coast of Lake Michigan, you'll enjoy this book. It's full of details about the many small towns that dot that coastline as well as the landmarks that make them unique. But more important are the characters whose stories are tied to those towns and a huge beech tree where they once carved their initials. They are characters who will stay in your mind long after you've finished the book.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Insightful and thoughtful multi-generational tale of Michigan and beyond
By Guillaume Boisset on May 25, 2016 Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
An insightful look at and through the America of the Lake Michigan region in the 20th and early 21st centuries, this sweeping novel follows the lives of several well-developed characters who have as common touch point a great beech tree on the shores of the Great Lake. The interwoven lives of generations of soldiers, baseball players, and activists tell tales of love lost and regained, and opportunities that go by to be captured. The Beech Tree presents the defining moments of 20th century America seen from the Midwest perspective and also gives practical tips such as how not to drown in Lake Michigan or how to navigate the complex love-hate relationship between Illinois an Michigan. A timely book of redemption and a reminder that all is not ever lost."
5.0 out of 5 stars
Buy this one for the Beach! Perfect summer read!
By Jeff M. on May 9, 2016 Format: Paperback
This is one of the best books I've ever read. It is filled with real characters; characters we can all relate to, who share one commonality: They were once at the tree. It doesn't sugar-coat the social norms of the generations but it is filled with humor, hard truths and a captivating story.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly Recommended
By Jason W. Wagner on May 12, 2016 Format: Kindle Edition
Very well written and hard to put down. The author has an amazing style that evokes crystal clear imagery of every scene that he's painting. I found myself MAKING time to read, rather than waiting to see if I HAD time.
Absolutely Fantastic
5.0 out of 5 stars
By Rebecca Askew on June 11, 2016 Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Definitely five stars. I'd give ten if that were an option. The characters were so real, I could see myself in each of them. The trains, the places, the philosophy, and the tree, were so poignant. I cried, laughed, and cried again. A truly excellent book. This is the kind of book that makes you better for having read it.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Transports you right smack-dab in the middle of an alternate reality that's filled with emotional power and life.
By Tammy Adams on May 15, 2016 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
"Your writing is excellent. Your readers want more and more because we can intuitively feel the inner emotions of your characters and we can feel the mood in the air with every scene. You're poetic and captivating. You make your readers hold their own breath and lose track of their own space and time as you transport them right smack-dab in the middle of an alternate reality that's filled with emotional power and life."
Dave B. rated it was amazing
"The preview caught my attention; the idea that a tree watched over generations of lovers who shared their romance under the tree. What I didn't expect were the gritty descriptions of real life struggles they faced. This book is sweet, funny and will rip your guts out just when you least expect it."
Emily Y rated it it was amazing
"You're really not what I expected, Old Man." This is one, small line in The Beech Tree best describes the book itself. Just when you think you're reading a lighthearted summer romance, it suddenly slaps you back into the reality of life. There are no superheroes, no divine intervention. Just real people facing real life with hope, courage and perseverance.
Fred Mertzin rated it was amazing
"When I saw The Beech Tree sitting on the kitchen counter, I thought it was just another of my wife's chick lit books. Boy, was I wrong. It was too cold and rainy to go out to a book shop so I picked it up. I found myself turning pages, Then Chapter 4 hit me right between the eyes and I found myself choking back tears. I laughed aloud, I cried, I darned near stood up and cheered. If you miss this book, you will miss one of the finest pieces of literature written in the past two decades."
5.0 out of 5 stars
You fall in love with the characters
By TERRI L. | MAY 17, 2016 Kobo
Halfway through this book, I had to remind myself it was fiction. The author speaks in the language and prejudices of the era, and sometimes it is gut-wrenching, but it is the gritty truth. The characters are so real, you feel like you know them. You're not just reading about their lives, their struggles, but you feel like you are right there beside them, living every minute with them. You can smell the air, feel the wind against their faces, and feel the joy in their triumphs and sorrow in their losses. There are no superheroes who ride in to save the day. But the message of heroism and hope is abundant.
