| The Secrets of Cutting Grass Contributor(s): Showalter, Terry D. (Author) |
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ISBN: 0692577173 ISBN-13: 9780692577172 Publisher: Terry Showalter OUR PRICE: $10.80 Product Type: Paperback Published: December 2015 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Juvenile Fiction | Religious - Christian - General |
| Physical Information: 0.44" H x 5.5" W x 8.5" (0.55 lbs) 192 pages |
| Themes: - Religious Orientation - Christian |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Intelligent, introspective, survival-savvy, fifteen-year-old Buck and his girlfriend, Harper, search for insight, courage, and meaning while their lives face life and death struggles in an unfair and difficult world. Although touching on issues such as abuse, homelessness, and mental health, the story is ultimately about Christian faith, wisdom, and finding order and meaning in the midst of chaos. Buck and Harper speak beyond their years, but that doesn't mean the thoughts exceed the thoughts of teens. Thus, it hopes to lend a voice. (In an effort to reflect reality, a few sentences contain mild profanity.) (Also, a teen study guide for youth groups is included.) A compelling read for teenagers everywhere The author reveals remarkable insight into the teenage mind as he unfolds events that challenge Buck and Harper physically and emotionally. He cultivates the influence of a community of caretakers that participate in bringing hope to a young teenage man from a troubled home environment. Buck, like many teenagers, learns to look beyond his own needs and resources to the needs of others and Resources greater than himself. A tremendous option for teachers and young teen leaders; this book provides a backdrop for discussions on anger, hurt, guilt, loneliness, identity, attachments, and skills for transitioning into healthy adult living. Mary E. Oehlert, PhD, Psychologist This work may be best suited for high school students. It could also be stimulating to those who work with youth or those interested in a career with youth. Although aimed at a slightly higher level than the author's first novel, the two do have common elements. One such element is the presence of an unlikely person of wisdom who lives in an unusual setting. For author presentations and appearances: tdshowalterauthor@gmail.com |
Contributor Bio(s): Showalter, Terry D.: - About The Author T.D. Showalter spent his younger years in a small, mid-western community located in and around Savannah and Helena, Missouri. Please note that the author does not claim to have grown up in that community. His ten sisters and three brothers, his co-workers over the years, and his many friends would all attest that he has never grown up. He also does not claim any expertise in any area, especially the area of human behavior. Although he learned much from his family, friends, co-workers, and extended education, the author's understanding of human behavior continues to fall short and hold many mysteries. In spite of his lack of expertise and the risks involved, this novel and his prior novel, Dang It, Murphy, venture into this area. Although the author's formal career reflects a very short, failed stint as an inner-city youth minister in the late 60's, most of his career was spent with an urban court justice system in Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas beginning in early 1969. During his nearly thirty-seven years with the court, he held many positions including that of Director of the "Juvenile Court," which he held for more than two and one-half decades. His tenure with the court also reflects seven additional years as The Chief Court Services Officer. As Chief, he continued his responsibility for the juvenile court's probation and child abuse services and added the domestic relations and adult probation departments. The author retired as Chief CSO from the court system in December of 2005. Each of these positions and each person he met along the way taught him many things about life and much about himself. This is especially true of his fellow workers and the families he encountered in the court system. Post retirement finds the author with many hobbies and activities with his family coming first. His wife, Diana, his two children, their spouses, and his five grandkids are the love of his life. In addition to family and writing, he enjoys cycling, home projects, reading, school presentations, and small group Bible study. The author can be contacted for presentations and appearances at his e-mail address, tdshowalterauthor@gmail.com. |