First published 2010
Ben Bradlee learned the value of physical labor from his father, who lost his job during the Depression but kept his spirit intact. Working together to clear woodland on a borrowed estate, father and son formed a deep connection that sustained them through young Ben's battle with polio at thirteen. Decades later, Ben applies these same lessons with his own son Quinn, who faces challenges from a heart condition and learning disabilities. Through shared outdoor projects, Ben helps Quinn build confidence and courage. Quinn tells his side of their relationship, describing what it means to be both Ben Bradlee's son and his closest companion. As Ben ages, Quinn watches their roles shift as he becomes his father's caretaker. Sally Quinn adds her perspective on this father-son bond. The story moves between generations, showing how one man's approach to parenting shapes two very different relationships across time.
Genres: family-life, non-fiction, biography-memoir, parenting
Vibes: emotional-atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, role-reversal
Period: Depression, Decades Later
176 pages · Hardcover · Simon & Schuster