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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fatherhood: The most important role, February 1, 2007
You don't have to believe in divine intervention to enjoy this book. In fact, the viewpoint of a skeptic may lead you to some surprising conclusions about God. That skeptic is Mick Brannigan, a seasoned ironworker and self-proclaimed loudmouth, who has trouble holding his tongue with his wife's church group. But Mick is also a man of quiet character and strength.
His story begins with a difficult decision. His young son Dylan has been diagnosed with sensory integration dysfunction. Someone must take control of his therapy and care by staying at home with him in an uncomplicated social setting. Layne, Mick's wife, loves her job and is unwilling to quit. But, Mick can always get hired on as an ironworker at another job down the road. Somehow the decision is made and Mick is reluctantly faced with the challenges of full-time fatherhood.
In spite of himself Mick begins a journey of self-discovery. It seems as if some higher power is orchestrating events that will prove Mick to be a talented photographer who has a gift that reveals the very essence of faith, hope and charity. Portraits of his children, his countryside, his work at a homeless shelter, and the men of steel he worked with, all reveal the essential beliefs of Mick Brannigan. He has a gift for fatherhood as well.
Amongst the sticky floors and dirty laundry his children thrive. And much to his humble amazement--so does he.
While reading this book I felt as though I came to know a generous and gifted man. His humbleness and quiet strength were qualities that set him apart. And be assured that he proves that fatherhood can be a man's most important role in life.
Armchair Interviews says: Fatherhood in a new light.
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Continues to Impress, February 13, 2007
With his books "Bad Ground" and "Levi's Will," Dale Cramer established himself in my mind as one of our premier writers. His characters, settings, and metaphors are beautifully rendered. His prose is poetic in places, yet with a working class ethic to it that makes it believable and accessible.
"Summer of Light" is Cramer's most accessible book to date. The main character, Mick Brannigan, is a typical man's man. He works on construction crews. He uses his fists to protect his loved ones. He wants to be the breadwinner. When that responsibility is taken from him, by a number of conspiratorial circumstances, Mick begins to adjust to the life of a stay-at-home dad. He has three children, pets, and pesky neighbors. What seems simple turns into a year-long season of change that's full of laugh-out-loud moments as well as heart-nudging scenes. Mick discovers who he truly is along the way, while also discovering his kids and appreciating his wife in a new light.
On the surface, this book is more readable, less literary, maybe even not as deep, as "Bad Ground." On closer examination, this book refuses to play into literary trends which call for gut-wrenching pathos. Instead, it brackets the picture of a modern family going through common struggles, finding hope and joy and "street faith" along the way. Without resorting to sappiness, "Summer of Light" is a feel-good story. Cramer continues to impress.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Big splashes of beauty, color, and light, February 14, 2007
When I pick up a book by Cramer, I am convinced that I am not picking up a book. I am walking into my own personal movie theatre. I stroll over to my concession stand for a soda, (my fridge, of course) grab a snack, and as I tap open the first page, the feature presentation begins. I've felt that way ever since "Bad Ground" leaped off the page. The man is simply amazing! "Summer of Light" is beyond amazing, because everything JUMPS right off the page, and into the heart.
So, what would you do if YOU were a hard worker, had some crazy mishap at work, and the boss simply declares, "You're fired!"? What could you do? Look for a new job, or maybe stay at home with the kids because your lovely wife has a career of her own and now SHE can pay the bills! That's kind of the situation Mick Brannigan, is tossed into, and he isn't too certain that he's going to like the results. When school is in session he'll deal with Dylan, his youngest, who doesn't go to pre-school, but can imitate anything, and can't pronounce his Gs. The other 2 kids are Ben and Toad. They are just as memorable, and they have some great moments as well. Mick is taking on the life of a housewife! The crazy thing is, Mick has a gift, and it catches the eye of a neighbor, with a rather aristocratic wife. Mick is great with a camera, and he doesn't even know it.
This shows a lot of things. It takes a big tough guy, putting him into the not-so-tough, but it does so much more. It slams home what the measure of a man really is. It illustrates that any fool can preach a sermon, but you don't always have to run your mouth to get a real message across! It takes the man who can knock out your teeth with a single punch, and beautifully shows how that same man can capture an image in ways that some artists only dream about. It takes a daddy, and it shows you a daddy who loves his family, regardless of the circumstances.
This was no "Bad Ground", and it wasn't meant to be. This was meant to shine some light. The beauty and color just come naturally with it. Thank you, Mr. Cramer. Once again, you've held me captive with a great read.
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