Herman Willis Logan

I wasn’t quite sure what I’d gotten into when I started to read Second Son. The authors’ credits listed Heman Willis Logan – continued by Kathleen Parrish. Was this a sequel? And 53 chapters seemed formidable. Now I am not the type of person who picks up a book and can’t put it down again. However, I found myself able to stay with this for long periods managing to complete the read in a few sessions.

This is the story of Towanna Whitaker from his teen years beginning in 1938 through his marriage to his long-time friend, Kathy Anderson, in 1945. Misunderstood by his own family and neighbors, his self-image impaired, he tackles challenges and comes through to ultimately marry his best friend.

The characters are relatable; the storyline line plausible though often filled with heartache. Second Son will draw you in and hold your attention throughout. Be prepared to have a laugh and shed a tear or two.… (mer)

A deeply moving story set in the American South of a young man coming to grips with love, family, tragedy, duty, honor, and courage. Towanna Whitaker is a sharecropper’s son, born to work the fields of cotton his Pa works. Towanna wants to ‘be somebody’ and that means getting an education. Not easy for a young man who is expected to pick cotton and help support his family. Towanna spends much of his time helping his mother in the house, preparing food, and taking care of his Pa and brother. His relationship with his mother is complex, he adores her but as the story unfolds and he learns some truths about her that are difficult to understand, Towanna must navigate his disappointment and heartbreak. However, as he learns to care for his baby sister, Towanna finds purpose and fulfillment. Towanna also spends time with Kathy, their neighbor’s daughter, in whom he finds comfort, friendship, and love. He loves and admires his strong, popular, older brother who seems to have a much easier time navigating life, at least in Towanna’s eyes. As World War II nears, Towanna and his brother are drafted and must leave all they know behind. This was an engrossing story that I couldn’t put down. The characters are interesting and life as a sharecropper near a small town is something I didn’t know much about so I found it fascinating to read. I was fully engaged throughout the book and felt a loss when it ended. Thanks to LibraryThing and the author for this Early Reviewer’s copy.… (mer)