Review: Goodnight, Brian by Steven Manchester

Goodnight, Brian by Steven Manchester

Publisher: The Story Plant 

Pages: 308

Format: eARC 

Buy the Book: Amazon 

Goodreads:  Fate was working against little Brian Mauretti. The food that was meant to nourish him was poisoning him instead, and the doctors said the damage was devastating and absolute. Fate had written off Brian. But fate didn’t count on a woman as determined as Brian’s grandmother, Angela DiMartino who everyone knew as Mama. Loving her grandson with everything she had, Mama endeavored to battle fate. Fate had no idea what it was in for.


Kritters Thoughts:  A family that is excited to have their second child ends up encountering a debilitating disease early and must rely on the whole family to help this one child learn the basics of life.  

At the hear of this story is a little boy and his strong willed grandmother and eventually family.  The book has sibling relationship issues, learning developmental battles and the strength of families and the author tackles hard issues with such ease.  I loved the dynamic of having a strong grandmother present to keep this family together and help each of her 5 grandchildren find success and happiness - whatever that looks like for each of them individually.

Although this book is fiction, I know there are many families in the world who are living this story and there were many times throughout the book where I found myself close to tears wondering how these families endure through the biggest challenges.   

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Ebook 2012 Challenge: 82 out of 25

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Providence Book Promotions.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Other Reviews:

Jan 6 Review ~ Cheryl @ CMash Reads
Jan 8 Review ~ Mary @ The Mary Book Reader
Jan 9 Review & Interview ~ Julie @ Julzreads
Jan 10 Review ~Teena @ Teena in Toronto
Jan 15 Review & Giveaway~Kristin @ Kritters Ramblings