Below are just a few of the things that readers have been saying about Grandpa's Journey:
I would like to thank Food Service of America for adding a positive review of Grandpa's Journey to their website, DoItNorthWest.com/Media.
-Tony
Tricia Dias,
Douglas County News, March 2010Grandpa’s Journey by A. G. D’Agnese is a different type of page turner than I normally recommend. The book is part travel guide, part philosophy of life, part re-affirmation of the spirit, part lessons in communication, part learning techniques and a variety of other things, all wrapped up in a moving story of one week in the life of a grandfather, Frank, and his grandson, Brian. It will prove to be a week that will encompass a journey of discovery for them both – and others.
Grandpa’s Journey begins with Frank, waiting a trifle impatiently, on the platform of the Eugene AMTRAK station, for Brian’s arrival. As he waits, he muses over the strained relationship between himself and Brian’s father, Robert. He wonders if the, as yet only hinted at, problem between them will once again rear its ugly head and spoil the long-awaited family outing. Brian (reluctantly, we learn) is coming a week before to spend some time alone with Frank. Looking forward to spending time with Brian, Frank has come with the already loaded truck and camper and the small boat on its trailer. He’s ready and waiting to start the trip as soon as Brian gets there.
The train arrives. Frank happily greets Brian and helps gather his baggage. Unfortunately, Brian is really bummed out because someone on the train stole his electronics from his backpack. He’s sure that he’ll be bored to death without them. Is he ever in for a surprise!
The next few chapters read like a marvelous travel guide: south on I-5 to Hwy 138E at Roseburg, through Glide, and into the Cascades. As Frank and Brian enjoy the magnificent scenery, they begin to learn about and understand each other. Crater Lake awes them. Heading north on Hwy 97 to Burns, they encounter many interesting places and attitudes. Brian marvels at the uniqueness of the landscapes east and west of the Cascades and soon forgets the lost electronics; instead, he is grateful for still having his camera. He begins to enjoy the company of his grandfather, who shares several stories of his life. One of the first stories concerns the lessons, skills and valuable communication technique that Frank learned at his first job in a New York deli. This story was still fresh in their minds when they stop at a restaurant in the Burns area. Discovering that it is shorthanded, they volunteer to help. It is Brian’s first job and the experience changes Brian - starting him on a lifetime path of growth and using the power of self-instruction.
The journey to Fish Lake, in the Steens Mountains of southeast Oregon, becomes a fascinating adventure for both Brian AND Frank. Eventually, the teacher, Frank, becomes the student and is faced with an important truth, knowing that how he answers the question will determine how he will choose to live the rest of his life.
Mr. D’Agnese is a fellow New Yorker and the current owner of The Bagel Tree Café in Roseburg. Grandpa’s Journey has been entered in the Amazon Break-through Novels Awards contest. It has made it through the 2nd cut. It is available for purchase on-line from Amazon Books; in Roseburg at The Bagel Café and New Day Quality Grocery, both on lower Jackson St and While Away Books on W Harvard Ave; Books Gallery, W Central Ave, Sutherlin; and at Granger Book Company, 2nd Ave, Myrtle Creek. This is one of those books that you will read and re-read; do yourself a favor and pick up a copy.
Bill Duncan,
The News Review, February 4, 2010Within its pages is a well told, tightly written story, actually a story within a story that will take the reader from the Amtrak station in Eugene down to Roseburg and then in a camper pulling a boat up Diamond Lake Boulevard, through Glide and on to Eastern Oregon and Fish Lake. The description is almost a milepost-by-milepost trip through Douglas County and on to Steens Mountain. . . .
Amazon.com - 5.0 out of 5 stars -Entertaining life lessons, February 27, 2010
By B. Weber (Oregon)
Grandpa's Journey is a fun read, especially for Umpqua Valley residents who are familiar with the scenery and locations. The story caught me from the first descriptive line and held my attention with the easy-flowing dialogue. I have finally learned that I don't have to finish every book I pick up, but this is one I didn't want to put down.
The heart of the book is the life-lessons being passed from grandfather to grandson. They provide the foundation for a honorable life, presented in an entertaining, not preachy manner. I particularly appreciated the must read book list at the end.
Amazon.com - 5.0 out of 5 stars -Inspiring and heartwarming!, January 4, 2010
By J. Brock "Speed Reader" (Oregon)
The tale of a grandfather and grandson's travel across Oregon's Cascade Mountains to the eastern high desert as each gets to know each other. They feel like members of my own family sharing insights and adventures. Never have restaurants, nuns, and fly fishing been combined in such an entertaining way!
Amazon.com - 4.0 out of 5 stars - A trip not just for Grandpa, February 7, 2010
By R. Murray (New York, New York, US)
This book is a "must read". The "School" experience rang a bell as I am sure anyone who had a free spirit in their class will recognize. The trip thru the Steens made me want to visit that part of the world. The description of the scenery and people they met along the way make this a journey for everyone. I highly recommend it just for the joy of reading.
Amazon.com - 4.0 out of 5 stars - Worth it. Hands down., February 18, 2010
By Optimus Mark "Mark" (Roseburg OR USA)
I'll be honest, this is usually the type of book I would not pick up, but I was curious about this one judging the book by it's cover. You see, at first glance the cover states a lot of things the book wants to accomplish: A grandpa's reflection, lessons in life, and possible culinary tips. Well, it succeeds. The backdrop of a camping trip through Oregon is ideal and allows for the Grandfather figure to serve pearls of wisdom that are easy to chew, no pun intended. There are some tidbits I will take away from this book, and feel that it could easily be in a book of the month club somewhere (Hurry, before Oprah retires!!!) This author has introduced some lovely characters that are there to deliver and demo a wide array of knowledge gained from a lifetime of experience. What is a plus in this book, is you get to know these characters, and want more. This novel is a great gift ideal for any male figure from 6th grade up, especially those who camp, especially those who have been to or long for Oregon, especially those who have worked in the food service industry, and especially for those who feel they have the pieces to the puzzle, but don't see the picture yet.
Amazon.com - 4.0 out of 5 stars - A little slow at first but the book does get its hooks into you, February 20, 2010
By M. Parlo (Brooklyn, NY)
The only negative thing I can say about this book is that it takes a little perserverence to get into it but it does hook you after a while. I found myself not wanting it to end. The author has hit on something here that I think could appeal to a very wide audience. Hopefully the publisher realizes this and gives it some publicity. For now, I'll spread the word to as many readers as I know. You may learn a few things and D'Agnese paints a very inviting picture of Oregon. I visited there once and this book made me want to return. As a native New Yorker who shared similar experiences as the author I can say he's spot on about life at Catholic school in the 60's. I look forward to the sequel.