As I questioned the mechanics motives for wanting his sons
to go with a stranger, I also questioned a man who would take two strange boys
with him. Maybe if I had read a bit more
about the author or even read a review of the book prior to beginning my
skepticism might not been so questioning!
Once I learned that the father was going to jail and didn’t want his
kids going to a home while he was “away” it made more sense. It did not take me long to see what was in it
for August.
I liked August from the beginning. Maybe it was the fact
that he was a teacher who loved to travel during the summer. Having spent many years enjoying just that
very thing, I could relate. Taking the
boys along would give him company and enable him to experience the trip through
the eyes of young boys as his original purpose for the trip had been to share
with his own son. The boys would get to
see things they would not otherwise and would not be in home for the summer. I liked the way he clued in on things that
were important to Seth and how he got Henry to talk. The dog was an integral part of the
relationship between August and the boys.
When he realized Seth wanted to document every stop and interesting
thing, he bought each a disposable camera and then let Seth use his own digital
camera. When he realized henry had
blisters on his feet from hiking, he bought them proper socks.
As the story develops we learn that August attends AA
meeting regularly. Seth asks to go and we learn that his dad, Wes, is not in
jail for one offense but repeated offenses for DUIs. It surprised me that August went to AA but I
understand his reasons. Wes did not
surprise me.
Through his act of generosity, August gave the boys their
lives. Seth developed into a great
climber, Henry found his voice, albeit a bit late than one imagined! I more than half expected the boys to go to
live with August in San Diego but they did not.
Every story has multiple parts and this book is no
different. August saved the boys and they would return to save him. He becomes ill, has to sell the RV and Seth
says he wants to buy it. He and Henry
come to pick it up and drag August along for “on last trip” or so August
thinks. Their final destination for the
trip is no surprise to anyone but August.
Nor is the end of the book. He
allowed the young men to grow into who they are despite an alcoholic father.
They appreciated his efforts and would reciprocate as long as it was necessary
before taking one last trip—to spread August’s ashes along the way. Definitely a feel good book!