Rating: 
Summary: Gentle and Insightful
Review: For those people who are sensitive to another person's troubles or handicaps, this book is a must-read. Stephen Grace integrates both the dependence and independence the two protagonists experience in their relationship. Having spent some time under cottonwoods in a different setting, I can vouch for their steadfastness and sheltering nature. I applaud Stephen Grace's first effort, and look forward eagerly to his next book.
Rating: 
Summary: Under Cottonwoods
Review: I highly recommend this book to anyone, it gives an array of emotions that the reader can experience to the end. Under Cottonwoods is a very touching and beautiful book. The bond that happens between Walter and Mike is moving. His descriptions of the beauty around them in the Wyoming wilderness is done so well the reader can actually see themselves there fishing right along with the men.
My favorite thing about this book is the author showed a mental disability won't stop anyone living. This was very touching to me and showed that a person with a disability is still a human with human feelings. I feel as a society we sometimes overlook this. I really commend Stephen Grace for doing this.
Rating:
Summary: Big-Hearted River
Review: I know Steve Grace and can vouch for his earnest heart, which is what comes through in his writing. Steve is the real deal--a genuine sportsman who lives the world he writes of. Please buy this book so Steve can eat. If you don't love it, I'm pretty sure Steve'll give you your money back.
Rating:
Summary: A Disability Perspective
Review: I met Steve Grace at the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference where we were housemates with similar outdoor interests and a mutual background in developmental disabilities. I knew that Under Cottonwoods had something to do with disabilities, but I didn't learn the whole story until the book came out and I had the chance to read it for myself. This is a very unique and realistic story that revolves around two main characters - one with a traumatic brain injury and one able-bodied young man with his own set of significant problems. To me, the beauty of this story is that it is first and foremost an excellent novel. The story is compelling and believable as it takes its characters in and out of beautifully rendered wilderness experiences in the western states where the characters live, work, and play. The story moves along at a comfortably fast pace, and the reader is immediately engaged by the tensions and growth of the characters. Significant among these characters is the western wilderness; alternately beautiful and barren, it interacts with the principals and changes itself with the seasons and more random events of nature, reflecting and illuminating the human characters. It is reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy, with considerably more benevolence. But the story carries another level of beauty that is most unusual and interesting to me, having made a career in the field of developmental disabilities. It presents two flawed main characters who become tied together by an improbable friendship that moves both of them into paths of recovery and growth. Walter, who sustained a serious head trauma on a rafting trip, was left with a seizure disorder requiring him to wear a bicycle helmet, vision in only one eye, and a left-side paresis affecting his gait and arm muscles. Mike, his friend, is able-bodied, but carries a multitude of emotional baggage based on the deaths of his parents during childhood and the dissolution of his current marriage. They do not come together based on any client-provider type of relationship; they have simply become good friends. Mike takes Walter on fly-fishing trips and other excursions into the wilderness that prove to be as challenging and nurturing to Mike as they are to Walter. The story uses everyday situations that are recognizable to anyone in the field of developmental disabilities. Walter lives in an apartment with a room-mate who spent most of his youth in an institution. Mitch still carries many fears of everyday situations based on stark memories of things that happened to him behind these walls. They live independently with the assistance of a caseworker who is torn between providing safety and support and allowing them to experience the risks and joys of everyday life. Mike's approach to the friendship they have developed pulls him in both of these directions as well, though he tends to let more everyday consequences happen to his friend in an effort to make him more accountable and integrated in the community where they live. People who work with others who happen to have a disability will find this story a realistic version of the situations they live on a daily basis. The story is never preachy or mission-laden in its detail; it is simply a description of how people with visible and not-so-visible disabilities can find peace and personal growth in everyday situations involving the same friendships, challenges, and realities we all experience. Some of the challenges they deal with are pretty raw - just as they are in real life. There are characters who are supportive and some who are not - just like real life. Some of the language is not politically correct in the context of the developmental disabilities provider community and its academic underpinnings. But the story is a beautiful reflection of just how critical personal relationships are in the lives of people with special needs. And it demonstrates that we all have our own special needs that respond to these relationships in different ways. It will make you laugh out loud, and it will make a grown man cry. I recommend this novel to anyone, and particularly to anyone who works in the field of developmental disabilities.
Rating:
Summary: A Disability Perspective
Review: I met Steve Grace at the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference where we were housemates with similar outdoor interests and a mutual background in developmental disabilities. I knew that Under Cottonwoods had something to do with disabilities, but I didn't learn the whole story until the book came out and I had the chance to read it for myself. This is a very unique and realistic story that revolves around two main characters - one with a traumatic brain injury and one able-bodied young man with his own set of significant problems. To me, the beauty of this story is that it is first and foremost an excellent novel. The story is compelling and believable as it takes its characters in and out of beautifully rendered wilderness experiences in the western states where the characters live, work, and play. The story moves along at a comfortably fast pace, and the reader is immediately engaged by the tensions and growth of the characters. Significant among these characters is the western wilderness; alternately beautiful and barren, it interacts with the principals and changes itself with the seasons and more random events of nature, reflecting and illuminating the human characters. It is reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy, with considerably more benevolence. But the story carries another level of beauty that is most unusual and interesting to me, having made a career in the field of developmental disabilities. It presents two flawed main characters who become tied together by an improbable friendship that moves both of them into paths of recovery and growth. Walter, who sustained a serious head trauma on a rafting trip, was left with a seizure disorder requiring him to wear a bicycle helmet, vision in only one eye, and a left-side paresis affecting his gait and arm muscles. Mike, his friend, is able-bodied, but carries a multitude of emotional baggage based on the deaths of his parents during childhood and the dissolution of his current marriage. They do not come together based on any client-provider type of relationship; they have simply become good friends. Mike takes Walter on fly-fishing trips and other excursions into the wilderness that prove to be as challenging and nurturing to Mike as they are to Walter. The story uses everyday situations that are recognizable to anyone in the field of developmental disabilities. Walter lives in an apartment with a room-mate who spent most of his youth in an institution. Mitch still carries many fears of everyday situations based on stark memories of things that happened to him behind these walls. They live independently with the assistance of a caseworker who is torn between providing safety and support and allowing them to experience the risks and joys of everyday life. Mike's approach to the friendship they have developed pulls him in both of these directions as well, though he tends to let more everyday consequences happen to his friend in an effort to make him more accountable and integrated in the community where they live. People who work with others who happen to have a disability will find this story a realistic version of the situations they live on a daily basis. The story is never preachy or mission-laden in its detail; it is simply a description of how people with visible and not-so-visible disabilities can find peace and personal growth in everyday situations involving the same friendships, challenges, and realities we all experience. Some of the challenges they deal with are pretty raw - just as they are in real life. There are characters who are supportive and some who are not - just like real life. Some of the language is not politically correct in the context of the developmental disabilities provider community and its academic underpinnings. But the story is a beautiful reflection of just how critical personal relationships are in the lives of people with special needs. And it demonstrates that we all have our own special needs that respond to these relationships in different ways. It will make you laugh out loud, and it will make a grown man cry. I recommend this novel to anyone, and particularly to anyone who works in the field of developmental disabilities.
Rating:
Summary: Soul Soothing, Heart Warming and Eye Opening
Review: I received this book from a wonderful friend who shares my compassion for people with disabilities, as well as good reading material. Two days after receiving the book there was a major ice storm in my area, no power and no water for 3.5 days. I spent those days (with other new books sitting on a table) in front of a fireplace wrapped in a blanket with a clip on booklight totally swept into this story. The story itself and the compassion and sharing of and through diversities is so well written. It was all I could do to make myself go to bed in a house that was 40 degrees inside because I so wanted to read more and this story was what warmed me to my soul. We can all learn from others, no matter their outward appearance. And the story, but for the grace of God, could be any one of us. What wonderful heartfelt insight the author has. This is a book for EVERYONE. Thanks Mr. Grace for a great book! And thanks to my life friend, Merv, for sending it to me! This will be one of the few things that will allow me to look back at my travel to Wyoming and feel positive for having been there for six months of my life. I look forward to more from Stephen Grace.
Rating:
Summary: Characters you can't get enough of, vivid settings
Review: I stayed up all night to finish this book, then I wished it could go forever. Walter and Mike are wonderful characters, and their story takes place in beautiful settings, vividly described by the author. A friendship that begins with flyfishing deepens and strengthens as both men struggle and travel through life. It's funny, it's sad, it feels utterly true. This book is a real delight.
Rating:
Summary: Midwest Book Review - a must read
Review: Stephen Grace has received high praise for his first novel, Under Cottonwoods. Every word of praise is richly deserved. This is an amazing first book by a gifted writer. The characters are fully developed, the prose pure and natural. Mr. Grace is a born storyteller.
By chance, Mike and Walter have formed an unlikely friendship. Mike is physically strong and healthy. His father taught him how to fish, fight, and ski at a young age. He's living on an inheritance received following the death of his parents. Mike is not emotionally invested in his marriage and refuses to get a job. Walter has been physically and mentally impaired by a head injury, but in many ways he sees life more clearly than Mike. Despite debilitating seizures and motor impairments, Walter holds down a full time job and struggles to maintain what independence he has left. Once handsome, hopeful, and whole, Walter now calls himself "broken." His mother is dead; his father refuses to acknowledge him. His friendship with Mike provides the acceptance and camaraderie Walter craves. He's astute enough to recognize that both men are broken in their own way.
Their story is revealed in increments as the men hike, fish and ski the wilderness areas of Wyoming, Utah and Idaho. Mike watches over Walter with a poignant tenderness and concern while gently prodding him beyond physical limits. He does not baby Walter, but treats him like a man and equal. In turn, Walter's sly observances of life, his drive to find love, adventure, and independence inspire Mike to examine his own short comings.
Under Cottonwoods is inspiring without being maudlin, exciting but not contrived. Wilderness areas are beautifully described in well drawn prose other writers may envy. You don't have to be a fly fisherman or outdoorsman to enjoy this one. If you appreciate a good story, enhanced by excellent writing, this book is a must read. It has my highest recommendation.
Rating:
Summary: Acceptance and Forgiveness
Review: Steven Grace has written a most beautiful story. I should say "stories." In "Under Cottonwoods" there is the story of two roommates,Walter and Mitch, with disabilities and like all roommates are loyal friends who help each other. There is the story of a young man, Mike, unsure of his future with his wife and yet helps these two roommates with their future in an all giving, fatherly and brotherly way. There is the story of a father,Lex, unable to accept his son's disability and his journey to acceptance and ultimately not just acceptance but love. This novel graces us with lessons on compassion, tolerance, forgivenss, patience and loving. It is rare a wonderful book like this comes along that you can share with your children of all ages and friends of all generations. This is a wonderful independent read. I read this as our Book Club choice and we had the most wonderful discussion I can remember. I for one, have a brother with Down's Syndrome who is 45. He lives with me. When I read about the camping trip and his father making pancakes I laughed out loud. I still laugh when I think about it. My brother is the same. He can have the worst possible day and if I mention Reeses Peanut Butter Cups his entire day has become "The Best." Thank you Mr. Grace for gracing us with the story, the characters and the trip to Wyoming! The Literary Ladies
Rating:
Summary: Acceptance and Forgiveness
Review: Steven Grace has written a most beautiful story. I should say "stories." In "Under Cottonwoods" there is the story of two roommates,Walter and Mitch, with disabilities and like all roommates are loyal friends who help each other. There is the story of a young man, Mike, unsure of his future with his wife and yet helps these two roommates with their future in an all giving, fatherly and brotherly way. There is the story of a father,Lex, unable to accept his son's disability and his journey to acceptance and ultimately not just acceptance but love. This novel graces us with lessons on compassion, tolerance, forgivenss, patience and loving. It is rare a wonderful book like this comes along that you can share with your children of all ages and friends of all generations. This is a wonderful independent read. I read this as our Book Club choice and we had the most wonderful discussion I can remember. I for one, have a brother with Down's Syndrome who is 45. He lives with me. When I read about the camping trip and his father making pancakes I laughed out loud. I still laugh when I think about it. My brother is the same. He can have the worst possible day and if I mention Reeses Peanut Butter Cups his entire day has become "The Best." Thank you Mr. Grace for gracing us with the story, the characters and the trip to Wyoming! The Literary Ladies
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