Book Review: Thanksgiving at the Inn

Thanksgiving at the Inn

by

Tim Whitney
"A Story of Family and Forgiveness"

My Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars ***
Source: NetGalley.com
Length: 223 pages
Publisher: Bancroft Press (October 1, 2009)
Completed: December 2010
Reading Level: 9-12 year olds

"There are three types of people: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wondered what the hell just happened."

Summary: Heath Wellington the III's wealthy grandfather, a man he never knew, meets an untimely death after accidentally falling from a rooftop. Since, his mother split, Heath and his father, an aspiring writer, have been barely able to make ends meet. With this unfortunate news, comes the high aspirations of a potential inheritance and a richer life. Honestly, who really cares if they can't seem to get along? Money fixes everything, right? However, their bubble is quickly burst, with the reading of the will. You see, since Heath Wellington Sr aka "Senior" and Health's dad "Junior" had been estranged for over ten years, Senior's decided to put some major stipulations on their inheritance. In order to receive his father's estate, Junior must take "...a new direction in life- by successfully managing Senior's bed and breakfast, with Health, for the next three months." Is Senior just trying to control Junior's life, even from his grave, or did actually have a grander plan?

Ramblings: Thanksgiving at the Inn is a middle grade book littered with unusual characters.Sally, a tattoo ridden ex-con moonlighting as a children's book writer, Winsted, a Jamaican preacher with a rap sheet, Carter, a secret Harvard Graduate and finally Mrs Ferrel a kindly old woman who is giving away her dead husband's fortunes to charity, one letter at a time, ALL are tenants at the Sleepy Inn. The story is told from a 12 year old boy's perspective. Not unlike most tweens, Heath's having a trying time getting along with his father and it isn't helping that he's recently been suspended from school for cheating. With the news of "Senior's" passing, Heath witnesses his father's mood go from bad to worse and he's taking it all out on him. The stipulations set forth in the will, send Heath and his father cross country to manage his grandfather's Inn for three months. During Heath's stay, at The Sleepy Inn, he develops a special bond with each one of the eccentric tenants. The story takes place around Thanksgiving for good reason. Being thankful for what you have and the importance/strength of family are common themes brought out in this holiday story. The only drawback was the ending being slightly anti-climatic. Though it wrapped the story up neatly, it still felt slightly rushed. The reader is left with some unanswered questions. It would have been nice if the author had explored deeper how Junior and Senior had become estranged. Despite this minor flaw, though, Thanksgiving at the Inn is a delightful read which should help most anyone get into the holiday spirit.

Recommendations: The age group this story was intended for was 9-12 year olds. I'm not convinced the younger crowd would appreciate the story and relate to the main character. Heath may be slightly too serious, the story and plot line above their heads. I'd say the middle grade reader, boy or girl would certainly enjoy this piece. In addition, adults in general would find the messages and story worth there time, too. So give it a try, especially during the holidays because reading Thanksgiving at the Inn just may help the holiday season become even more meaningful.

Author's Website:  Tim Whitney's website