Thanksgiving Breakfast: You Can Go Home Again

by John Fitzgerald

A Baby-boomer or a child of one would enjoy reading this book. This novel tells the story of a group of high school friends who keep in touch over a fifty-year span through a reunion of sorts. The novel is set in a little town in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania. The characters gather at their hometown Pub on Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. They reminisce, cajole, and brag, revealing the events taking effect in their lives. The following morning they join others of the community at Thanksgiving Breakfast party preceding the annual High School game. This fascinating novel is poignant and humorous, but it’s not all fun and frivolity. Each of the characters faces his or her personal challenges—from growing up and accepting responsibility of drug, alcohol, and gambling addiction. The reader is psychologically drawn in reflecting as the characters share raw their emotional struggles and their inner most feelings as they record their thoughts in a journal, giving insight into thoughts on life, love, friendship, and war. The characters will come across as honorable, funny, adorable, frustrating, infuriating, heartbreaking, and wise. The story is rich with humor, heart and hometown authenticity. Thanksgiving Breakfast celebrates the lasting bonds we all create and how friendships can buoy and strengthen you through the most complex days. It’s a must for anyone who relishes a story for the ages.

492 pages, Paperback

First published December 10, 2012

Reviews

[John Fitzgerald]

Every small town has its "characters", and Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania is no exception. Hailing from the area, it was great fun to try to figure out whom these characters represented. History of this Northeastern Pennsylvania town is incorporated with tales from high school escapades through adulthood and ageing.

Alex Flynn moves from the first year of college through life, reuniting at intervals with friends who know each other best. Thoughts on the Vietnam War, career choices, relationships and families are shared in a diary and through conversations laced with Irish wit. Laughter co-exists with tragedy. The town and the people change over time, but the friendships endure for life.

No matter where one currently lives, "home" is the place where one was brought up. Our roots are mingled with those of friends who anchor lives and contribute to character. This is a story that will resonate with Baby Boomers across the country.