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The Inkwell
An unlikely souvenir from the American Revolution becomes the unusual focal point of a spur-of-the-moment fly-fishing trip. The coveted relic, an inkwell, spirals from a casual topic of conversation into a wondrous curiosity, a reason for family introspection, and a backdrop for a lifelong struggle with faith.Fly fishing is the shared and spirited high ground for four long-time friends. Their playful banter about those differences runs throughout this tale with good-humored purpose, until a surprising event sends their attention in a new direction.The Inkwell celebrates family connections, current and ancestral. If Grandfather Reed hadn't escaped from British captivity in 1777, this 21st-century tale could not be told.
104 pages, Hardcover
Published August 4, 2020
8 people want to read
About the author
Tim Brown
4 books Tim Brown is the author of four books, each celebrating everyday people in bewildering circumstances. His latest book, "Cooperman House," is no exception. Playful dialogue and supernatural surprises abound.
He learned to write succinctly as an advertising copywriter, and his fiction benefits from that discipline. He holds a BA in journalism from the University of Nebraska and an MA in mass communications from Denver University. Between degrees, he served as a journalist in the U.S. Army.
He learned to write succinctly as an advertising copywriter, and his fiction benefits from that discipline. He holds a BA in journalism from the University of Nebraska and an MA in mass communications from Denver University. Between degrees, he served as a journalist in the U.S. Army.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 9, 2020
What a charming book! Short, easy to read, interesting, and a super good story. It really touched my heart. It was totally original, I have not read anything quite like it before. As a fly fishing fanatic myself, it reminded me of the playful banter that takes place between my close fishing friends.
If you are looking for something to take your mind off all the Coronavirus madness engulfing us, this would be a great way to do it!
If you are looking for something to take your mind off all the Coronavirus madness engulfing us, this would be a great way to do it!
May 26, 2020
The Inkwell by Tim Brown is a story of an inkwell that has been in Jerry's family since the American Revolution. Jerry has been the keeper of the inkwell during his generation. He and his wife, Mary, are writing their wills and he is struggling with which child will be the next person to take the responsibility. When he can't make a decision he calls his fly fishing buddies to go fishing and think.
This is a wonderful, quick read story of the importance of family and family traditions. It also shows the strength people get through their friendships. I really enjoyed the way the men interacted with each other. One of the parts that stands out to me is how they react with catching a fish and how long they keep them on the line before getting them in their nets. Their teasing is fun in nature but also touches on important issues like faith.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Zimbell House Publishing through NetGalley, this is my honest review.
This is a wonderful, quick read story of the importance of family and family traditions. It also shows the strength people get through their friendships. I really enjoyed the way the men interacted with each other. One of the parts that stands out to me is how they react with catching a fish and how long they keep them on the line before getting them in their nets. Their teasing is fun in nature but also touches on important issues like faith.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Zimbell House Publishing through NetGalley, this is my honest review.
August 5, 2020
( received complimentary copy for review )
This title was a quick read for me. Enjoyable, and I will probably re-read it again on a slower pace, as I feel like I may have missed a point to two,
This title was a quick read for me. Enjoyable, and I will probably re-read it again on a slower pace, as I feel like I may have missed a point to two,
August 1, 2020
The Inkwell by Tim Brown
Publication Date: August 4, 2020
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Description from NetGalley...
“An Inkwell, a family heirloom and relic from the American Revolution, becomes the unique focal point of a fly-fishing trip. This antique glass bottle becomes a much-debated topic of conversation between long-time friends. But it is so much more. It becomes the essence of a miracle, an unwanted reason for family introspection, and a spotlight on a lifelong struggle with faith.
On most matters, they have widely differing opinions. Fly fishing, however, is the spirited high ground the four men share. Their playful banter about those differences runs throughout this tale with good-humored purpose, until a superseding event directs their attention in a surprising new direction.
The Inkwell celebrates family connections, current and ancestral. If Grandfather Reed hadn’t escaped from British captivity in 1777, this 21st-century tale could not be told.
Tim Brown tells it with humor and wisdom.”
.
Thank you to NetGalley, Zimbell House Publishing, IBPA for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
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My thoughts...
This reads more like a short story; it was a quick read and straight to the point. But, it may have been too succinct. The concept of a family heirloom, where stories of miracles are connected to its’ existence, was interesting. But, the story seemed to lack emotion or contemplation from the characters especially after experiencing a traumatic event. However, I do not want to take away from the book’s message of friendship. And, that miracles do happen because God is always there for us.
Publication Date: August 4, 2020
.
Description from NetGalley...
“An Inkwell, a family heirloom and relic from the American Revolution, becomes the unique focal point of a fly-fishing trip. This antique glass bottle becomes a much-debated topic of conversation between long-time friends. But it is so much more. It becomes the essence of a miracle, an unwanted reason for family introspection, and a spotlight on a lifelong struggle with faith.
On most matters, they have widely differing opinions. Fly fishing, however, is the spirited high ground the four men share. Their playful banter about those differences runs throughout this tale with good-humored purpose, until a superseding event directs their attention in a surprising new direction.
The Inkwell celebrates family connections, current and ancestral. If Grandfather Reed hadn’t escaped from British captivity in 1777, this 21st-century tale could not be told.
Tim Brown tells it with humor and wisdom.”
.
Thank you to NetGalley, Zimbell House Publishing, IBPA for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
.
My thoughts...
This reads more like a short story; it was a quick read and straight to the point. But, it may have been too succinct. The concept of a family heirloom, where stories of miracles are connected to its’ existence, was interesting. But, the story seemed to lack emotion or contemplation from the characters especially after experiencing a traumatic event. However, I do not want to take away from the book’s message of friendship. And, that miracles do happen because God is always there for us.
April 6, 2020
I thought this book started out very promising. The writing was very good, and the characters were enjoyable. Although I wouldn't exactly call myself a fishing expert (I'd rather sit by the lake than tease the fish in it...), I could still enjoy the fly fishing theme and the playful banter of the friends. The topic of the inkwell was interesting, and I was interested to see what would happen.
The twist of conflict towards the middle of the book was not a path I was expecting it to take. However, that's when the book became a little confusing/disappointing to me. I felt like the characters didn't really portray much emotion or feeling, considering the insanely traumatic event they had gone through. Even when they returned home, Jerry's family equally seemed strangely removed from the situation (although his children did seem to show slightly more emotion than his wife.)
After that, the whole topic of the "thin spots" and how it related to the ink on the pants kind of lost me. I understand "what" it means, but I guess I never fully got the "why." Like some of Jerry's family, I was confused as to why a very personal story needed to be told to the public. The book explained it like it was comfort from God to Jerry's family, even though the family made it out to be something that should be shared with everyone, even people who seemed to not have known Jerry in the first place.
Regardless, it was a short, enjoyable story with very nice writing.
The twist of conflict towards the middle of the book was not a path I was expecting it to take. However, that's when the book became a little confusing/disappointing to me. I felt like the characters didn't really portray much emotion or feeling, considering the insanely traumatic event they had gone through. Even when they returned home, Jerry's family equally seemed strangely removed from the situation (although his children did seem to show slightly more emotion than his wife.)
After that, the whole topic of the "thin spots" and how it related to the ink on the pants kind of lost me. I understand "what" it means, but I guess I never fully got the "why." Like some of Jerry's family, I was confused as to why a very personal story needed to be told to the public. The book explained it like it was comfort from God to Jerry's family, even though the family made it out to be something that should be shared with everyone, even people who seemed to not have known Jerry in the first place.
Regardless, it was a short, enjoyable story with very nice writing.
May 1, 2020
A well-written opening, which hooks one right in (& you’ll get the pun once you begin reading...) This was an unexpected book, which says just enough to plant seeds for thought which will germinate over time. There is much I would like to comment on, however I do not want to spoil the story : suffice to say it is worth your reading, & I look forward with interest to new volumes from this author.
October 6, 2020
Interesting and surprising. What's an inkwell have to do with fly fishing? That's not hard to understand, once you meet the book's well-developed characters trading barbs during an "emergency fishing trip." It's fun. Then the story takes a thoughtful turn, which I will not reveal. It is an easy, quick read that offers plenty to think about, no matter what you believe about miracles.
June 16, 2020
Not a favorite of mine. I love the idea of miracles and the thin spot theory, but this book just fell short for me.. I did like the group of friends, one being non-Christian and the others gently nudging him.
October 25, 2020
Excellent read. recommend to everyone. Short but impactful.
July 28, 2020
“There are too many unexplainable circumstances in people’s lives to deny the God is working with us daily, and he wants us to know it.”
Tim Brown has written a very unique book. It’s a story about friendship, an inkwell, fly fishing, thin places and God.
While I’m not a fisherman, it was the mention of an inkwell in the title that caught my attention. I happen to have an inkwell on my desk along with a variety of fountain pens.
But it’s a thin place experience that drives this story on.
It’s a place, or in this case, an event, where one can sense the glory, power, care and love of God.
Do they really exist? We know from the Bible that God visited with man on earth: Moses on Mount Sinai, Jacob’s ladder with angels ascending and descending, Solomon in the midst of God’s glory cloud during the Temple dedication. These are just some of the times when God breached the spiritual curtains of the heavens.
As a given in this story, thin places still do exist. In this case, it’s an event when God graciously reaches out to ones who need more than faith.
The Inkwell tells the story of those who cry out, “Why?”
And of the God who answers them.
I would recommend this book to someone who wants to explore the understated spiritual and miraculous events that invade our daily lies.
This is a shorter story, easily readable in an evening or two. It incudes book club questions, so it’s perfect for a group who wants to talk about how God shows himself to us.
Tim Brown has written a very unique book. It’s a story about friendship, an inkwell, fly fishing, thin places and God.
While I’m not a fisherman, it was the mention of an inkwell in the title that caught my attention. I happen to have an inkwell on my desk along with a variety of fountain pens.
But it’s a thin place experience that drives this story on.
It’s a place, or in this case, an event, where one can sense the glory, power, care and love of God.
Do they really exist? We know from the Bible that God visited with man on earth: Moses on Mount Sinai, Jacob’s ladder with angels ascending and descending, Solomon in the midst of God’s glory cloud during the Temple dedication. These are just some of the times when God breached the spiritual curtains of the heavens.
As a given in this story, thin places still do exist. In this case, it’s an event when God graciously reaches out to ones who need more than faith.
The Inkwell tells the story of those who cry out, “Why?”
And of the God who answers them.
I would recommend this book to someone who wants to explore the understated spiritual and miraculous events that invade our daily lies.
This is a shorter story, easily readable in an evening or two. It incudes book club questions, so it’s perfect for a group who wants to talk about how God shows himself to us.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews