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Sunday Afternoons and Other Times Remembered: A Memoir
On the afternoon of Easter Sunday, 1992, Ben Ewell’s brother, sister-in-law, and niece were all murdered. While trying to make sense of this staggering tragedy, Ben can’t help but think back through his life: the hard work and the many peaceful Sunday afternoons growing up on his family farm in Ohio in a house without a bathroom or running water; his high school antics in the 1950s; his time in Haight-Ashbury while attending law school in 1960s San Francisco; and the highs and lows, both personal and professional, of life after school. Threaded throughout these reminiscences, Ben reveals the details of the investigation of his family members’ murders—and the arrest and trial of the parties involved.
In this decades-long saga, there is marriage and divorce, love and loss, family and friendship; there are political campaigns and business ventures, some failed and some fruitful. Ultimately, this is a story of perseverance in the face of tragedy, of creating opportunities out of problems, and of appreciating the gift of life and the world around us—with some humor along the way.
In this decades-long saga, there is marriage and divorce, love and loss, family and friendship; there are political campaigns and business ventures, some failed and some fruitful. Ultimately, this is a story of perseverance in the face of tragedy, of creating opportunities out of problems, and of appreciating the gift of life and the world around us—with some humor along the way.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
224 pages, Paperback
Published June 14, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 9, 2022
While this book starts off with the story of a triple murder in Fresno, California in 1992, it is not a true crime book. The victims of the crime were author Ben Ewell’s brother, his sister-in-law and his niece, all shot down in their home on Easter Sunday. It was a hit job arranged and financed by the author’s nephew, who wanted to inherit all his family’s money. The author’s account of the incident is covered in the first 17% of the Kindle edition, no more. It’s not “threaded throughout" the story, as the book’s current description describes. Moreover, don’t expect to find any clues in the rest of the book about how the next generation included a son who thought money was more important than the lives of his parents and sister. (For more information on the triple murder, do an online search for Dana Ewell, or watch Oxygen True Crimes series “In Ice Cold Blood”, Season 2, Episode 15–-entitled “Deadly Greed”. Dana Ewell also currently has a pen pal profile up online at a write prisoner website.)
The rest of the book is strictly a memoir of Ben Ewell’s life covering his childhood on a farm in Ohio, plus his adult life until the present time. I found it enjoyable to read about his childhood, as well as some of his college years. After he graduated from law school, though, the reading started becoming dull, as unfortunately contemporary memoirs often do when the childhood and college years are over. By the time he started talking about his political years, my interest was waning even more, and I totally lost interest during his land development years. (A golf course development apparently was very controversial, according to reputable sources.) Hence, this memoir is definitely a mixed bag, and an odd one to boot since it started off with the murder story. I would recommend it, however, to those who want to read some engaging descriptions of farm life in the ‘40s and ‘50s, as well as those interested in what life was like in Haight-Ashbury during the early 1960s.
(Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the author or publisher.)
The rest of the book is strictly a memoir of Ben Ewell’s life covering his childhood on a farm in Ohio, plus his adult life until the present time. I found it enjoyable to read about his childhood, as well as some of his college years. After he graduated from law school, though, the reading started becoming dull, as unfortunately contemporary memoirs often do when the childhood and college years are over. By the time he started talking about his political years, my interest was waning even more, and I totally lost interest during his land development years. (A golf course development apparently was very controversial, according to reputable sources.) Hence, this memoir is definitely a mixed bag, and an odd one to boot since it started off with the murder story. I would recommend it, however, to those who want to read some engaging descriptions of farm life in the ‘40s and ‘50s, as well as those interested in what life was like in Haight-Ashbury during the early 1960s.
(Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the author or publisher.)
June 16, 2022
The poet Diane Seuss wrote in the poem Weeds that The danger of memory is going to it for respite. After reading an advanced reader copy of the new Ben Ewell book Sunday Afternoons and Other Times Remembered: A Memoir, it's clear Ewell doesn't automatically run that risk. Some of the author's reminisces are far from restful. In fact, a few of his life experiences are absolutely tragic.
While Ewell enjoyed a traditional childhood being raised by caring parents on a northeastern Ohio farm, where he discovered the work ethic and discipline that would help guide his career working as an attorney, political activist and developer, he and his family came to experience traumatic losses. That statement is no spoiler, as the first chapter is titled Murder on Easter Sunday and the eighth reads Death in Ohio.
While one may not necessarily agree with Ewell's conservative politics or approve of his choices touring Europe when in his late 20s, for example, his memoir reads as sincere. I believe he's truthful relating his life's ups and downs, both the good and the bad, the smart choices as well as the mistakes. And that's what makes a memoir interesting, in my mind.
Through the stories Ewell relates, the importance of family and friendships, as well as education and hard work, are reinforced. Of course, those are common themes with memoirs, so much so they're almost to be expected. What makes a title actually stand out is how such traits and values are wielded in life and to what end.
Everyone, after all, encounters challenges, but sometimes those difficulties are more than anyone should have to manage. Learning how others navigate life's losses, build careers, strengthen family bonds and rally in times of crises can, through the right lens, provide us all with a sense of hope. The corresponding stories sometimes illuminate the good that remains present within our communities and ways others might effectively battle their own traumas. Reading Ewell's book left me believing reasonable people can still disagree on important subjects but prosper nonetheless by being willing to learn from others, respect one another and work together toward truly beneficial objectives.
While Ewell enjoyed a traditional childhood being raised by caring parents on a northeastern Ohio farm, where he discovered the work ethic and discipline that would help guide his career working as an attorney, political activist and developer, he and his family came to experience traumatic losses. That statement is no spoiler, as the first chapter is titled Murder on Easter Sunday and the eighth reads Death in Ohio.
While one may not necessarily agree with Ewell's conservative politics or approve of his choices touring Europe when in his late 20s, for example, his memoir reads as sincere. I believe he's truthful relating his life's ups and downs, both the good and the bad, the smart choices as well as the mistakes. And that's what makes a memoir interesting, in my mind.
Through the stories Ewell relates, the importance of family and friendships, as well as education and hard work, are reinforced. Of course, those are common themes with memoirs, so much so they're almost to be expected. What makes a title actually stand out is how such traits and values are wielded in life and to what end.
Everyone, after all, encounters challenges, but sometimes those difficulties are more than anyone should have to manage. Learning how others navigate life's losses, build careers, strengthen family bonds and rally in times of crises can, through the right lens, provide us all with a sense of hope. The corresponding stories sometimes illuminate the good that remains present within our communities and ways others might effectively battle their own traumas. Reading Ewell's book left me believing reasonable people can still disagree on important subjects but prosper nonetheless by being willing to learn from others, respect one another and work together toward truly beneficial objectives.
April 29, 2022
This started off very interesting, detailing a heinous crime; a mother, father and their 21-year-old daughter shot dead in their home on Easter weekend. The author, brother of one of the victims, details the devastating day he found out and subsequent events. Despite a very intriguing start, it does veer into quite a detailed account of their upbringing and family life growing up. It may have been more gripping had it been written by an impartial crime writer as it is a genuinely interesting and shocking case. However, from this perspective, I felt I got more personal reflections and family background than a deep look into the crime, investigation, and an insight into the psychology of someone who would do such a thing. Thanks to Netgalley for the arc.
June 5, 2022
I will be honest that I went into this book expecting it to be mostly focused on the author, Ben's brother's murder. For those readers who are thinking the same thing or looking for your next true crime book, this one does not focus on the murder. This is not to say that the book was bad as it was still a good read. Just I was a little disappointed.
Although, what I did like about this book was the life lessons that Ben's father taught him. You could tell that Ben and his family were close knit. I think we can all relate that life lessons from our parents are the best. Yet, I do have to say I felt for Ben as he and his family sure had a lot thrown at them, but they still stuck together. Overall, this is a good read.
Although, what I did like about this book was the life lessons that Ben's father taught him. You could tell that Ben and his family were close knit. I think we can all relate that life lessons from our parents are the best. Yet, I do have to say I felt for Ben as he and his family sure had a lot thrown at them, but they still stuck together. Overall, this is a good read.
May 29, 2022
What a great book I locked the beginning of the book. Actually how he explained his brother's murder and how he felt the loss. And you'll find out who the murderer is at the end of the book. But I like how he goes back in time to the Farmville Ohio and how he members these great stories he had growing up. Ben was pretty amazing how he came out of a farming community like that and then went to Miami University and how it works so hard to get everything in life and then off to California eventually for law school. He ended up in Fresno California because most of his brothers lived there and how he went into water management law. His 1st marriage ended in disaster and then then he went on to another marriage which was really very blessful. His sister Betty was the oldest and she really stood by stood by the family when the brother was murdered but she also played another part and it is well you'll find that out at the end of the book as well. They grew up with nothing but except for the love of their family and and it made them a lot stronger I think cause I didn't have luxuries not even a bathroom. I think this is what makes people strive in this country we can do anything doesn't matter what background poor rich. I think this opportunity's been had and how he applied himself and helped hi His father on the farm as well. They had a lot of tragedies in this family and they seemed to cope with it by going back in time and and remember is it remembering it's me about what they did in the old days. It's a great book I loved it. There is also a family feuds in this book as well and they As well Oop.
May 18, 2022
Thanks to SparkPress for the advanced copy.
The memoir begins with Ben at the cemetery as his family buries their loved ones. The murder of Bens brother, sister in law and niece have taken a toll on the family, with no suspect in custody. The author doesn't go into great detail. He is brief in his story around the murders, arrest of the murderer and trial. I imagine that it is very painful and would open up to many wounds.
At first, I wasn't sure I would be able to follow the book. It's not in chronological order. Kinds of like a movie that bounces back in time, moves forward and back again. I think if there had been a prologue about the murder and the rest of the book was written in chronological order, I would have enjoyed more. At times, I was wondering why Ben's mom was not with them, not knowing she had passed till later in the book..
Ben leaves the farm in Ohio and heads across the country to law school. Day 1, the students are told most will quit or fail. From Haight-Ashbury to Fresno, we follow Bens colorful journey. His struggles, thoughts, relationships, loss.....
I did enjoy the journey from Ben's childhood to present time. I relived some of my younger days at my great grandmothers through the book. Kids today will never know what the cold, clear water from a well taste like. Or the pain of using a slop bucket at night and on cold days. Without ever knowing Ben's parents, I adored them. My heart broke when he wrote of their passing.
The memoir begins with Ben at the cemetery as his family buries their loved ones. The murder of Bens brother, sister in law and niece have taken a toll on the family, with no suspect in custody. The author doesn't go into great detail. He is brief in his story around the murders, arrest of the murderer and trial. I imagine that it is very painful and would open up to many wounds.
At first, I wasn't sure I would be able to follow the book. It's not in chronological order. Kinds of like a movie that bounces back in time, moves forward and back again. I think if there had been a prologue about the murder and the rest of the book was written in chronological order, I would have enjoyed more. At times, I was wondering why Ben's mom was not with them, not knowing she had passed till later in the book..
Ben leaves the farm in Ohio and heads across the country to law school. Day 1, the students are told most will quit or fail. From Haight-Ashbury to Fresno, we follow Bens colorful journey. His struggles, thoughts, relationships, loss.....
I did enjoy the journey from Ben's childhood to present time. I relived some of my younger days at my great grandmothers through the book. Kids today will never know what the cold, clear water from a well taste like. Or the pain of using a slop bucket at night and on cold days. Without ever knowing Ben's parents, I adored them. My heart broke when he wrote of their passing.
June 19, 2022
Book Review…Sunday Afternoons and Other Times Remembered by Ben Ewell
On the afternoon of Easter Sunday, 1992, Ben Ewell’s brother, sister-in-law, and niece were all murdered. While trying to make sense of this staggering tragedy, Ben can’t help but think back through his life. Threaded throughout these reminiscences, Ben reveals the details of the investigation of his family members’ murders and the arrest and trial of the parties involved.
Sunday Afternoons is about love, loss, family and friendship. The first part of the book, a small part of it, is about the deaths of the author's family. The rest is about his life. I was expecting there to be more about the crime but it was still a good read. As always it was interesting to read a story that took place in the state I'm living in so it was interesting to compare the differences and the changes in the times. I also enjoyed the family dynamics. They were a very close family and they have had a lot of ups and downs. The saying and life lessons that Ben's father offered were some of my favorites! Overall it was a good read!
Thank you Book Sparks and Ben Ewell for sharing this story with me!
On the afternoon of Easter Sunday, 1992, Ben Ewell’s brother, sister-in-law, and niece were all murdered. While trying to make sense of this staggering tragedy, Ben can’t help but think back through his life. Threaded throughout these reminiscences, Ben reveals the details of the investigation of his family members’ murders and the arrest and trial of the parties involved.
Sunday Afternoons is about love, loss, family and friendship. The first part of the book, a small part of it, is about the deaths of the author's family. The rest is about his life. I was expecting there to be more about the crime but it was still a good read. As always it was interesting to read a story that took place in the state I'm living in so it was interesting to compare the differences and the changes in the times. I also enjoyed the family dynamics. They were a very close family and they have had a lot of ups and downs. The saying and life lessons that Ben's father offered were some of my favorites! Overall it was a good read!
Thank you Book Sparks and Ben Ewell for sharing this story with me!
June 14, 2022
Ben Ewell’s memoir titled Sunday Afternoons and Other Times Remembered was published on June 14, 2022. Which happens to be the day that I am writing this review. So, happy publication day Ben!
When you look at the cover of the book and you see that it is a memoir would you think that it’s about part of his family being murdered? Is that the first thing that would come to your mind? For me, no, murder is not the first topic that comes to my mind when I see the cover of a memoir. And that's what makes this book all the more juicy.
However, Ben’s memoir is about so much more, such as love and friendship. Moreover, I am a true crime aficionado, and Ben’s memoir is exactly my cup of tea. Furthermore, I truly believe that there is something in here for everyone. That’s why I give this memoir 5 stars and 10/10 I recommend it to everyone.
#BenEwell #Memoir #SundayAfternoonsAndOtherTimesRemembered #2022 #BookSparks
Thank you to @benewell.author @booksparks
When you look at the cover of the book and you see that it is a memoir would you think that it’s about part of his family being murdered? Is that the first thing that would come to your mind? For me, no, murder is not the first topic that comes to my mind when I see the cover of a memoir. And that's what makes this book all the more juicy.
However, Ben’s memoir is about so much more, such as love and friendship. Moreover, I am a true crime aficionado, and Ben’s memoir is exactly my cup of tea. Furthermore, I truly believe that there is something in here for everyone. That’s why I give this memoir 5 stars and 10/10 I recommend it to everyone.
#BenEwell #Memoir #SundayAfternoonsAndOtherTimesRemembered #2022 #BookSparks
Thank you to @benewell.author @booksparks
June 9, 2022
Title: Sunday Afternoons and Other Times Remembered
Author: Ben Ewell
Rating: ⭐️⭐️/5
Read if you like:
Memoirs
My Thoughts:
I want to start this by saying I love memoirs. I think everyone has a story that’s worth sharing and I’m generally all ears to listen and learn about them. So by saying that, I really wanted to like this book. However after the first chapter I just wasn’t into it. This memoir starts off so interesting/sad with a story of the author’s brother and his family being murdered in their house and the investigation and trial proceedings and I was all about it. After that he goes on to tell other stories about his life and seemingly also make everything a life lesson. While this wasn’t my cup of tea, I’m sure other will enjoy it.
Author: Ben Ewell
Rating: ⭐️⭐️/5
Read if you like:
Memoirs
My Thoughts:
I want to start this by saying I love memoirs. I think everyone has a story that’s worth sharing and I’m generally all ears to listen and learn about them. So by saying that, I really wanted to like this book. However after the first chapter I just wasn’t into it. This memoir starts off so interesting/sad with a story of the author’s brother and his family being murdered in their house and the investigation and trial proceedings and I was all about it. After that he goes on to tell other stories about his life and seemingly also make everything a life lesson. While this wasn’t my cup of tea, I’m sure other will enjoy it.
June 28, 2022
The memoir was not quite what I expected when reading the summary. Only the first section went into the murder of his family members. I did not see how that tied into the rest of the story.
The telling of his life was a it rough. There were pieces that ended up interesting to me, but for the most part it felt like he was just doing a basic summary of his life. In the end I just did not see the purpose of the story. I did not necessarily learn anything.
I actually won this one in one of the giveaways.
The telling of his life was a it rough. There were pieces that ended up interesting to me, but for the most part it felt like he was just doing a basic summary of his life. In the end I just did not see the purpose of the story. I did not necessarily learn anything.
I actually won this one in one of the giveaways.
July 20, 2022
I enjoy memoirs. There a quick way to learn about different lives. Thank you for the arch copy of Sunday Afternoons and other Times Remembered by Ben Ewell for my honest opinion. This is a memoir of persevering in the face of tragedy about creating opportunities and appreciating the gift of life and about learning lessons that can be learned that can better your life. Its a fast and easy enjoyable read. 5 ⭐️ read.
June 29, 2022
While I thought there would be a lot more regarding the murder of his brother, Ben Ewell dives into a lot of different past memories in this memoir and there are a lot of derived lessons. I did enjoy reading about the close knit family that had to deal with a lot of things.
Thank you booksparks for my copy in exchange for a review.
Thank you booksparks for my copy in exchange for a review.
April 18, 2022
This was a look at the life of one person and those around them. I found myself wanting to skip to the end to see how everything ended up but fought myself so I wouldn't do it. It was interesting learning about things from another POV. ~UR
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