"More than a stunning debut. It is the announcement of a bold new literary voice"
—Stephen Chbosky, author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Dear Gramps,
It’s been a few years since you’ve left. I should probably tell you how much of a coincidence this is. I mean I visited you not that long ago and now here I am writing to you. It’s been a wild ride let me tell you oldtimer. You’ve taught me a lot in my younger days, days I barely remember. How to be a man. It’s sad though. I can’t recall when you held me as a child, or when you brought me to school, and picked me up. How you and grandma would just watch us play all day long. You’ve done so much but I only remember so little. I can only remember the suffering mainly. It almost brings me to tears. Oh how I miss you, and would give up anything to have you hold me one more time. Explain what a tackle box is or even see you in the stands cheering me on. Now you are in the bleachers of the sky, with your hat and grin. Waving and cheering from above, always on the side of good. You were disciplined and strict, always straight forward. I would kill for your lessons. The one thing I will never forget is your grin and happy blue eyes. I will always be happy and grateful and utmost honored that I bare your name. I remember you for so much, with so little. I will keep your blade around the first present you gave me of true value, your pocket knife.

How I miss you plenty, see again one day Old Timer