When we open ourselves to life's possibilities... As in incoming freshman at the University of Maine, Ty felt on top of the world. Okay, maybe a little nervous, but looking forward to making a name for himself on the football team and tasting some independence. Shortly after his arrival, he received a proverbial punch in the gut; he was summoned to the campus psychologist. His parents crafted a stipulation that their son would have to participate in therapy throughout his college career. Ty felt blindsided, betrayed, and belittled. His anger came out in full force. There were many targets; his high school girlfriend, his teammates, coworkers, and anonymous students on campus. Ty felt justified in his anger, but he also felt its discomfort. Ty tried to resist his parents' plan, but he was getting nowhere. Luckily, he was able to start enjoying college and meet new friends despite his burden. He could not help but like his therapist, Ron, who was easy going and genuinely liked his new client. The novel is filled with friendly teasing and banter between the two. Shawn, another college freshman, unilaterally decided Ty would become his friend. Ty just shrugged his shoulders and went along for the ride. They end up being the best of friends, each in turn offering support, advice, or loving criticism as needed. They bonded over their workouts, pizza, parties, and random adventures. Early on in their football career, Ty misinterpreted a mistake Shawn made and took it personally, venting his rage. Because their friendship was strong and Shawn was very mature and self-aware, they survived the incident. Shawn was not a doormat, however, and Ty did have to make amends in order to restore the relationship. College also offers a wide range of experiences, and Ty took advantage of many opportunities as he started to explore possible majors and careers. He got involved in service-related activities such as a first aid group for the college's sports teams, and eventually as an apprentice physical therapist. He had a way with people, as he opened up to them, and his caring and charisma built relationships in all areas of his new life. Ty met the love of his life by sophomore year. Tasha, a lanky yet beautiful young woman who excels on the basketball court, is an Education major. Throughout the novel she teaches Ty many lessons about life and how to treat the one you love. There is passion, there are arguments, there are many fun times spent cooking, hiking, and communing with butterflies. By junior year, Ty reluctantly got involved in yoga. In a slow and painful journey, Ty came to find peace in stillness, which helped begin to heal his angry heart. Neglected by a drug-addicted mother who died of an overdose when Ty was two years old, he had many unresolved feelings that he carried around with him. Facing his anger and his fears, he learned that those feelings were neither necessary nor inevitable. The readers will find themselves laughing, crying, and cheering Ty on throughout the novel. He makes some bad decisions, some healthy decisions, and shows that navigating life is not via a straight line. It is messy work, and people get hurt, and Ty found ways to make amends as well. As the novel concludes, it is clear that Ty is well on his way to a productive and love-filled life. That is every mother's dream, which is why I chose to close the book with a short thank you letter to Ron, written by Ty's adoptive mom.
About the Author: Christine Thibodeau lives in Massachusetts with her husband, son, and dog. She enjoys hiking, cooking, and yoga. This is her first novel, and it reflects her quest to learn and grow in order to be the best parent possible.