This wonderful story of youthful self-discovery and a father's abiding love in the face of shared loss captures the very personal struggle for family values against the powerful attraction of modern culture.
In The Autograph: A Modern Fable by noted author Eric Burns, a young teen must come to grips with the tragic loss of her mother. Jenny Durant's birthday proves to be a most difficult time for both father and daughter, but an afternoon with friends and a special gift seem to shed a positive light on future days.
Jenny receives an autograph book and makes plans to fill it with the names of the biggest celebrities of the day. Her plans are within reach when she attends a big basketball game and a hot rock and roll show. But her dream is thwarted by a thoughtless act.
Mr Durant, unsure of Jenny's willingness to talk, pens her a poignant letter to ease the pain.
As the years pass and Jenny's childhood dreams turn to adult goals, her father finds that his guidance. wisdom. and care were treasured, just like the gift she received on that birthday so many years ago.
The Autograph is a book about developing personal values and the special relationship between a father and his daughter. With startling insight and heartwarming inspiration that only a parent could provide. Burns weaves a contemporary tale that will delight young and old alike. This touching story is the perfect gift for teens and parents struggling together through life's trials.
ERIC BURNS (Westport. CT), a writer and lecturer, is a Fox News Channel media analyst and the author of The Joy of Books.
65 pp (Illustrations) ISBN 1-57392-167-X Cloth