The Nine Lessons: A Novel of Love, Fatherhood, and Second Chances by Kevin Alan Milne

When August Wilte learns his wife is pregnant, he’s terrified. His own father, London, was less than perfect. To make things worse, his mother died when he was very young, so he’s never been exposed to “good” parenting.

August confronts his father, demanding an explanation for his failures. Instead, London suggests that meet once a month for a round of golf. Both men get what they want: London gets the chance to reintroduce his son to the game of golf, and August receives tidbits of memories of his mother on golf score cards that London used as a sort of diary.

August soon learns that his father’s motive isn’t just golf. Each golf lesson is actually a life lesson. By the time his wife has reached the end of her pregnancy, August has received nine lessons in life from his father.

I’ll have to admit, I was apprehensive about reading THE NINE LESSONS when I read the description. However, I enjoyed Milne’s other book THE PAPER BAG CHRISTMAS I thought I’d give him another chance. I’m glad I did. Milne’s characters are genuine and experience emotions we’ve all experienced. The messages relayed in THE NINE LESSONS are messages that we can all take to heart.

Here is just a sampling of some of the wisdom London passes on to August:

“Some days we play the game of life in the bloody rain. Not all days can be sunny skies and fair weather. But sooner or later the dark clouds dissipate…and the light shines through.”

“If your child happens to wonder out of bounds, stick by his side, let him know you’re there to help, and encourage him to get back on the fairway as quickly as possible.”

“Mind your own score…get rid of the mental tallies of who is doing what, and just work as a team to get everything done that needs to be done.”

“You’ve got to follow through. Even if it seems hard, you’ve got to force your body to do it.”

THE NINE LESSONS would be the perfect gift for a father-to-be, or any person attempting to overcome a obstacle or challenge in life. Don’t discount the book because on the surface it appears to be about golf, because after all, Golf IS life!