A Kirkus Reviews Recommended Book (Sept. 2020)! Where the Red Fern Grows meets To Kill a Mockingbird. It's 1968 in the rural coastline town of Denton, Florida, and the only thing with a tougher life than twelve-year-old Jack Turner is a starving dog named Bones. When they meet while Jack is fishing, Jack knows that he and Bones are meant for each other, and he promises his oft-absent alcoholic parents that he'll somehow get a job to pay for his new dog's food and care. In the process of finding work, Jack meets Hank Pittman, a middle-aged man who lives in a dilapidated school bus at the harbor, and Mrs. Mary Jane Dawson, an eccentric but kind older woman in need of gardening help. As Bones nurses back to health, Hank and Mrs. Dawson become the caring parents Jack never had. But gossip and lies about Jack's growing relationships lead to an attack on Bones' life and questions about Hank's past. When Hank is put on trial for a crime he didn't commit, everything Jack holds dear is set in the balance of that small-town courtroom. Floating Twigs is a timeless coming-of-age story about a boy and his dog, the responsibilities that come with loving others, and how sometimes one small moment can change a life forever.
Charles Tabb retired from teaching to pursue his dream of writing. His family supported his decision, and a year later he published his first novel, Floating Twigs, while also publishing several short stories with various literary journals. He has won successive Golden Nib awards for fiction. In 2018 his story "As Luck Would Have It" won third prize, and in 2019 the psychological thriller "The Thirteenth Painting" won first prize. Now his fan base is growing, with readers from all over the U.S.
Charles lives near Richmond, Virginia, with his wife, dogs, and computer. His wife enjoys tending to her two off-the-track thoroughbred horses, but Charles prefers their dogs. He was elected president of the Hanover Writers Club, a chapter of the Virginia Writers Club, in March 2019. He is also a proud and active member of the Virginia Writers Club and James River Writers.
Charles' desire to go out and do something with his life started at age three when his mother told him to wait in the car, which was parked in the driveway, for maybe a minute while she went inside to retrieve something she needed for the short jaunt into town. Once alone, Charles moved to the driver's seat and put the car in gear. The vehicle rolled down the driveway and was heading for the mailbox across the street when a neighbor mowing his lawn heard Charles' shouts for help (the car's windows were rolled up, mind you) and managed to hit the brake and put the car back in gear before tragedy struck. To this day, Charles can be loud enough to be heard in a crowded room if the need arises.
Although he loves to travel, he prefers to be seated at his desktop writing novels and short stories. His second novel, Hell is Empty, is the first in a detective series. It will be released in the fall of 2019.
Charles is also available to speak to groups about writing. If you would like to contact him about speaking to a group, you can reach him at charlestabb.com, where contact information is provided. He also speaks to school groups, especially high school English students, about goal-setting and meeting those goals, using his writing career as an example.
I really loved this book. As a retired teacher I wanted to get justice for what the 8th grade teacher and secretary did. I always looked out for the kids who were not popular and hoped they’d at least feel important the year they had me. They had a brilliant student and I’d nothing for him but cause trouble. As a volunteer at an animal rescue and dog lover with my own three legged dog, I bonded immediately with the main characters. I wanted one of the kind adults to help look after Bones while his owner was at work so the bully couldn’t get to him. I did have to see what happened to the dog at the end of the story before I could let myself read it and get connected. This is the story of a true survivor with fearlessness in his bones as well as in his dog’s. Animals can be better friends than humans. I find this book inspiring for the kids as well as adults who read it. A story of accepting but not approving of his circumstances and having the courage to defend what is right regardless of what happens (unless it would jeopardize Bones of course. That’s one of my favorite things about this author.) Thanks for being born!
I thought that this was going to be a story about a boy and his dog, and in a way, it was, just that the boy didn’t spend much time with his dog. Still, I enjoyed it very much.
Jack and his friends took a boat out to go fishing, they found a starving dog on an island, and Jack took it home and named him Bones since he was skin and bones. Good as name as any. But his parents didn’t wish for him to keep Bones, that is, not unless he worked to make money to feed him. And that is exactly what Jack did.
So, now the story revolves around Jack and the people that he is working for, and how he goes about his life, which is dog is mostly tied up at home, but at least he is getting fattened up and has trips to the vet. I should not be too harsh on Jack and how his dog is at home because his dog is being nursed back to health.
Jack’s closest friend now is an older man named Hank who lives in a bus by the river. Jack has long visits with him and helps him with projects, and Hank, in turn, gets Jack another job. In the meantime, we have other kids who are causing Jack problems, even beating him up and poisoing his dog. The story evolves into a court case but ends on a good note.
This book is amazing. A 12 year old boy trying to navigate life with two parents who completely neglected him. Learn how he finds a starving dog and carries the dog two miles to a veterinarian. Like me, you might cheer him on in different aspects and dilemmas of his life. Follow this kind boy and you will be better for it.
A beautiful story! Set in a small Florida beach-town community in 1968, this is the story of a twelve-year-old boy whose home life has been less than perfect but whose intelligence and integrity is strong. Because it was set in a safer time, the boy learns on his own, through his freedom to freely wander the community , about the goodness, evil, and in between found in the human heart. After his rescue of a starving dog, he must find work in order to have money to care for the dog. His job search will lead him to a WW II vet who has his own sad story and to the eventual arrest of this man. Determined to tell the truth about the situation, the boy goes to the courtroom where his friend is on trial. There he learns more about good, evil, secrets, and the complexity of the human heart. This should be a class read novel in 8th or 9th grade literature classes. It would also fit requirements in social studies or Civics classes.
I bought this book off of BookBub never hearing of the author but thinking it sounded like a book I’d enjoy reading. I finished it in two days. What an amazing book with incredible lessons for everyone. This is a keeper, one of the best books I’ve ever read, and I’ve read hundreds!! My only disappointment is that he’s only written two books. When I come across an incredible book like this I immediately go to the authors page to look for more. I hope he comes out with a new release soon, preferably one on the order of this book. Read it, you absolutely won’t be disappointed.
This is one of the most heartwarming story I’ve ever read. It was so good I can’t think of enough words to recommend it. It brings on all of your emotions as it weaves its way to a sad but happy ending. The characters are so true to life it hurts that some humans can be so cruel!
A truly heart-wrenching story. It's beautiful as well. There's a lot of bad in the world and sometimes it happens to children. But there is also goodness, too. The standouts are those people who walk their own downtrodden paths -- but yet extend a helping hand, share the little they have and love with open hearts. Jack Turner was a boy of thirteen that was dealt a rough and tumble boyhood. His parents were alcoholics and absentee parents. But Jack had backbone and he loved a three-legged dog seeing to his needs before his own.
This isn't a book that I would have ever thought would become a favorite. I was wrong. I couldn't put it down and I was sad to see it end. I am even considering suggesting it to my grandson. The lessons are that solid and meaningful.
A new-to-me-author whose writing is superb, his story deeply moving and pushes me on to the follow-up of Jack Turner's return to his hometown eighteen years later.
Mr. Tabb so thoughtfully weaves the words in his work of fiction, much like the gentle flow if a red ribbon in the breeze. A true masterpiece! The characters, their emotions, and circumstances will stick with me for awhile. This easily relatable and tantalizing tale would make a fine addition to the literary ranks held by that of Harper Lee, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Ralph Ellison. Keep this kind of writing going, and you'll soon see the fruits of your work in the way of the prestigious Man Booker or oft coveted Pulitzer. Cheers, A.D.W.
Floating Twigs is an entertaining coming of age story with a little mystery and some courthouse drama in it. Our young narrator never misses a beat with an even tale told in an easy to follow, understand and sympathize voice. He's clear and concise in relating the tale.
Jack, not quite thirteen years old knows unfairness. He fights for his rights every day of his life. When he finds a starving dog, he knows he will have to find a job to feed it if he wants to have any chance of keeping it. One thing leads to another as Jack finds his way in the adult world. He is wise beyond his years and has a healthy dose of distrust of people learned from experience. But Jack holds himself to a standard that many around him do not. Through work, he finds people who are true friends and help him navigate but it all comes at a cost. Jack never wavers in his quest and hope that good will win.
Floating Twigs is an enjoyable story that depicts the good and bad in people well. It held my interest all the way through. May the good of the world triumph.
Sweet story of a boy and his dog and good conquers evil.
This book struck a lot chords. A neglected and unloved boy finds a dying mutt and they rescue each other, as so,often happens. There is also the story of injustice, the harm of gossip, meanness, and the ever-present jumping to conclusions that seems to be acceptable in these times. But a few good people, starting with one reflexive act of kindness, overcome and prevail. It is well-written, thought provoking and makes you want to do that one kind act.
I rarely find a book that none of my Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ friends have read. I so often read reviews, and purchase books based on what my friends recommend. This was a find for me! I so enjoyed the characters, especially Jack. His parents are alcoholics and rarely notice him. He and his friends find a starving dog and Jack decides to bring him home. His Dad says he can keep the dog if he can pay for his food, so Jack finds work down at the fishing docks. He is bullied there, and then meets a man named Hank who offers him a job. They develop a wonderful friendship. He also starts working for Mrs. Dawson, and the two adults support Jack and his dog, Bones. The town gossip and bullies start trouble for Jack and Hank, and they accuse them of a wrong relationship. There is a trial, and Jack has to testify. It's a book about honesty, and true kindness. I recommend this if you like character driven novels. This author has a writing style similar to Catherine Ryan Hyde, a favorite author of mine.
My eyes are glazed over because I read this one in one day. It’s one of the few books that I came very close to turning to the end because I was so anxious about how it would end. So many characters to become angry with and the main character, A young boy of 12, has so much to be angry and bitter about. An excellent, amazing story of love and people coming together.
I’m still sitting in my chair hoping the author has another book available. So much feeling in this story..... I’ll recommend this to all my friends!
Such a great story from start to finish. The many emotions that were stirred up when the school secretary and teacher were being nasty, the bullies, the biased police officer- all of it added great color to the story! Highly recommend this one!
12 year old Jack finds and is determined to keep a skinny three legged dog he came upon during a fishing adventure with two buddies in 1960 something Florida. His battles to feed the dog get him involved with a middle aged man, a loner who takes Jack under his wing. With alcoholic parents who basically ignore Jack, the boy is happy to have a father figure who has paid him for odd jobs and also finds him other work so he can feed his dog. When a busy body, beer swilling "respected member of the community" decides there is something unnatural about the relationship between the boy and the man and calls the police, it becomes a fight in the courtroom to convince a jury there was no wrong doing. Beautifully written and tastefully done, the author makes it easy to love the boy and despise those who are willing to lie for their own benefit. It reminded me of "To Kill a Mockingbird" as it portrays the innocence of youth and the power of love.
I don't usually read books with pets in them (they always die!), but was promised this would be different. They were right. The life of Jack Turner, his dog Bones, and the other characters were vividly depicted without belaboring details. There were several realizations made by Jack that I remember finding as a teenager, and those memories still sting. Most of all, it is a book that portrays a less than positive world and a person's ability to find the positives while overcoming the negatives.
Rarely does a book touch me like this one. The narrator and main character, young Jack, has a kind, straightforward and accepting nature that is very appealing. The way he faces his bleak life, as well as the devastating challenges that arise, inspires me to a higher level of compassion and strength. The book left me with an appreciation for the impact we have on others, and the message was delivered through a compelling plot.
A bittersweet story about the power of love. The story also reveals how the lack of love harms humans and animals. Jack , Bones, Hank , and Mrs Dawson will remain with me for a long time. A highly readable tale that I greatly enjoyed
I enjoyed the way Tabb writes. He’s descriptive without being flowery. Characters are well developed and the plot was fast paced. Jack is a 12 year old boy growing up in poverty in Florida in the late �60s. He could be bitter about his circumstances but isn’t. He finds friendship, support, and love from his friends; Roger and Lee, Hank and Mrs. Dawson, and the stray dog (Bones) he rescued. I liked that although Jack deals with bullies, a less than ideal home life, and some morally corrupt adults in his community, he remains kind and generous. He takes care of Bones and is willing to help Hank. Jack is honest and hard working. A friend shared this book with me and I’m happy she did! I hope the sequel, Finding Twigs, is just as inspiring.
This was an easy read that kept me interested in the fate of all the characters, some loveable, some not so much. Tugs on the heartstrings for sure. Out of the 60 + books I have read so far this year, across many genres, this moved to the " favorite" position quite quickly. Cudos, Mr Tabb! You told a great story!
Not something I would normally pick to read..... But I truly enjoyed this story. The characters are engaging and easy to relate to. Jack shows much more integrity at his young age than many adults can muster. The author did a good job with a crime that has become too common place in our world today, while pointing out that things aren't always what they seem, and that vicious gossip can ruin lives of good and descent people. And who doesn't enjoy a book depicting a boy`s love for his dog? You are one of my hero's, Jack!
This is a book about Jack Turner, a rescued dog and an elderly friend named Hank. Jack’s mom and dad are alcoholics and don’t have much time for Jack. Being poor he is not popular at school and there fore has very few friends. When he brings home Bones, the starving dog he must find a way to feed and care fore him himself or his dad will put him down. He finds small jobs to buy food for bones, and becomes close friends with Hank. Things begin to happen to threaten their friendship. This is a heartwarming story set in the 60’s of a boy growing up in a small town.
I don’t usually write a review for a book but this is such a heartwarming wonderful book I encourage all to read.I am sitting here crying trying to write this so please read this book!
This is a story of truth, faithfulness and caring. The story is real for so many innocent and guilty people. It is extremely well written and held my boldly attention. I wholehardly recommend this book to be read by anyone, but it would be an excellent book for a book club read. Kudos to Charles Tabb for this excellent book.
A heartwarming story of a boy who despite parents who did nothing to parent their child, found love and compassion from strangers. If you are looking for an uplifting read,you will enjoy Floating Twigs!
I thought this was an absolutely delightful book! I started reading it mid-morning and didn't put it down until I finished it in mid-evening the same day. The story is heartwarming, but it's also suspenseful in it's own way, and is an evocative insight into an adolescent's world and the way one boy copes with poverty, uncaring parents, and the love of a three-legged dog he rescues from death by starvation. It's also the story of an older man who has faced the worst losses one can imagine, but is till able to fulfill a vital role in the life of this young boy, ain what turns out to be a grave risk to his own well-being. In short, it is a story of love - both human and canine. It's a "must-read".