From the TBR Pile: Blog Tour: The Reinvention of Albert Paugh by Jean Davies Okimoto

Author: Jean Davies Okimoto

Publisher: Endicott and Hugh Books

Date of publication: 2015

Dr. Albert Paugh is flunking retirement. After selling his Vashon Island veterinary practice, he soon finds himself not only lost without his work, but suddenly single. His efforts to carve out a new life, both as a bachelor and a retiree, only leave him feeling like his golden years are fast becoming years of gloom. His regrets pile up until he moves to Baker’s Beach where he gets to know a very special neighbor, learns that friends are the family you choose, and finds a new sense of purpose. The Reinvention of Albert Paugh is a sweet, funny love story about retirees that will delight readers (and dog lovers) of any age.

The Reinvention of Albert Paugh is the third book in Jean Davies Okimoto’s Island Trilogy, following The Love Ceiling and Walter’s Muse.

The Reinvention of Albert Paugh is a sweet story about a man in his 60s who is failing at retirement. I thought it was a cute story and something that would be a good read on a rainy day. Al is a retired veterinarian who has just finished nursing his wife through lung cancer. He is regretting his decision to retire and sell his business when his wife drops a bomb on him. She wants a divorce because she wants a different life. Suddenly, Al is at a crossroads; not sure what to do with himself.

As I said, this was a sweet story about a man who is trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life. If you ask me, he was better off without Eleanor. She was holding him back! I liked how the small community embraced him. I also loved watching his friendship with Bonnie grow. That was very endearing. I was rooting for Al to find his way. I kind of felt bad for him as single women threw themselves at him once they found out he was single. It was cute that he was kind of clueless.

I haven't read the first two books in this series. I honestly don't think it matters as the book stood up well as a stand alone. As I said, it's a cute story and worth checking out.

About Jean Davies Okimoto

Jean Davies Okimoto is an author and playwright whose books and short stories have been translated into Japanese, Italian, Chinese, German, Danish, Korean and Hebrew. She is the recipient of numerous awards including Smithsonian Notable Book, the American LibraryAssociation Best Book for Young Adults, the Washington Governor’s Award and the International Reading Association Readers Choice Award. Her picture book, Blumpoe the Grumpoe Meets Arnold the Cat was adapted by Shelly Duvall for the HBO and Showtime television series “Bedtime Stories.” Her debut novel for adults The Love Ceiling was a season’s pick by the King County Library System, named to the ABA Indie Next Reading Group List and ebook Fiction Winner in the 2009 Indie Next Generation Awards. She has appeared on CNN, Oprah, and The Today Show. Jeanie, who is also a retired psychotherapist, began writing for adults when she and her husband Joe retired to Vashon Island in 2004 where they (and their dogs Bert and Willie) are visited by deer families and their six grandchildren.

For more information on Ms. Okimoto, please visit her website at www.jeandaviesokimoto.com.

Jean Davies Okimoto’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Monday, August 3rd: Book Dilettante

Wednesday, August 5th: Mama Vicky Says

Monday, August 10th: The Book Wheel

Tuesday, August 11th: Bibliotica