The Gift

4.5 stars. The Gift by Scott Terry is a compelling coming of age historical novel. Pansy Blackwell’s decision to move to Fresno proves to be life altering when she becomes a Jehovah’s Witness. A single mother to her young son William aka Butch, their life takes an unexpected turn when they move to the......more

Came across this in the middle of the Steinbeck binge for which I was preparing, and it was a great follow up/companion to what I’d read so far! Terry’s ‘The Gift’ is steeped in everything Steinbeck also captures perfectly: ranch country 🐂 farm life 🌾🐕🐎 and small villages where everyone is in everyo......more

Thoroughly enjoying story of boy coming of age starting in the 60's. Raised by his mother, who was Catholic till coming to California when she bought into the JW movement. Befriended by a cattleman who becomes a surrogate father figure, he lives a life of bare necessity but joy when out with the cat......more

Scott Terry's novel The Gift is a heart-wrenching coming-of-age story that takes readers to Farnsworth, California, in the late 1960s—early 1970s. Pansy is a little girl who has seen more abuse and trauma than one should. When her father murders her mother, she goes to live with her Uncle in Salt La......more

The Gift By: Scott Terry Publisher: Torchflames Books Release Date: February 25, 2025 Length: 294 pages Triggers: Religious extremism, homophobia, family conflict Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Powerful and Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Story Scott Terry’s The Gift is a deeply moving and historically accurate novel that ex......more