The Hearts of Men by Nikolas Butler

I'd not previously read Butler's work, but was drawn to this book because of the cover. Boy am I glad I picked the book by it's cover.

This was a fantastic book--well written, compelling, funny, and heart-breaking. It's the story of Nelson--a good kid with no friends at Boy Scout camp or at home--and his unlikely "friendship" with Jonathan, a good looking, athletic, popular older kid--a kid who is not necessarily always a good kid. We follow Nelson from his life altering week at camp when he is 13, through Vietnam, and ultimately, back at the Scout camp where he is now, at 70, the Scout Master, tending to Jonathan's grandson. 

Nelson is a good Scout--a good boy. He believes in and follows the Scout code. He grows into a good man--and despite his flaws and the very bad things he has done, he is a good man. In the case of Jonathan, we don't know if he is a good boy or will be a good man. He is flawed, but each time he is messes up, in the end, he is good. As he ages, his flaws increase. The one semi-constant in both lives are one another. 

These characters were very real--I cared when they were hurt and cheered when the triumphed. Their development was rich and nuanced--nothing was easy, nothing glossed over. My one complaint (and the loss of the star) concerns the female characters, especially Rachel. Her reaction to a very tragic event is simply not enough. The development of any female characters--is very weak, somewhat formulaic, and not at all complete. The women are not fully drawn, stand alone characters. Yet they are incredibly important in the lives of these men. I expect more from this writer, who clearly has skill but choose not to use it to the advantage of his female characters.

Recommended by Cynthia Lambert
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