Synopses & Reviews
Michael Heath brings us the heartwarming and uplifting story of Henry and Eugene, all wrapped up in the foil and memory of their late father. Garlic Bread for Eugene focuses on Henrys courageous decision on the last day of school to sacrifice his perfect attendance award to help younger brother, Eugene, make garlic bread, Dads specialty, for the school picnic. As Henry pedals away from school and the bell rings, his epic journey begins. What ingredients go into garlic bread? A little garlic, a pinch of oregano, a dab of neighborly help—all buttered with stories teaching Henry about his father, his neighborhood, and himself. Henry learns that making decisions with conviction in an effort to “do the right thing” holds merit, and may be just what was needed to help his brother and himself come to terms with the death of their father.
Review
"A sweet story about growing up that gently teaches life lessons."
--Quill Book Reviewers, June 2012
About the Author
Michael Heath was born and raised in a small community on the Jersey shore. His debut novel, Garlic Bread for Eugene, mirrors the sentimentality of a bygone era when neighbors helped neighbors and kids rode their bikes to school. As a single dad of three, Michael learned the importance of communication between adults and children, and how simple traditions like an annual school picnic could resonate for a lifetime. One of Michael-s messages is that as tragic as death and divorce are, life goes on and it can be rich and beautiful; that there is help out there and often you get it simply by asking. Michael lives in Monmouth County, NJ with his youngest son, and works as an account manager in New York City.