I enjoy memoirs. There a quick way to learn about different lives. Thank you for the arch copy of Sunday Afternoons and other Times Remembered by Ben Ewell for my honest opinion. This is a memoir of persevering in the face of tragedy about creating opportunities and appreciating the gift of life and about learning lessons that can be learned that can better your life. Its a fast and easy enjoyable read. 5 ⭐️ read.

I normally love memoirs, but this one wasn't for me unfortunately. I think I misunderstood the premise, as the obvious gripping hook which would make it different to anyone else's memoir is the tragic family murder. However, this was covered within the first quarter of the book, and then focuses more on the author's childhood growing up on the farm. It is very interesting in terms of first account narratives of life in the 50s and 60s, but not what I was expecting.

Thank you to NetGalley and Spark Press for the advanced copy.

This is an interesting book, sort of two stories, the one of the murder the other of Ben's life. It starts with the murder and then follows on with the life of Ben and growing up in a family that had it’s problems, life wasn’t always easy but there was love.

A good book, not overly long so it didn’t get boring and overly wordy which I liked. An interesting and intriguing story, one that is both happy and sad. But all in all a good book to read.

What a great book I locked the beginning of the book. Actually how he explained his brother's murder and how he felt the loss. And you'll find out who the murderer is at the end of the book. But I like how he goes back in time to the Farmville Ohio and how he members these great stories he had growing up. Ben was pretty amazing how he came out of a farming community like that and then went to Miami University and how it works so hard to get everything in life and then off to California eventually for law school. He ended up in Fresno California because most of his brothers lived there and how he went into water management law. His 1st marriage ended in disaster and then then he went on to another marriage which was really very blessful. His sister Betty was the oldest and she really stood by stood by the family when the brother was murdered but she also played another part and it is well you'll find that out at the end of the book as well. They grew up with nothing but except for the love of their family and and it made them a lot stronger I think cause I didn't have luxuries not even a bathroom. I think this is what makes people strive in this country we can do anything doesn't matter what background poor rich. I think this opportunity's been had and how he applied himself and helped hi His father on the farm as well. They had a lot of tragedies in this family and they seemed to cope with it by going back in time and and remember is it remembering it's me about what they did in the old days. It's a great book I loved it. There is also a family feuds in this book as well and they As well Oop.

Thanks to SparkPress for the advanced copy.

The memoir begins with Ben at the cemetery as his family buries their loved ones. The murder of Bens brother, sister in law and niece have taken a toll on the family, with no suspect in custody. The author doesn't go into great detail. He is brief in his story around the murders, arrest of the murderer and trial. I imagine that it is very painful and would open up to many wounds.

At first, I wasn't sure I would be able to follow the book. It's not in chronological order. Kinds of like a movie that bounces back in time, moves forward and back again. I think if there had been a prologue about the murder and the rest of the book was written in chronological order, I would have enjoyed more. At times, I was wondering why Ben's mom was not with them, not knowing she had passed till later in the book..

Ben leaves the farm in Ohio and heads across the country to law school. Day 1, the students are told most will quit or fail. From Haight-Ashbury to Fresno, we follow Bens colorful journey. His struggles, thoughts, relationships, loss.....

I did enjoy the journey from Ben's childhood to present time. I relived some of my younger days at my great grandmothers through the book. Kids today will never know what the cold, clear water from a well taste like. Or the pain of using a slop bucket at night and on cold days. Without ever knowing Ben's parents, I adored them. My heart broke when he wrote of their passing.

This is a great book...it reads like a conversation...real to life...a memoir...it is fantastic...this author is talented at getting the reader into the story...although the murder of his family takes a big part of the book...at first, he eventually gets into his memories...I enjoyed those the most...a big family...living on a farm...growing up...college...moving...parents...siblings...friends...life and love...themes running throughout this book...interesting...quick read...this book was sent to me by Netgalley for review..

This started off quite interesting- detailing a heinous crime, a mother, father and their 21-year-old daughter shot dead in their home on Easter weekend. The author, brother of one of the victims details the devastating day he found out. It ends up going into a quite detailed account of their upbringing and family life growing up. This may have been better if it had of been written by an impartial crime writer as it is an interesting case. However, from this perspective, I felt I got more family background than a deep look into the crime, the investigation, and an insight into the psychology of someone who would commit such a crime. Thanks to Netgalley for the arc.