Ripples Through Time by Lincoln Cole is a story about Calvin Greenwood, a man in his eighties who is alone for the first time in over sixty years. He is not dealing well with the death of his wife, Emily, and is seriously considering ending his own life in order to be reunited with his deceased wife, the love of his life. Luckily, at this time, a family friend named Edward comes back into Calvin's life. Realizing the danger and despair Calvin is in, Edward spends time talking to his friend and trying to understand the motivations Calvin has to even consider doing what many people would consider unthinkable. But for Calvin, it is the only thing that makes sense in his otherwise lonesome life.

Ripples through Time is a beautiful story that tackles the hard subjects of aging, life after death, loneliness, forgiveness, friendship, and a person's right to choose whether or not to live or die. It is a wonderfully written story with vibrant, interesting characters and deep, meaningful conversations that will stick with readers long after the pages have stopped turning. Readers interested in social issues will especially be interested in this story, as well as readers who are dealing with aging or loss. People will understand this story and relate to Calvin because he is so well written and really encompasses the emotions that make so many of us tick. He struggles with the same issues that many readers face, which makes for an interesting and engaging story.

In a lovely and thought provoking new book by author Lincoln Cole, Ripples Through Time is a book that will stay with readers long after they have finished the final page. Follow the story of Calvin Greenwood, an 83-year-old man who has lost his wife and the love of his life, Mellie. Calvin's grief is overwhelming and he can't imagine going on much longer without her, nor does he want to. A good friend of the family, Edward, comes to visit Calvin at his most vulnerable time, and realizes that his friend is considering euthanasia, ending it all in the hope of somehow being reunited with his beloved wife. Will Edward be able to convince Calvin that life is worth living after Mellie?

I loved Ripples Through Time. Loved. It. How's that for a review? Author Lincoln Cole has done an absolutely wonderful job in creating characters that his readers will connect with, relate to, and care about. His use of the voices of several narrators is both unique and effective in that it allows readers to feel as if they truly know the thoughts of the characters and can get to know them in-depth. The book provides an opportunity to think deeply about issues including the treatment of the elderly, grief, and euthanasia. Any reader who has an interest in these social issues, or who simply enjoys a great read should absolutely pick up this book. I highly recommend Ripples Through Time, and am looking forward to reading more from the very promising author, Lincoln Cole, as soon as possible!

I find it interesting when a young writer somehow manages to render a story with insightful accuracy as to issues of age and aging. Lincoln Cole has done precisely that, in his Literary Classics award-winning, Ripples Through Time. Cole offers up Calvin, a highly imperfect man who, having lost his wife of many years, is prepared to end it all. Calvin has difficulty getting around and is sorry about (if not regretful about) his current relationships with different members of his family, but he is nevertheless prepared to visit the graveyard where he can die at his wife’s freshly filled grave. Then Edward White—who in his young 50s, is “just a kid,” to Calvin—shows up at his door. Edward tells the old man he dropped by to see how he is doing. Calvin thinks, “I’m eight-one damn years old, broken, scared, and alone for the first time in nearly sixty years. What the hell kind of question is ‘how are you’?” In fact, Calvin is 83—but in many ways, these and other similar thoughts of his, set the stage for everything that transpires thereafter.

As Ripples Through Time progresses, the difficulties and pains of various family members come to light, as do some of the secrets they’ve stored over the years. Cole treats each with respect and compassion. Thus it is that, even while Calvin is in many ways not a highly “likeable” man, readers appreciate how his now-dead wife had influenced him to becoming a somewhat “better” man. They will also find a bud of healing begin at her funeral—and through it, may find healing in their own lives.