Richard Chesley

Coming of Age in Willow County Richard Chesley

Because of his mother's sudden death and his father's alcoholism, thirteen-year-old Toby Morgan becomes virtually homeless. He lives for a few years with his grandparents, who are well-meaning but out of touch with his daily life, and for a few months with shirttail relatives with whom he has little in common. After graduating from high school, Toby learns that working as a hired man on a dairy farm in Willow County will provide him with room and board and a small monthly salary. His new employers, an elderly farmer named Martin Peters and his wife Ursala have been childless during their marriage of over fifty years. In time, the three grow close, and Toby finds genuine camaraderie and love. Divided into two books, book 1, "Willow County Tales," recounts events that occurred in Willow County as told to Toby by local residents and fellow employees. Book 2, "Coming of Age," tells of Toby's personal experiences that help give his life substance and direction. Coming of Age in Willow County reveals the emotional angst of a boy searching for his true place in life as he journeys from adolescence to adulthood.