Under Cottonwoods: A Novel of Friendship, Fly Fishing, and Redemption

Under Cottonwoods is a lyrical novel of two Wyoming friends who are drawn together by their love of fly fishing and the outdoors. Walter is a handsome young man whose face and brain are scarred as a result of a climbing accident that has left him partially paralyzed and mentally diminished. Mike, who lost both of his parents when he was a young teen, is in his own way as handicapped as Walter. Mike seems at first to be the stronger, compassionately lending a hand to an unfortunate friend, but it’s soon clear that each is giving the other something priceless: the insight and courage to challenge the odds, embrace reality, and find a way to flourish and grow. Through quiet times on pristine streams, dangerous times on angry rivers, and the daily grind of a life of diminished expectations, the men grow stronger as their friendship deepens. With Mike’s help, Walter reestablishes a bond with his father and dares to chance romance, while Mike, with Walter’s constant encouragement and astute observations, makes peace with his wife.

Stephen Grace’s exploration of life after tragedy, is a perfect blend of humor and compassion rare in a first--or any--contemporary novel.