From Publishers Weekly
Setting his first novel in the Midwestern community of New Warsaw, psychologist Peck ( The Road Less Traveled ) focuses on inmates of the Willow Glen nursing home. This small but fascinating world is soon disrupted by the murder of its most famous and charismatic resident, spastic quadriplegic Stephen Solaris, who taps messages with his knuckles on a letter board and is the only non-elderly resident. Ex-New Yorker Lt. Petri, a fresh recruit to the local police force, plunges into an investigation, armed with a fistful of preconceptions about nursing homes and seniors, and is saved from making a false arrest by the fortunate interference of residents Marion Grochowski and Georgia Bates. Petri admits his mistake and broadens his search, finally seeking help from Dr. Kolnietz, Willow Glen therapist. Peck's interest in the metaphysical is well placed in the nursing home setting, where death is an expected visitor. Yet the author's examination of virtue is more searching than his consideration of evil, and some characters experience unconvincing changes of heart. But that should not deter the reader from enjoying a generally intelligent look at human growth. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
Set in a Midwestern nursing home, a newly transplanted New York police officer's first homicide involves a young cerebral palsy patient who, while unable to speak or move, has had a great influence on those with whom he has come in contact. Tom Petri faces the odd assortment of Willow Glen's patients and staff while also confronting his own preconceptions, prejudices, and emotional upheaval. The author's expertise in medicine and psychology is evident. Peck is the author of the self-help best seller The Road Less Traveled (LJ 9/15/78) and other titles, but his collection of typically troubled and/or bizarre characters seems at times excessive; in fact, the existence of some appears pointless. Not a necessary acquisition. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 4/15/90.- Judith A. Gifford, Salve Regina Coll. Lib., Newport, R.I.Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

ANNOTATION

Now in paperback, Peck's 100,000-copy New York Times hardcover bestseller hailed as "something of a miracle" by the New York Times Book Review. The author of the 3.5 million-copy bestseller The Road Less Traveled offers a deeply moving work that displays great spiritual insight and hope for the human race.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Among those within the self-contained world of the Willow Glen nursing home are two extraordinary people. One is there to give care, the other to receive it. Yet together they form a band of love and trust that transcends their expectations and changes their lives. Violence shatters Willow Glen as a murderer roams the halls of the home, and the residents and staff must confront a truly terrifying evil and face their innermost fears, suspicions & darkest secrets...

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Setting his first novel in the Midwestern community of New Warsaw, psychologist Peck ( The Road Less Traveled ) focuses on inmates of the Willow Glen nursing home. This small but fascinating world is soon disrupted by the murder of its most famous and charismatic resident, spastic quadriplegic Stephen Solaris, who taps messages with his knuckles on a letter board and is the only non-elderly resident. Ex-New Yorker Lt. Petri, a fresh recruit to the local police force, plunges into an investigation, armed with a fistful of preconceptions about nursing homes and seniors, and is saved from making a false arrest by the fortunate interference of residents Marion Grochowski and Georgia Bates. Petri admits his mistake and broadens his search, finally seeking help from Dr. Kolnietz, Willow Glen therapist. Peck's interest in the metaphysical is well placed in the nursing home setting, where death is an expected visitor. Yet the author's examination of virtue is more searching than his consideration of evil, and some characters experience unconvincing changes of heart. But that should not deter the reader from enjoying a generally intelligent look at human growth. (Sept.)

Library Journal

Set in a Midwestern nursing home, a newly transplanted New York police officer's first homicide involves a young cerebral palsy patient who, while unable to speak or move, has had a great influence on those with whom he has come in contact. Tom Petri faces the odd assortment of Willow Glen's patients and staff while also confronting his own preconceptions, prejudices, and emotional upheaval. The author's expertise in medicine and psychology is evident. Peck is the author of the self-help best seller The Road Less Traveled (LJ 9/15/78) and other titles, but his collection of typically troubled and/or bizarre characters seems at times excessive; in fact, the existence of some appears pointless. Not a necessary acquisition. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 4/15/90.-- Judith A. Gifford, Salve Regina Coll. Lib., Newport, R.I.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

"Scott Peck...is a blunt storyteller....His unique insights and wisdom comes through in pure story. This is...a page-turner, a book that you start and can't put down." — Madeleine Lengle