Bo's Café (by John Lynch, Bill Thrall and Bruce McNicol)

(Amazon UK link)

I remember that when we acquired ‘Bo’s Cafe’ a decade or so ago, I knew very little about the authors (John Lynch, Bill Thrall and Bruce McNicol). I can’t say I know any more since then, but they worked collaboratively on this book as part of the TrueFace Ministry. I had only vaguely remembered the story, and since it's over ten years since I read it, thought it time to re-read.

It starts with an unexpected counter in a pub - or a bar, as they’re known in the United States. The narrator, a young man called Steven, is about to order a drink when an older man starts talking to him. And this isn’t a chatty drunk, it’s someone who seems to know all about him in a rather spooky way. Steven wants to brush him off at first, until he realises that what this guy is saying is relevant to his situation…

Andy is the name of the older man, and he turns out to be a good friend of Steven’s father. He was a successful businessman a couple of decades earlier, but - as Steven learns, from Google - becomes involved in something a little dodgy, and then disappears from the Internet. And he probably wouldn’t have got in touch with him again, but for another argument with his wife, Lindsey.

It turns out that Steven and Lindsey have had a lot of verbal fights over the years and he has a problem with an explosive temper. So he says things he doesn’t mean - and their daughter Jennifer often gets caught in the crossfire. Steven works hard and is successful and well-off, but he rarely takes the time to be with his family, and becomes angry when Lindsey complains - even though she seems to be quite tactful about it.

However when Lindsey reaches the end of her tether and asks him to move out, he decides he might as well get in touch with Andy again… and they have some discussions, which eventually lead to Steven being invited to a gathering of various random (and ramshackle) folk at a restaurant called Bo’s Cafe. Here he meets people who are prepared to accept him for who he is, with all his failings.

It’s one of those books that has an important message, much of which comes across in conversations. The actual plot isn’t too complicated - it’s mainly about Steven attempting to salvage his marriage. But the insights that are passed on by Andy - and others at the cafe - are quite profound. Andy is eager that Steven shouldn’t just deal with the symptoms of his anger, nor simply try to find their root, but that he acknowledge his complete inability to do anything under his own steam.

It’s a Christian book, and I remember, the first time I read this, thinking that it was how all Christian gatherings should be - grace-filled, with acceptance, and love, and the potential for healing. I was a tad disappointed the first time as it didn’t seem to be as mind-blowing as other reviews had implied; however, reading this time with fewer expectations, I found it quite thought-provoking and encouraging.

The writing style is a bit annoying in places. It’s not just the very informal style, but in the conversations people seem to use each other’s names much more frequently than would ever happen in real life. It felt forced, and also a bit condescending, as if it was put in just in case the reader couldn’t follow who was speaking.

However it’s a minor gripe. Some might dislike the Christian input, which is quite overt in places (though never preachy). Some who prefer traditional writing and Christian gatherings might find the informality a bit concerning. There’s no deep theology in this book, no Scripture verses quoted… just a great deal of insightful common sense, couched in an atmosphere of grace. Relationships are fully authentic, allowing everyone to be free to be themselves, with all their annoying quirks and sinful tendencies.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed the book on re-reading, and would recommend it to anyone who doesn’t mind this style of book, and is open to matters of faith.

Review copyright 2021 Sue's Book Reviews