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Bonsai

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Description

They know him by his nickname only. That is about all they know about Bonsai. To most people, he is a complete nobody. The strange guy that runs the gas station on the edge of town. The town being Salinas in the valley. It's a dinosaur of a gas station, slipping in all ways into the ground, a symbol of a bygone time, like him. History. But this is not the full story. And contrary to everyone's assumption, Bonsai is like any of us, actually quite remarkable. This is his story. The former driver to a Japanese Yakuza, an inveterate gambler, an Asian American immigrant, a devout father. In a strange series of events his remarkable past comes suddenly back into his reality, and forces him to resolve lots of unfinished business in his life. He learns that there is life left to celebrate even though, like any of us, he is not fully in control of his destiny. But maybe his dreams will come true and he will be reunited with his daughter? her mother would be too much to ask ofcourse. It's a page turning, life affirming ride and you will pity the fool that entered his gas station and didn't take a second look at him in their rear view mirror. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published


Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 7, 2024


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 304 pages


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 14


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.16 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.69 x 9 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #2,770,816 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #2,038 in Asian & Asian American Biographies #17,192 in Crime Action & Adventure #24,020 in Mystery Action & Adventure


#2,038 in Asian & Asian American Biographies:


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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Fascinating - Everyone’s life is a story to be told.
Format: Kindle
I live on the Monterey Peninsula - I love stories that evoke my surroundings from the farmlands of the Central Valley to the storied wealth of 17 Mile Drive. Sandy’s first story is a complex, interwoven mix of several people’s lives, how they connect and how the world turns in different ways - in other words - real life with a twist or two that keeps the interest to the hoped for ending, that might be different for all of us. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2024 by Stephen Boyle

  • Wonderful Read
Format: Paperback
From cover to cover, I couldn't put this book down. The author does a great job telling the story of the down on his luck protagonist, Bonsai. I couldn’t help but feel for him as he struggles to navigate his difficult past and troubled relationship with his daughter. One of the better novels I’ve read in quite some time. Highly recommend! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2024 by John

  • Great surprise
Format: Paperback
I picked this book up randomly based on the cover. It turned out to be a really fun book. It has a great arc and a fantastic ending. I don’t want to give too much away but it’s a compelling read and story that I’d recommend.
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2024 by mikey23

  • Conflicts and Clashes
Format: Paperback
How many chances do you have to realize a dream and how might you embrace it. Debut author Sandy Nicolson’s novel, Bonsai explores this. It was inspired by a real life event that opened the author to the importance of second chances. To most people, Bonsai is the guy who runs the old gas station at the edge of Salinas. He’s a nobody. Bonsai isn’t even his real name. Beneath the appearance and occupation that make people ignore him, he’s a good golfer with an expensive gambling habit. He’s also a father whose daughter slipped out of his life and become a successful lawyer, but she and her partner have issues—like Bonsai and all of us. Years ago, his rich, slick boss returned to Japan where he was required to spend a year in prison. He left his wife behind, and asked Bonsai to look after her. When he returns, Bonsai realizes how little control he has over his own life, but maybe something could change and his daughter could return. The author grapples with many contradictions, exploring as he goes and reminding us that every one of us is a complex individual under the surface. I was drawn to the book because of its setting and found the contrasts and clashes between the characters believable. The second half of the story moves more swiftly than the first. Although I had a bit of trouble adjusting to some of the author’s capitalization and punctuation, I soon read right past it, which is a compliment to the story itself. Kudos for all the efforts that went into telling this complex, life-affirming story. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2024 by B. Lynn Goodwin

  • MYSTERY OF LOVE
Format: Paperback
It’s the mid-1970s and on the outskirts of Salinas, California, sets an old gas station that long ago ran out of gas. Owned and operated by a South Korean immigrant known as Bonsai, the place remains open due Bonsai’s skills as a mechanic. He can pretty much fix any broken down engine built before the 90s and not attached to some kind of computer. The station also runs a small convenience store with the usual assortment of dry goods and soda for the luckless driver who wanders off the interstate in the middle of the night. The mystery attached to the place is Bonsai’s daughter, Lily who’s origin is unknown by any of the locals. One day Bonsai ran the garage with his uncle, the previous owner. Then his uncled died and for a while it was only Bonsai. And then there was Bonsai and a precious, beautiful baby girl he said was his daughter, Lily. End of story, or as much as he would ever reveal to anyone. Even Lily. The fact that he loved her more than anything in the world and did his best to provide for her, to keep her safe and happy, could not diminish her need to know about her mother. Still, Bonsai was as stubborn as his daughter. Finally, Lily left for college, became a lawyer and went to work for a prestige firm in San Francisco. Thus establishing her own life, she had nothing further to do with the stoic, impegnetarble wall that was her father. For a first novel, writer Sandy Nicolson displays and uncanny gift for memorable characters and unusual circumstances. Though none of the players in the story of Bonsai and Lily is what one would call exceptional, they remain absolutely fascinating. The riddle that has haunted them for thirty years slowly begins to unravel as the book moves to its climax and the answers to mystery are both beautiful and tragic. People, even imperfect people, can sometimes find love. If they are wise, they will hold on and never let go. Bravo, Sandy Nicolson, “Bonsai” as a truly wonderful surprise. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2024 by Ron Fortier

  • A Forgotten Hero
Format: Hardcover
Nicolson's storytelling prowess shines as he skillfully navigates Bonsai's journey of self-discovery and redemption. Through a series of unforeseen events, Bonsai is confronted with his past and forced to reconcile with unfinished business, including his fraught relationship with his daughter and the consequences of his tumultuous past. What emerges is a poignant tale of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of human connection. Despite the odds stacked against him, Bonsai discovers that there is still life left to celebrate, even as he grapples with the realization that he may not be fully in control of his destiny. "Bonsai" is a gripping and life-affirming narrative that deftly explores themes of identity, forgiveness, and the universal quest for redemption. Nicolson's prose is compelling and evocative, drawing readers into Bonsai's world with its richly drawn characters and vividly depicted settings. Ultimately, "Bonsai" is a testament to the transformative power of second chances and the resilience of the human spirit. With its engaging plot, vibrant characters, and thought-provoking themes, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after the final page is turned. Don't overlook the remarkable tale of Bonsai—it's a ride you won't soon forget. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2024 by BradfordC

  • Compelling, Character-Driven Debut Novel
Format: Kindle
Bonsai is a unique, character-driven story featuring the owner of an independent gas station in the rural farming community of Salinas, California. The story was dear to me as the author highlighted many iconic locations in the area. Bonsai is a quiet humble man who devotedly raised his daughter Lily as a single father. He was probably not the quintessential best father, however, his love and devotion was absolute. The secrecy surrounding Lily's absent mother, only makes her more curious and more furious at Bonsai for not telling her more. For much of the first half of the book, characters are introduced and their relationship to Bonsai and Lily unfold. At least for the first three pivotal character introductions, the tone of the writing seemed to change in a way that felt organic and true to the nature of the character. The story progresses slowly, but the characters are intriguing enough to have kept my interest. Bonsai is a good read for its rich characters and vivid imagery. I appreciated Nicolson's themes of second chances, redemption and forgiveness. Bonsai, the character, is a testament to the many immigrants who came to America and worked hard to improve their living condition. From the difficult first scene to the dramatic conclusion, Bonsai is a compelling read. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2024 by Xkoqueen

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