Be Mine

In Richard Ford's poignant novel "Be Mine," readers are once again invited into the world of Frank Bascombe, the indelible sportswriter, father, and real estate agent who has navigated American life through decades. Now in his twilight years, Frank faces his most harrowing role yet: caregiver to his adult son, Paul, who is battling the devastating realities of ALS. This profound challenge sets the stage for a shared winter odyssey to Mount Rushmore, a symbolic journey where Frank, in his characteristic blend of wit, cynicism, and profound observation, confronts the inescapable specter of mortality. As he grapples with Paul's deteriorating health, Frank is forced to re-evaluate his own understanding of happiness, purpose, and the meaning of life at its very end. "Be Mine" is a masterful exploration of a father-son bond under extreme duress, offering an unflinching yet tender look at the human condition, all delivered with Ford's celebrated prose and insight.