Grove Mower describes his books, including the newly released Amos and Ike as “fun fast fiction, a humorous beach read you can pass on to a friend”. His readers might argue that they are much more, perhaps having the spirit of a film by Frank Capra who turns out to be the author’s favorite director.

But here’s Mower on Mower:

“It’s tougher today: Covid. Anxiety. Talking heads screaming at you from every channel. Being told what to think and do. Emails, Facebook. Twitter. Instagram. It’s exhausting and does not stop.

“But you can stop by reading my stories that are primarily meant to entertain. They won’t move you unless to turn the page or get another glass of wine. They are simple tales with a beginning, a middle and an end. They contain twists and plots, but what is most important are the details in between—and between the lines that keep you from chucking the book across the room with a ‘I don’t have time for this’. Those little clues, utterances, details and twists that leave you on the precipice of the ah-ha and the ha-ha. That’s my goal.”

Cover of Amos and Ike by Grove N. Mower

Readers fall for his characters, delight that there is usually a friendly dog involved and celebrate what Mower describes as his affinity for affirming people as well as his love of a happy ending. The Managing Partner of Hummer Mower by day, Mower’s delight in writing early and late in the day was something we wanted to share with you.

CCM: Although your first books, Forty Rod Road and Hope were set out west, you have been writing recently about the Chicago area. Amos and Ike is set in Lake Forest. Tell us why you chose to set the story there.

I spent much time In Lake Forest when I was in high school and college. Many of my good friends live there. After college I worked with a friend in his handyman business, living with him in his parent's garage apartment. Because I was conversant and comfortable in Lake Forest, I chose that as the genesis of Amos and Ike. The setting also dovetailed with the theme of dusty money that inhabits Lake Forest and the Dusty Money trilogy.

Cover of Dusty Money by Grove N. Mower

CCM: Speaking of Lake Forest, you reference Ragdale, the writer’s colony in Lake Forest. I believe you have a connection there and I wondered if you have ever gone there to write.

I went to Ragdale in 2014 on a creative fellowship given to me by a good friend who is a writer and a life trustee. I finished my first book at Ragdale, Forty Rod Road. Shortly after, I joined the board. I quickly realized that Ragdale was a hidden gem in Lake Forest and one that I wanted to promote (I am shameless). So, I implanted the artist residency in Amos and Ike as the campus provided the perfect setting for the book's crescendo.

CCM: You have a big day job as Managing Partner of Hummer Mower, when do you write your books?

I write in the morning, after a cup of coffee, when it is quiet and day has not yet begun. During the day, I'm always plugging notes into my phone. In the evening, I find that winding down with a drink and my writing is good way to close the chapter on a day.

CCM: If someone were to ask you what the book is about what would you tell them?

Amos and Ike is about how much we need each other. I believe we all get lost in life and need illumination to find our way home. This usually comes with conflict, resolution, and the help of others. Yes, I do have an affinity for affirming people, having them bring out the best in themselves with the help of other. I am also a sucker for a happy ending. I feel we deserve it sometimes.

It is the journey of a young man who stumbled in life, paid his price, wandered the country, and returned home seeking redemption. It is the story of an adolescent seventeen-year-old forced into a foreign world, dealing with his father's death, adolescence, and a bad attitude -- his is a hero's journey. The combination of these two characters coming together to help each other creates a simple story of friendship, discovery and of how much we need each other.

CCM: A play list is included at the front of the book, something I believe you have done in several other books. Have you heard that your readers are playing the songs while reading? Do you think that it helps take the reader closer to the characters?

All of my books have playlists. Songs and music help me creatively by putting me in that space of character, setting, and mood. Amos and Ike has a special playlist with almost entirely Chicago musicians whom I wanted to celebrate with the reader.

CCM: You have a real enthusiasm for writing and love for words. What advice would you share with others who would like to write more?

What I have found out about writing is what everybody knows: you must write a lot, read a lot, have an iron butt, and never give up. Also, you need good readers and editors.

CCM: Tell us about your next book.

A Christmas Storm, will be the third and final book in the Dusty Money trilogy. The book is set in Winnetka, Lake Forest, and Chicago.

We can’t wait to read it and possibly meet again characters we enjoyed in Amos and Ike.