by
Eugene H. Strayhorn Jr.
Living by faith means trusting that even in the hardest moments, there is a bigger plan at work. Forgiving the unforgivable is about letting go of pain and anger, and loving unconditionally means choosing compassion over judgment.
Echoes of My Son tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a successful businessman and a troubled youth, while exploring the power of second chances. The story begins with the death of Reid Scott’s son, Connor, who is killed during a botched mugging. Reid vows revenge.
Driven by an overpowering desire to get the money he needs to reunite his family, Ruben Walker resorts to robbery, and during a mugging gone wrong, a young man is killed. Ruben becomes a wanted felon living on the street at age 17.
While searching for his son’s murderer, Reid encounters a homeless youth named Quick (Ruben’s street name). Quick is in bad shape. He is sick and struggling to survive. Despite his initial hesitation, Reid befriends Ruben, and provides him with medical care, a place to stay at a motel, and the essentials he needs to put his life back together. As Reid befriends Ruben, he feels a growing sense of responsibility for the youth, though he doesn’t fully understand why.
Unaware that they share a terrible tragedy, Reid and Ruben come to genuinely care for one another.
This tainted relationship is at the heart of the story, and this tension builds throughout the novel. As Reid and Ruben grow closer, Reid’s efforts to assist Ruben increasingly complicate things.
When the truth is finally revealed, Reid must make a decision. Guided by his newly professed Christian faith, can he forgive the unforgivable. Can he learn to love unconditionally?
This is where Strayhorn’s skill as a writer really shines—he doesn’t take the easy way out. Instead, he allows the characters to wrestle with their conflicting emotions in a way that feels true to life. One of the best parts is the way Strayhorn handles deep emotions—the emotions are raw, but the storytelling doesn’t feel overdone.
Strayhorn doesn’t portray forgiveness as an instant or easy process. Through internal struggles, readers see that forgiveness is complicated, messy, and sometimes takes more strength than revenge. Reid’s journey from wanting justice for his son to finding a way to forgive his son’s killer is truly powerful and moving. Strayhorn doesn’t preach, but he does show how forgiveness is necessary for true healing.
Ruben’s character is also well-written. Ruben’s guilt and regret is painted with nuance, making it easy to empathize with him even after learning the terrible truth. You will really find yourself rooting for him as he tries to rebuild his life.
Eugene H. Strayhorn Jr. has created a story that stays with you long after you’ve finished, not because of dramatic twists but because of its honest portrayal of the human condition. Family isn’t always about blood—it’s about love, forgiveness, and second chances
– The Moving Words Review
Official Entry: The Most Moving Book Award, Jan. 3, 2025 (Grand Winner)
