Windy McPherson's Son

"Windy McPherson's Son" by Sherwood Anderson is a story that looks at what it means to find yourself and live with honor when everyone around you has different ideas about what's important. It tells the story of Sam McPherson, a young teen in a small town who feels trapped by his dad’s mistakes and wants something more for himself. The book begins by showing Sam as a thoughtful kid with big dreams but a big challenge: his father, Windy, is a struggling old soldier with a huge ego. As Sam grows up in Caxton, Iowa, he meets people like John Telfer, who calls himself an artist, and others in town, showing us what Sam wants and what problems he faces. Right away, the book shows us the way of life in a small town and the dreams and fights that make up Sam’s young life, all while contrasting his beliefs with the expectations of his family and neighbors.