The Finest Hat in the Whole World by Colleen A. Parkinson is a riveting story that explores the themes of family, secrets, personal development, coming of age, and redemption. Desmond Stewart is literally hooked to his invalid and widowed mother, while his two brothers, Gerald and Eddie, are married and living their lives as though there was nothing to worry about. He is the kind of man who would run away from himself if only he could, but he can’t escape his depression, coupled with secrets that seem to spread darkness over his soul. But things change when his nine-year-old niece, Phena, comes to live with him. Can being responsible for his niece help him to fix his own life, to live with a deeper purpose, to heal? The story revolves about Phena’s growth and her world of troubles, and how she affects her uncle’s life.

This lyrical, well-told story starts with a powerful line: “Secrets are like moonlight obscured by fog.” The author immediately pulls the reader into the consciousness of the main character, allowing the reader a glimpse into the darkness within him. Colleen A. Parkinson recreates the drama taking place in many troubled homes and she does so with ingenuity and a rare knack for creativity. The story reads so realistically that any reader can relate to it. I enjoyed the characters; they are compelling, each with a burden to carry, and seeing how they evolve throughout the story will be a huge delight to readers. The historical references are masterfully used to add color to the already beautiful setting. The Finest Hat in the Whole World is a title that elicits curiosity, a story that will entertain readers and have them turning the pages, longing to understand the bond between uncle and niece and what becomes of them. It’s a beautifully imagined story told by a masterly hand.

The Finest Hat in the Whole World by Colleen A. Parkinson is a fictional novel that follows Des Stewart and his niece, Phena, from the Great War to Prohibition and through the Great Depression. Des Stewart was always the responsible one in his family. When his siblings went out to live their lives with spouses and children, he stayed back to care for their mother who was suffering from senility. At thirty years of age, Des Stewart is a depressed bartender at a saloon with no hope of a fulfilling life, but that all changes when his nine-year-old niece, Phena, is sent to live with him. Phena is a temperamental child who has exhausted the patience of her parents. Does Des Stewart have what it takes to make young Phena into an honorable woman?

The Finest Hat in the Whole World by Colleen A. Parkinson is a well-written piece of fiction with wonderful use of figurative language. The author did a spectacular job in creating a clear picture of both the characters and the setting in my head. Young Phena quickly became my favorite character; I just loved how realistically she was written. I really loved how Des managed to pull himself out of his depression and loneliness in order to be the adult that Phena desperately needed. This book really touched my heart because I could truly understand the burden Des felt when he gave up on his own life to help his mother, and the way that influenced his own life.

The Finest Hat in the Whole World by Colleen A. Parkinson is one of those novels that you love on sight. The story spans over two decades in which one man, hardened by time and responsibility, becomes the guardian of a little angel who needs his help desperately. Set in the time just before the USA enters WWI, the novel follows Des Stewart and his beloved little niece, Phena, as they try to stay on top of the adverse life they have and not lose sight of what is really important: family.

Des has always been “that” member of his family who was responsible and the one who handled things with his head in the game. When his mother needed him, he paused his life right where it was and helped her while his brothers went on to live their own lives. Des believes that he has no future, he is depressed and he has a job that he doesn’t really like, but desperately needs. But his redemption comes in the form of a refreshing little nine-year-old called Phena. Since her parents cannot control her, she comes to live with the distant uncle. Only what both Phena and Des don’t realize is that they both belong together. Together, they will mold each other’s lives and help them find themselves as who they truly are.

This is definitely one of the most endearing novels I have ever read. Colleen A. Parkinson’s writing style is very contemporary and a lot like Harper Lee and Mat Johnson! Both of them are gems of contemporary literature and I believe Parkinson has the talent to be named among such a skilled group of writers. Des’s character is very relatable. We all have insecurities and we all are looking for that chance to help us find ourselves. Des is endearing and his relationship with Phena is just incredible. She is the light of his life and he is hers. I simply loved this novel and I could not have wished for a better written novel.

The Finest Hat in the Whole World by Colleen A. Parkinson is a captivating story with emotional and psychological depths, a story that looks at the drama in a troubled family. Desmond Stewart is a man who has his insecurities and one who has suffered a lot; in fact, he is depressed and guarding dark secrets. He is also stuck with taking care of a mother who is riddled with suffering and who veers towards insanity. It seems like he is stuck while his two brothers are married and mindlessly living their lives. Then things change when his nine-year-old niece comes to live with him. Now, Des must face life with more discipline and courage, otherwise his niece may have no direction at all. The story revolves around the lives of these two souls, both broken, and the secret bond they share.

Colleen A. Parkinson creates a story that is both inspirational and motivational, a story that excellently showcases the themes of personal development, despair and hope, family, and what it takes to create meaning. I loved the characters and the fact that they are created to be so human. The setting is wonderful, a historical period dominated by war, the Depression, and other social ills. Desmond Stewart seems to be a symbol of that age. The writing is beautiful and evocative, featuring very insightful and colorful passages, and descriptions that succinctly capture the state of mind of the characters and the seasons of their souls. Well-paced and gripping, The Finest Hat in the Whole will have readers crying and laughing, feeling utterly entertained and connected with the compelling characters.

The Finest Hat in the Whole World by Colleen A. Parkinson brings alive a world that is now consigned to history. Opening on New Year’s Eve in 1916, the backdrop, seen through the eyes of Phena and Des, is of young American boys excited about the chance of being drafted to fight in Europe, and goes on through the catastrophic influenza pandemic, Prohibition, and the Great Depression. Des, thirty, overweight and depressed, with alcohol abuse in his past, has dedicated himself, the only one of her children prepared to do so, to caring for his almost senile mother. Nine-year-old Phena reappears in his life when Des’s sister-in-law, Louise, is desperate for a break from “the bratty child.” Can Des tame what his brother Gerald calls Phena’s “feral viciousness” in one short summer?

I absolutely loved The Finest Hat in the Whole World. Colleen A. Parkinson has created an extended family who truly step off the pages and live. The result is a character-driven story that makes the reader feel love, hate, sympathy, joy, despair, the power of Our Lord… every emotion that exists: for me, that is the mark of a very talented author. Des and Phena tell the story, and it is a beautiful, intriguing, and emotional tale, with unexpected twists, Also, it demonstrates Ms. Parkinson’s deep understanding of human nature and memories of childhood. “She spied his hat, remembered that once upon a time she tried to knit him a new hat. She had no talent for knitting something as complicated as a hat.”

5.0 out of 5 starsTwenty years of a families life.
By Steven F. Copelin on February 29, 2016
Format: Paperback
I loved this book. The era in which it took place intrigues me. I love the history and the lives of this family, reminds me of my own. I loved the story. It made me laugh, cry and made me feel I was there.
It was a good read. Colleen Parkinson is a great story teller. Can't wait for her next book.
Give it try ,you won't be disappointed.

I totally enjoyed this book
By Charles J. Gregor on January 27, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
I totally enjoyed this book. I have, in fact, just finished my fourth reading. A story of great dramatic sweep and reflection, the author displays her own bright, inspirational way of taking this family drama and infusing it with her singular, unique style.
This is an extremely well-conceived, well-crafted work. I enjoyed the pacing of the story and the subtle humor throughout. The characters are beautifully and intimately drawn, never stale or predictable. I was rooting for them through their challenges, heartbreak and triumphs. I also enjoyed the many musical references that helped bind the historical settings of the times and the subsequent pathos of this novel.
Remarkably well done! Ms. Parkinson is definitely an author to keep your eye on.


This is a wonderful story that I could not put down
By Amazon Customer on December 8, 2015
Format: Paperback
This is a wonderful story that I could not put down. I hated for it to end. It was a realistic story about a family with all of its flaws and goodness. It demonstrated hope and perseverance and the challenges and rewards of raising a child while dealing with our own demons. Excellent portrayal of this family of characters. It left me feeling good and somewhat introspective.


Colleen's Terrific story about The Finest Hat in the Whole World
By Amazon Customer on January 2, 2016
Format: Paperback
Colleen Parkinson has a unique flare in telling her story about The Finest Hat in the Whole World. It captured my interest from the very beginning. It is an emotional account of hidden feelings that kept me intrigued through each chapter with surprises. I could hardly wait to find out how this story ended. I thought it was a very enjoyable read.

Awesome book!!!
By Zengirl on January 27, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
A wonderful story, believable characters set in an interesting era. I loved this book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful writing!
By Janice Tinto on May 10, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
Truly a family story filled with love, hardship and challenges. There is great character development with all the family members. The writing is wonderful, very visual, and flows along smoothly, keeping your interest to the end. I will be looking forward to more of Colleen's novels.


4.0 out of 5 stars The characters become people you like and look forward to learning more about.
By Murphy on April 28, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
An engaging read. The characters become people you like and look forward to learning more about.

4.0 out of 5 stars A delightful read
By Pamela C Blake on April 13, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
A heartfelt story about a California family in the early part of the twentieth century, and the small child who unexpectedly comes to live with them. At first the little girl brings them great challenges and then, redemption. Ms. Parkinson is a wonderful writer and a fine story teller.
She moves through the family's joys and their many trials with great heart and a sly sense of humor. I look forward to more from her!

Completed on: 03/28/2016
Review Rating: 5 stars!
Reviewed By Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers’ Favorite
Only the finest writers can accomplish what Colleen A. Parkinson does in her fascinating historical novel, The Finest Hat in the Whole World. Sometimes, rarely, a reader feels overwhelmingly privileged to read just such a book. To Kill a Mockingbird comes to mind. And there is a reassuring resonance with this major classic to be found in Ms. Parkinson’s book – both in the utterly endearing relationship between the rebellious, once-abused Phena and her devoted Uncle Des with whom she lives, having been abandoned by her stoically indifferent father and her abusive, mentally ill mother – and also in the rarefied atmosphere of its moralistic message. The year is 1917, the United States is just about to enter the devastating First World War, and Des - who is a bar owner in small town USA - is too old at thirty to be drafted. Due to a situation markedly more complex than it initially seems, 9-year-old Phena is given into the custody of Des. She too is more complex than she at first appears. Their relationship is nothing but complex, but it is based clearly on devotion and adoration, which becomes a primary driving force behind the deep, compelling, twenty-year-long plot development in this masterpiece of writing. Remarkably, even the most difficult plot elements are handled with immeasurable grace and credibility.Every character in Colleen A. Parkinson’s The Finest Hat in the Whole World is finely drawn and made absolutely real and psychologically credible and intriguing, for the author often elicits individual personality quirks out of experiences subconsciously endured because they happened so long ago, sometimes leaving subtle emotional scars that linger into adulthood. However, what elevates her writing into the realm of truly great fiction – award-winning fiction – is Ms. Parkinson’s flawless ability to evoke a vivid sense of presence through her stunning use of lean but gorgeous prose, crafted as meticulously as one might prune and nurture a perfectly-attended-to, thoroughly stunning victory garden ... or a daughter.

AMAZON READERS' REVIEWS

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a wonderful story that I could not put down
By Amazon Customer on December 8, 2015
Format: Paperback
This is a wonderful story that I could not put down. I hated for it to end. It was a realistic story about a family with all of its flaws and goodness. It demonstrated hope and perseverance and the challenges and rewards of raising a child while dealing with our own demons. Excellent portrayal of this family of characters. It left me feeling good and somewhat introspective.

4.0 out of 5 stars ...which I loved as a child
By Michelle M on August 18, 2016
Format: Paperback
It took me a long time to finish this book mainly because I didn't have the Kindle edition but the actual book. I found it surprisingly engaging and interesting. It actually reminded me of Anne of Green Gables, which I loved as a child. It is the story of a spirited young girl who comes to live with her uncle. The book not only takes you through her coming of age but the slow maturing of her uncles and family. There is a welcome depth of character; no one's a saint in this book and least of all Phena, its heroine. It reminds you that who we are today is not necessarily who we will be tomorrow. A beautiful family saga about struggle and perseverance and love.

5.0 out of 5 stars I totally enjoyed this book
By Charles J. Gregor on January 27, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
I totally enjoyed this book. I have, in fact, just finished my fourth reading. A story of great dramatic sweep and reflection, the author displays her own bright, inspirational way of taking this family drama and infusing it with her singular, unique style.
This is an extremely well-conceived, well-crafted work. I enjoyed the pacing of the story and the subtle humor throughout. The characters are beautifully and intimately drawn, never stale or predictable. I was rooting for them through their challenges, heartbreak and triumphs. I also enjoyed the many musical references that helped bind the historical settings of the times and the subsequent pathos of this novel.
Remarkably well done! Ms. Parkinson is definitely an author to keep your eye on.

4.0 out of 5 stars A delightful read
By Pamela C Blake on April 13, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
A heartfelt story about a California family in the early part of the twentieth century, and the small child who unexpectedly comes to live with them. At first the little girl brings them great challenges and then, redemption. Ms. Parkinson is a wonderful writer and a fine story teller.
She moves through the family's joys and their many trials with great heart and a sly sense of humor. I look forward to more from her!

5.0 out of 5 stars Twenty years of a family's life.
By Steven F. Copelin on February 29, 2016
Format: Paperback
I loved this book. The era in which it took place intrigues me. I love the history and the lives of this family, reminds me of my own. I loved the story. It made me laugh, cry and made me feel I was there.
It was a good read. Colleen Parkinson is a great story teller. Can't wait for her next book.
Give it try; you won't be disappointed.

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful writing!
By Janice Tinto on May 10, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
Truly a family story filled with love, hardship and challenges. There is great character development with all the family members. The writing is wonderful, very visual, and flows along smoothly, keeping your interest to the end. I will be looking forward to more of Colleen's novels.

4.0 out of 5 stars The characters become people you like and look forward to learning more about
By Murphy on April 28, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
An engaging read. The characters become people you like and look forward to learning more about.

5.0 out of 5 stars Colleen's Terrific story about The Finest Hat in the Whole World
By Amazon Customer on January 2, 2016
Format: Paperback
Colleen Parkinson has a unique flare in telling her story about The Finest Hat in the Whole World. It captured my interest from the very beginning. It is an emotional account of hidden feelings that kept me intrigued through each chapter with surprises. I could hardly wait to find out how this story ended. I thought it was a very enjoyable read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book!!!
By Zengirl on January 27, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
A wonderful story, believable characters set in an interesting era. I loved this book!

This is my favorite novels of the year! Through this skillfully written historical novel, Colleen Parkinson gently weaves the reader through the ups and downs of living through WWI, flu pandemic, Prohibition, and the Great Depression. Her characters are real, not perfect, vulnerable human beings, who wish to be loved even with their imperfections.

zladyx
4.0 out of 5 stars A charming book - I loved it.
December 6, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Although this story is set in the era from 1917 through 1937, there is only background impact of the volatile events of those years. However, the social and cultural nuances of this period is a perfect back drop. The fictional towns are somewhere in Northern California, perhaps in the San Joaquin Valley. Every character is so well drawn they are painted in a technicolor of words. Every character is humanly flawed and believable. We all know these people. In spite of all their warts and scars, the author skillfully seduces us into loving each of them.

Here is what is stunning about this work: It is not a mystery or a suspense (although there is an incident that haunts the main character, Del, about the death of his brother, Alex, that is never explained). There are no plot twists or big surprises. The author tells a pretty ordinary story of an ordinary family in a most extraordinary way as they deal with secrets, rage, lost dreams, hope, forgiveness and redemption. It is charming, sometimes funny, and reflective. For some reason it reminds me of The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher.

If it were not for some editing and point of view issues, this would have been a five star read for me, but the story overcomes these issues in the telling. I loved this book and look forward to the next read from this author.