Ever wondered what it would be like to live at a writer's colony? The Colony is a candid look into the life of a writer who spent time under the tutelage of Handy Lowney--the woman behind James Jones' From Here to Eternity. Bowers' book is comical, endearing, and educational all in a Tennessee accent. He brilliantly captures the stress of youth in regards to "what path should a young artist choose". He feels pressure from a young woman he loves to be with her, yet feels he should (and is also required by Handy to) avoid, women except at brothels, while working on his first book. The Colony is not so much a coming of age tale, but rather a confession from a young man who was trying to be a writer on top of becoming a man.

The trials and tribulations he has you facing along with him are often times hilariously poignant. A brilliant read for anyone who ever looked up to someone and thought: "Everything they say must be trusted." only to discover the heartbreaking ramifications of buying into the stringent beliefs of another. ( )