J. Peter Cobb

Dash through the snow to get books by Vermonters and about Vermont this holiday season

J. Peter Cobb, “Some Things Aren’t Meant to Be” – The Barre Town resident’s work of historical fiction tells the story of a young farmhand who falls in love with the farmer’s wife and her sister, and instead of choosing between the two goes with God and joins the Catholic Church.

Review: Some Things Aren’t Meant to Be” by J. Peter Cobb

“Some Things Aren’t Meant to Be” by J. Peter Cobb is a heartfelt story about John Gauthier, a man on a journey to find love, faith, and his true purpose in life. Set in rural Vermont from 1929 to 1982, the book follows John through his early days working on a farm, the relationships that shape him, and his decision to become a priest. Cobb writes about love, loss, and personal growth in a way that feels both deep and relatable, pulling readers into John’s world and making us care about his choices and dreams.

The story shifts between John’s younger years and his older reflections, giving readers a full picture of how each phase of his life leads him to who he becomes. Cobb’s writing is both descriptive and thoughtful, bringing Vermont’s scenery to life while also showing John’s struggles and growth in an honest way.

When J. Peter Cobb was a guest on my show, it was clear how much this story and these characters mean to him. The book is published by Rootstock Publishing, a local publisher known for supporting stories that feel real and meaningful, which is exactly what this book is.

For anyone who enjoys stories about self-discovery, “Some Things Aren’t Meant to Be” is a powerful, reflective read. Cobb’s storytelling invites us to think about our own journeys and the ways we find meaning and peace in our lives.

Pilgrimage of Faith and Love: A Review of Some Things Aren’t Meant to Be

Kirkus Reviews, a leading authority in the literary world, praised Some Things Aren’t Meant to Be as “a touching work that follows one man’s lifelong pilgrimage towards love and selfhood.” Cobb masterfully weaves together themes of growth, individuation, and faith, prompting readers to reflect on the true meaning of loving oneself, others, and God. The novel also invites exploration of commitment, devotion, and the bonds of family.

November 1, 2023

Short Takes on Five Vermont Books 

What happens when caring too much backfires? In this novel, Alice Hammond, a home health and hospice aide living in the made-up town of Providence, Vt., finds out the hard way when a patient bequeaths to her all of his property and a sizable chunk of change — a potentially life-altering gift for a med school dropout struggling to make ends meet and figure out her path. The troubles start when her patient’s brother accuses Alice of exploiting an elder and threatens legal action.

December 7, 2022

First Novel by Barre Author Pays Tribute to Home Health Care Workers

Many of us have a Lorraine in our lives. For me, she was the home health care aide who worked in our home during the last weeks of my father’s life. The valiant and splendidly tattooed Lorraine navigated our family’s complicated, stressful, and messy world with grace, skill, and humor.

I know there are many Lorraines in many homes — and so does Barre author J. Peter Cobb, whose first novel “To Alice” (TouchPoint Press, Jan. 11, 2022) takes us into the world of a Vermont home health care worker who struggles with caring too much. 

All About the Arts

Looking for a summer read? Sandra Stillman Gartner of Rutland Magazine‘s features Peter Cobb’s debut novel To Alice in their summer edition.

“I don’t do an outline for my writing,” Cobb said. “Instead, I write from chapter-to-chapter and soon the characters direct me where I need to go and show their own voices.”

Novelist makes care-giving its own story

Interview with the author, Rutland native and now Barre Town resident Peter Cobb, on his debut novel, To Alice. has written a novel.”

Interview with the author, Rutland native and now Barre Town The COVID 19 pandemic has been difficult for everyone. If there is any upside it is the fact that the definition of “essential” workers has changed. The value of nursing and aide care is recognized as essential now more than ever. That said, much of the praise in health care has been for hospital workers. Home health staff deserve equal honors.

Nod to Caregivers: Cobb debut novel out Jan. 1

Editor’s note: Peter Cobb is a regular contributor to The Times Argus and Rutland Herald

At what point does a caregiver cross the boundary between providing professional, compassionate care to getting too involved with her patients’ lives? That question is at the heart of the new novel, “To Alice” by first-time novelist J. Peter Cobb of Barre Town, and formerly of Rutland.

Central Vermont Reader.

A novel is about the dignity and grace of simple care.

The boundary between providing compassionate care and getting too involved with a patient is often blurred, especially for home care and hospice aides who work with their patients week after week for months, sometimes for years,” Cobb said. “Obviously, the vast majority stay on the right side of the line but that’s not always easy. Some days the home care aide is the only person her patient sees for the day, no one else.”

Books in Brief

New Archer Mayor mystery and more — local authors in the news

One story line is loosely based on a homecare, home visit Cobb attended with a physical therapist in downtown Brattleboro in 1984 that has stuck with me for over 35 years. At the time, he was taking pictures for the agency.

“To Alice” is set to release Jan. 12, 2022, through TouchPoint Press of Brookland, Ark.

J. Peter Cobb’s Debut Novel Celebrates the Heroism of Everyday Care

Cobb’s “To Alice” speaks to the tribulations faced by caregivers as they navigate an increasingly personal practice

BARRE, Vt. – Sept. 28, 2021 – PRLog — At what point does a caregiver become too involved in their patients’ lives? That question stands at the heart of “To Alice”, the debut novel by J. Peter Cobb set to release January 12, 2022 through TouchPoint Press of Brookland, Arkansas. As COVID cases in the United States continue to rise, “To Alice” speaks towards a group facing greater responsibility and financial strain in their efforts to uphold societal health: home health and hospice caregivers.