Healing through story

Tag: This Tender Land

A Pinpoint of Light

What I’m reading

Last week I read William Kent Krueger’s This Tender Land. A terrific read! I’m no book reviewer, and I’ll leave it to you to do a search for one. There are many, I’m sure. But here are a few of my thoughts. The story is set in the summer of 1932, at the height of the Great Depression. In Minnesota, four young orphans – three boys and a little girl – run away from an oppressive institution and set out by canoe for St. Louis and what they hope will be a new home.

Along the way they face loads of obstacles, meet up with interesting characters, and find much of what they were looking for.

Book reviewers and critics have compared Krueger’s book to The Grapes of Wrath and Huckleberry Finn, true Americana stories. Here’s what I think. I don’t like comparing a book to another. They all stand alone, in my mind. Of course, similarities abound in the book world. And of course, writing coaches will encourage authors to find comparable books to align their own with, to help attract readers.

A number of years ago, when my wife and I were starting out on our writing careers, we flew from New York to Nashville to interview David Malloy. Malloy is an award-winning record producer. We spent time with him in his studio. He proudly introduced us to a young singer/songwriter, Anthony Crawford, whom he was helping get started in the world of country music. Malloy played tracks for us from the music they were working on. 

I commented that I liked his music. I said that his voice and style reminded me of another established country singer (whose name I have forgotten). Malloy came down hard on me. Don’t compare a singer to another singer, he said. It’s an insult. Each one stands (or falls) on their own.

Good advice, I think. Sure, it’s easy to compare, to find similarities. But for sure, let each artist stand on their own.

Krueger’s book, to close, offers a gleam of hope, a pinpoint of light, in what has become an increasingly dark world. A book well worth reading. A book destined to find its own place in American literature.

Where I’m At Today

The 9/11 Anniversary

I’m writing today on the 18thanniversary of the 9/11 attacks. I moved out of New York in 1987. If I had still been there in 2001, my building was only two blocks from the towers.  I cannot imagine the confusion, the terror among the people in downtown Manhattan on that tragic day. Viewing it on TV from Los Angeles that day was frightening enough. May this never happen again. Here or anywhere else in the world.

The Woolsey Fire

In less than two months it will be a year since my family and I had to evacuate our home because the Woolsey wildfire was dangerously close. We got through it safely. Our home was fine. But we had to remain evacuated for four nights before we were able to return. Again, an anniversary I wish I did not have to acknowledge.

What I’m Reading

I finished This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger. A superb tale, well worth reading. Set in the summer of 1932, four young orphans escape from an oppressive institution and dodge their pursuers while having a series of adventures. The story offers hope in an otherwise bleak landscape. A message for today as well.

I am halfway through A Better Man by Louise Penny. One of my all-time favorite authors. She not only delivers a strong story with each book. Her writing style shines.

My New Book

I belong to a writing group on Facebook. The members have been helpful, supportive, encouraging. My book Off-Road is out to a few beta readers. I am currently working at building interest for the book among potential readers. It won’t be long now. Promise!

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