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"One stormy May night, just as Tom Olsen is about to leave with his Native American friends to visit his grandfather's grave deep in Washington State's Olympic Peninsula wilderness, he answers a knock at his door to find an abandoned thirteen year old girl. The girl announces her name is Sarah Cooley and that Tom is her grandfather. She tells Tom he lives at the end of the earth. All she sees is dripping forest, tall trees, rain and wind. Astonished, all Tom sees is trouble. He knows he should cancel the trip and deal with Sarah, but when his friends suggest bringing Sarah along, Tom reluctantly agrees, hoping a backpacking trip might teach Sarah some sorely needed lessons about character, responsibility and grit. All too soon, Tom and his friends have reason to wonder - are they taking Sarah Cooley on this journey, or is she taking them? Adventure, scientific inquiry, a tinge of mystery, and a hint of the unexplainable infuse this meticulously-imagined tale. In a story matching the breathtaking scope of its Pacific Northwest and North Pacific setting, Sheldon's tale startles, yet challenges us to think" -- Page [4] of cover.… (more)
User reviews
They hiked up the mountain to pay tribute to her great great grandfather, who died there long before, while in Tom's company. What follows is this small family getting to know each other, and a peek into the myths and legends that surround their native lands. I admit it was somewhat difficult to follow at times. It was worth the journey to find the end of the story. There were difficult times and some good times.
I would not necessarily recommend this to just anyone. It defies genres, in my opinion and is slow paced.
I enjoyed reading it, and I think older teens and adventure loving adults would like it too. My critique is that the writing could be more polished and the transitions need a little work. But after saying that, I do feel that this new author has more stories to tell and that there are future novels to come. 4 stars
They are also fighting to keep this area from being taken over by developers believing that this could be a historical site.
I received this book from Library Thing for an honest review.
A young girl lost in the woods is every family’s worst nightmare. The author, Charlie Sheldon, did a good job in describing the panic everyone felt when Sarah went missing. I was hoping they would find her sooner. After she had been missing for eight days she returns and tells a tale of her experience, or her vision.
Later in the year they return to the park only to be betrayed by Myra’s friend who works for the corporation that wants to take their land. Tom and his friends, William and Myra, defend their native heritage and respect traditions. They are very compassionate about keeping the native lands out of the hands of a corrupt corporation. Myra argues with science defending the stories of her native heritage.
I was glad to see the maps at the beginning of the book. I grew up in Alaska near where Sarah had her adventure. I have watched my friends fight for their native rights. I’m giving a 5 out of 5 review because Charlie Sheldon conveyed compassion for the cause for native rights.