Visit Kim’s website: KimBartosch.com; her blog: Kim’s Book reviews and Writing Aha’s; follow her on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

Email: kimberlybartosch@gmail.com; phone: 913-488-5276

Title: Canelands

Author: Gerry Harlan Brown

Publisher: WordCrafts Press

Pub. Date: February 16, 2024

Formats: Paperback, Hardcover, eBook, Audio

Pages: ‎ 416 pages

Buy Links: Amazon, Goodreads

Book Blurb:

How far would you go if you heard the voice of God?

"Caneland" follows the exploits of a rural Kentucky preacher who believes God has called him on a quest to pray for the children of the world, even if it means he has to walk from here to Kingdom Come after the call. Alternately humorous and heartbreaking, this tale serves as a parable of sorts, intertwining the lives of small-town church folk, big-city hustlers, country music legends, and nefarious politicians, all with a single-minded mission of simply praying for the least of these.

"I was angry beyond measure; angrier than I have ever been in my life," Paul declared. "But instead of asking the Lord to remove the scales from the eyes of those responsible, to show them the error of their ways, I begged Him to damn them all. I screamed at Him to burn them in hell. I cursed. I ranted and raved. I broke things. The greatest thing I broke was Jennie's heart; a heart that has scarcely had a chance to heal."

 A single hot tear broke from the corner of the preacher's right eye, challenging his ability to keep his composure. "I spent Friday night wandering in the wilderness, stumbling through the canelands down from our house, slipping and sliding and sometimes falling along the banks of the creek. When the first rays of dawn cut through, I was on my knees, worn out and burnt out. I tried to pray, the words would not come. Finally, I said, 'I am Yours, Father. Use me.'

 "In that very instant I heard a voice speaking to my heart as when I was called to preach. My friends, the Lord has called me again. I am to go to Brownsville, Texas, to pray for the children. He has given me only one other requirement for this journey. I am to walk all the way there from here in Kentucky."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Canelands" by Gerry Harlan Brown is an emotional and inspiring journey that explores the themes of love, loss, and compassion. This compelling narrative follows the journey of Paul, a preacher from Bowling Green, Kentucky, who is grieving the tragic loss of his 5-year-old daughter, Sarah. This profound loss not only shakes Paul to his core but also affects his wife, Jennie, as they both struggle to find meaning in their overwhelming grief.

 One night, Paul and Jennie see a news report about a young girl from Guatemala, forcibly separated from her family while attempting to enter the United States, and now detained in a Texas border prison. The sight of this helpless child stirs something within Paul, reminding him of his own lost daughter. It is this powerful moment of empathy that sets the stage for the central premise of the story: a call to action that propels Paul on a remarkable journey.

Paul receives a sign from God to undertake a pilgrimage from Bowling Green, Kentucky, to Brownsville, Texas. The journey is long and fraught with challenges, but he is not alone. Joining him on this arduous journey are Cami and Tick, two young adults from his parish. Cami is tasked with documenting their adventure, capturing the stories, struggles, and people they encounter along the way. Through these characters, Brown effectively conveys the essence of humanity and the power of community.

 As Paul, Cami, and Tick make their way across the country, they meet various individuals whose lives intersect with their own in meaningful ways. Each encounter serves to highlight the underlying themes of the book: love, hope, and the human capacity for compassion. These themes are deeply rooted in Christian teachings, with a focus on the parable of the Good Samaritan and the concept of loving one's neighbor.

 Brown's writing is evocative, drawing the reader into the emotional journey of the characters. The depiction of grief and loss is raw and authentic, allowing the reader to connect with the characters on a profound level. The story is infused with hope, even in the face of adversity, reminding us that love and compassion can bridge any divide.

 The road trip format provides a unique perspective on the landscape of America, with vivid descriptions of the places and people along the way. This backdrop adds depth to the story, emphasizing the diverse nature of the country and the varied struggles faced by those living within its borders.

 One of the most remarkable aspects of "Canelands" is its ability to evoke emotion. From the very first page, Brown creates a sense of empathy that resonates throughout the book. The tears flow freely as Paul and Jennie navigate their grief and as the journey reveals the stories of others who have suffered and found strength in each other.

 Overall, "Canelands" is a heartwarming and poignant story that resonates with readers on many levels. Its themes of love, loss, and compassion are timeless, and the journey undertaken by Paul and his companions is one of hope and redemption. The book serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to guide us forward and that sometimes, the best way to heal is by reaching out to others and walking the path together.

 If you're in search of a book that will move you to tears while also inspiring you to embrace love and compassion, "Canelands" by Gerry Harlan Brown is an excellent choice. This touching story will stay with you long after you've turned the last page, reminding you of the enduring power of love and the beauty of human connections.

Thank you, Gerry, for the book and my honest review. I so enjoyed this book!

     "Canelands: A Novel," by Gerry Harlan Brown. Cody, Wyoming: WordCrafts Press, 2024. 416 pages, $19.99 (paperback).

     "The shot changed from the reporter to a little barefoot girl in a torn, dirty dress,"  Gerry Harlan Brown writes near the beginning of "Canelands:  A Novel," his latest contribution to a growing anthology of compelling storytelling. " She was standing on the other side of a section of chain-link fencing that appeared to be in a warehouse-like building. The child was saying something in Spanish, her wide, brown eyes glistening wet. Suddenly, she burst into tears. Jennie's hand reached out, found Paul's shoulder. He lifted a hand to cover hers."

     "He squatted on the creek bank and scooped up a double handful of water, splashed it on his face," Brown continues a few pages later. " The coolness gave a tiny touch of relief." Such was the state of his physical being. More important was the newfound state of his emotional being. A short while ago  in that moment when the faintest wash of pink touched the rim of the eastern sky and the deep blue just above it subtly shifted to a lighter shade, he had heard the voice. There was no mistaking it, no mistaking what was expected. For the first time since Sarah's death, he knew with certainty the path before him. The knowledge brought peace to the long, wrenching evening. It was time to return to the house and share the news with Jennie..."

     So begins a journey that forms the architecture for a narrative that is both inspirational and heartbreaking at the same time. I'm not naturally drawn to works of fiction, but after a brief encounter with Brown--along with a couple of other local authors--at Panera Bread, I was intrigued. The other folks had read the novel, and the way they described it sounded like something I would enjoy. That turned out to be an understatement.

     The plotline follows the exploits of Paul, a Baptist preacher from rural Kentucky,  who believes God has put him on a mission to walk first to Brownsville, Texas, and then to Guatemala City to help children survive circumstances that are often horrific by even the most conservative interpretation of that over-used descriptor. At one point, Brown points out, through Paul, that the distance from where he lives in Kentucky to Brownsville is 1,285 miles, the exact same distance from Brownsville to Guatemala City.  Paul sees this as proof that God is indeed calling him to make this trek.

     I mention this little detail to accentuate a key characteristic of Brown's literary style.  He creates scenes that become very vivid in the reader's mind, without using extraneous language that could distract from the portraits he is carefully constructing. As each episode in this deceptively complex saga plays out, you can literally see what is taking place while simultaneously experiencing and understanding its significance on multiple levels. Whereas countless stories deal with the idea of being called by God to do something, Brown takes the format further than most writers working in the same genre.

     A common theme throughout the novel is the consistent reiteration  of Paul's calling. Witness the following from chapter 48, where Paul has been asked to speak to a congregation in Tupelo, Mississippi: "Paul allowed his gaze to roam over the assembly for a few seconds, amazed at its size--at least a thousand people--and gathered from it the strength he needed to go on.  "I trust you are familiar with the events that led me here, so I will not go into great detail. Simply put, I failed our Lord by lashing out in anger. Not until I gave myself up to his service did I find relief. Then, in His wisdom. He called me to walk to our southern border and pray for the children. I ask that you join me now in silent prayer, for the children."

     Like so often, many of those close to Paul noticed how his hands clutched both

sides of the podium, seemingly needing the support to stay upright."

     Some of Paul's adventures are humorous: some have more ominous tones.  A few reminded me of The Beverly Hillbillies, a favorite TV show from my childhood (older readers will no doubt get the reference). There is a "fish out of water" element to Brown's writing in several places as the guy from rural Kentucky encounters various folks from the proverbial big city.

     Alternately comical and upsetting, this tale serves as a parable of sorts, intertwining the lives of small-town church folk with big-city hustlers, country music singers, and despicable politicians, all with a single-minded mission of simply praying for the least of those among us.

     In addition to the central thesis of redemption through service, "Canelands" provides a glimpse into who we are as a nation at a time when we could perhaps benefit from more self-reflection.

     It is a microcosm of the common challenges we all share even though our individual situations may vary significantly, at least on the surface.  Brown also highlights the role the media increasingly plays in shaping how we interact with the world and how reporting the news often evolves into creating the news.

     Consider the following from chapter 78: " For a couple of months, stories of the preacher had held to an even keel, for the most part as only brief progress reports. Friends in the media had worked the angle that the man was a heartbroken father to be pitied, downplaying his stated purpose for traveling to the border as something akin to lunacy.

     Then came Houston.  Only four days ago the preacher had appeared on Sunrise Cathedral's morning service, with millions across the nation tuned in. Then the photo with the little children went flying like a rocket through the ether. Probably half the population had it saved on their phone.  Suddenly everyone knew of Preacher Paul and his mission."

     Sound familiar?

     As his biography notes, Brown has lived most of his life in and around Bowling Green, Kentucky.  His resume includes stints as a factory worker, farmer, house painter, railroader, and volunteer community crisis counselor.  He is probably best known to most readers here as the retired Bowling Green Fire Chief, having spent 29 years as a firefighter.

      In fact, he credits his experience as a firefighter as having the most influence on his writing style.  In that role, he was exposed to real people from all walks of life--and he carefully observed how they responded to the conditions, often life and death, in which they found themselves.

     I see that insight reflected in "Canelands."  There is a realism embedded within his characters that doesn't come solely from his imagination.

     "Canelands is Brown's third book.  His previous books include "Ring the Bell:  A Novel of Everyday Heroes" (2022) and "White Squirrels and Other Monsters"  (2020).

     At this point, it probably goes without saying--but I'll say it anyway--I loved "Canelands," and I bet you will, too. Honestly, I think it would make a great mini-series or even a major motion picture. So stay tuned.  Highly recommended.

     - Reviewed by Aaron W. Hughey, 

University Distinguished Professor, Department of Counseling and Student Affairs, WKU.