Kelly Gordon. Self-published, 2018. 95 pp. (Paperback).
The Road Less Traveled Leads Home” is a book that addresses a serious issue in today’s world: the conflict that can enter into a family when a widowed parent decides to remarry. The story revolves around Elliott, a 10-year-old boy whose dad has died and whose mother has announced her intention to remarry. Elliott is unhappy about his mother’s plans.
I don’t want to give away the story — that’s the hard part of reviewing fiction — but Elliott runs away into the woods with his dog and has some experiences that change his thinking.
I see a lot of books that are in need of a book doctor or at least a skilled editor. Usually, this is because the book is just a bad book. This book needs a book doctor for the opposite reason: it is a good book that fills a need. But it has some issues that keep it from being a great book and will probably keep it from being as successful as it might be.
For one thing, the book doesn’t seem to know where it belongs. It hovers somewhere between being a children’s book and one for adults. The language is simple, but some of the ideas seem a bit complex for a 10-year-old. The opening paragraph reminds me of a 1950s book, when we were more patient with a slow beginning; I wonder if a young reader would wade through it or put the book down.
The story uses a mystical encounter to effect a change (remember, I’m trying not to give the story away). I have seen this device used successfully before, but this one was a bit clumsy and rushed and not as effective as it might have been. A good book doctor could take this good book and make it great.
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Meet the reviewer
Martine Bates Fairbanks, Ed.D., reviews books and movies for The Alabama Baptist. She is a university professor and retired principal. She is a member of Central Baptist Church, Decatur.
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