Wind River by Tom Morrisey

The Bottom Line

Although Wind River is not Tom Morrisey's first novel (he's written five previously), this is the first one I've read. Certainly, it will not be the last. Two things drew me to read Wind River: The back cover promotes it as a "wilderness adventure" and his previous book, In High Places, was described as a "suspense-filled cliffhanger" that would keep me on the edge of my seat.

I do love outdoor survival stories, and suspense-fiction is my favorite genre, so I eagerly approached this book. As far as the outdoor adventure aspect, most of the story is set within the unspoiled, majestic beauty of nature. The characters brave the elements in the remote Wyoming high country practicing the most basic camping methods and even some survival skills. In this area, the story did not disappoint. However, in the suspense department, I never once felt in danger of falling off the edge of my seat, or a cliff. Apparently, the technique used in his previous book did not spill over into Wind River.

Pros

• Written with an eye for cinematography, the author creates beautiful motion-picture scenes with his words.
• The well-developed characters paint a realistic picture of "the Christian," revealing flaws and imperfections.
• Engaging story-telling.
• Spiritual truths are powerfully conveyed and metaphorically reinforced with wilderness activities and scenes.

Cons

• Readers who are unfamiliar with fly-fishing, guns and high-country wilderness adventures may feel a little lost at times.
• While engaging, the story is not as fast-paced and suspense-filled as I had expected.

Description

• Genre: Drama; Wilderness Adventure
• Release Date: June 2008
• Author: Tom Morrisey
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• ISBN: 9780764203473
• Format: Paperback, 352 Pages

What captured me most in Wind River was the realistic way in which the two main characters demonstrate the harsh—sometimes wildly tempestuous—reality of what it means to be a Christian. Ty Perkins has just come back from fighting in the Iraq War. Now he is desperately running from the haunting memories of his recent past. He escapes to the wide-open world of his 86-year-old friend and mentor, Soren Andeman. In the wilds of Wyoming he finds himself entangled in the sins of Soren's past. From the deep shadows, the two men find the courage to expose their buried secrets and lies, allowing confession and forgiveness to set them free.

Careful readers can't help but notice the powerful spiritual truths metaphorically reinforced by the wilderness activities of Ty and Soren and the natural forces at work around them. The unspoiled landscapes really come alive with cinematic clarity as Morrisey creates beautiful motion-picture scenes with his words.

Although most women will enjoy this book, I think the author wrote it more specifically for men. Fly-fishermen, outdoor sportsmen, and hunters will probably appreciate this story even more. What I valued most was that real Christians were found on the pages of this book, struggling with their flaws and failures, remaining heroic and human in their earthly journey toward eternity with God.

With the recent release of Wind River, Tom Morrisey completed his sixth novel. Combining his life-long career goal and his love for outdoor sports, this world-traveled adventure writer has been featured in Outside, Sport Diver, and other well-known magazines. He has published several short stories as well. He makes his home in Orlando, Florida.

Becoming a Christian later in life, Morrisey says he writes about flawed Christians because "that is the only kind of Christian there is."

Favorite Quote from the Book

My favorite quote might spoil the plot for readers, so I'll include this one simply to serve as a teaser instead of a spoiler:

"... So, if that's the case, why open this back up? In one day I can go back up there, get rid of that stuff ... and put this behind you forever. Why not let me do that?"

"Because that's not true, Tyler. Virgil and Jesus weren't the only two offended. Soren was. And I was. We became chained to a lie. And now it's reaching out to wrap you up as well, and your Angela, if we let it, because a husband's troubles are a wife's sorrows, don't you know?"