Book Review Who Will Carry The Fire? More Reflections From A North Woods Lake

I  will see you at the campfire, and we will listen and watch for which story comes next.  Darrell Pedersen

Darrell J. Pedersen, a local Minnesota author, firmly believes in the power of storytelling. His writings share his heartfelt experiences of family, history, and community. Many of his stories have been shared around the campfire.

Pedersen's first book, "Campfire in the Basement," focused more on anecdotes from his childhood growing up in the 1950s and 1960s on Eier Lake near Duluth, Minnesota. Each chapter, a separate vignette, ends with a note of reflection with takeaway lessons from life in the North Woods. With a nickname of Little Dickens, there was bound to be some mischief brewing when he was around. Humorous snippets of his misadventures, whether in the classroom, at home, or outdoors, he can connect with his readers through relatable experiences covering a wide spectrum of experiences from childhood into adulthood. It's fitting that Pedersen continues his storytelling and theme of stories around the campfire with his newest book, "Who Will Carry the Fire? More Reflections From a North Woods Lake."

While his second book is a memoir, it's also an expansion of essays focusing more on his adult life, with lessons learned. Pedersen's humorous and self-deprecating writing style will hook readers from the start. He understands his weaknesses and shortcomings and isn't afraid to point them out to his readers. Pedersen is humble and always willing to give credit to others when due. His deep faith and gratitude are his constant guiding principles in life.

Crisp, detailed sentences create scenes for the reader to visualize life Up North with its harsh winter landscapes, the joy of deer hunting, appreciation of the land, stories of nature, the importance of passing down family traditions, valuing and appreciating family mementos, shared meals and family stories, tributes to his relatives and their impact on family history and building a marriage partnership that encompasses all its joys and challenges. Pedersen has entrusted his stories to readers, hoping to impart some bits of wisdom learned from life's lessons. He strives to carry out the legacy left behind by his parents with their example.

Pedersen challenges the reader at the end of his book with some of these questions to ponder. “Can we, together, shoulder to shoulder, keep carrying the fire to where it is needed? Can we tell our own life stories to help our kids, grandkids, and all those who follow after them to remember their history? Can we remind them that we are all in this together and that with some faith, hope, and a lot of hard work, we can right some wrongs and give hope for the future of humanity?"

“Who Will Carry The Fire? More Reflections From a North Woods Lake," a book meant to be savored and placed at the top of your Spring reading list. 

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

DARRELL J. PEDERSEN

Darrell J Pedersen spent much of his adult life serving others as a parish pastor at numerous Minnesota churches. After nearly 40 years of ministry as an ELCA pastor, he retired and added the author title to his lengthy resume. Guided by his deep faith, Pedersen hopes his ability to tell stories, love deeply, and laugh at himself will encourage others to do the same. Pedersen resides in Northern Minnesota with his wife, Jennifer. They have three grown children and thoroughly enjoy being grandma and grandpa to Anders and Bjorn.

Be sure to check out his awesome website. It's one of the best. 

https://darrelljpedersen.com/

Please note that he has a busy spring author library tour scheduled at several locations. Click on the image for better readability. 

Meet Darrell in person on August 9th at the Northwoods Art and Book Festival