Downriver [Paperback]

Erik Hare (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1420887165 | ISBN-13: 978-1420887167 | Publication Date: October 13, 2005

Drawing on lessons from Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, Downriver is the story of a transformational journey in response to a life-changing event. Author Erik Hare represents coming-of-age lessons through metaphors and characters that both children and adults can understand, taking us through the magical realms of the River Flats, Piketown and Fountain Cave.Downriver explores themes of identity, power, ownership, and "finding one's place" in a rapidlychanging world. We travel with Popey, the main character, to learn more about the magic of the world through experience and observation, rather than through academic knowledge or just reading the written word. Popey's defiance and determination calls forth our own reflections on the need for self-actualization through our unique choices in life paths.The characters in Downriver at once familiar and memorable, illustrating the ways in which relationships influence our choices and help us see ourselves more clearly. Landscapes and locales provide the anchoring framework for the story, each describing beauty as it is found throughout even the most difficult personal struggles. In the end, we arrive at a sense of peace for the journeys ahead.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Erik Hare worked for many years as a research engineer, writing only as a hobby. He has had articles published in the Star Tribune of Minneapolis, as well as several smaller newspapers. He currently makes a living designing and selling furniture built by an Amish community of craftsmen in Minnesota, available on http://www.harmonycedar.com/ . He lives in Saint Paul. This is his first novel.

Product Details

• Paperback: 188 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (October 13, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1420887165
• ISBN-13: 978-1420887167
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,280,868 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Taking that strong half-step back is the path to knowledge, November 15, 2005

By 

Joanne Fendell - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Downriver (Paperback)

What you own is not who you are. Most people believe that appearance trumps substance, and behave accordingly, often to their detriment. Those who seem to be more powerful than you often have the same problems that you do, but on a different scale. It is tempting to say that "Downriver" is the Tao te Ching meets "Lord of the Rings", or at least "The Hobbit". It is a worthy entrant in 'The Hero's Journey' genre described by Joseph Campbell in 'The Power of Myth'. 'Downriver' entertains you while slipping some important lessons through, such as the importance of not being that attached to temporal things and the paradox of "not doing", which is often the only way to accomplish a goal.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thumbs up for Downriver!, October 27, 2005

By 

IA "Inez" (Ephrata, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Downriver (Paperback)

A thoughtful and thought-provoking story of one's search for meaning in a life of turmoil and an understanding of others not so unlike ourselves as we may think. Popey's adventures bring him a maturity and insight we all need but often fail to achieve.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An inner journey in the wider world, October 26, 2005

By 

Erik Schimek (Saint Paul, MN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Downriver (Paperback)

There are two very cool things about this book. The first is that, though the story seems simple as you first dig into it, the words stay with you because of the vivid imagery. The second is how the characters develop deeper morals by exploring and being a part of their world, as the adventure 'deepens the soul'. It's a good read with a positive and powerful message. Reccomended!