G1086 Book Review of Trials and Trails by Jim Halverson

Name of Book: Trials and Trails

Author: Jim Halverson

ISBN: 9781732619401

Publisher: Gail Force Publishing

Type of book: 1870s and 1880s? Legacy of slavery, diversity, lessons,  Maslow's hierarchy of needs, travels, episodic, wandering, rarely settling down, job, business, finances, friendship, bromance

Year it was published: 2018

Summary:

With a past of slavery and compliance, LeRoy has learned to pick his battles carefully. Johnny B, a quick-tempered Sioux, is still learning to control his anger. When dangerous circumstances bond them together, the pair learn to navigate Reconstruction Era America and all its prejudices. They save an innocent man from hanging, reunite two old friends, assist in an honorable death for an elder Indian, and discover their worth as they steadily assimilate self-respect into their lives.

From Jim Halverson's debut novel comes a tale of adventure, purpose, and the pursuit of self-actualization. Cowboys and psychology ride hand in hand, traveling a journey from living life on the edge to finding a place of belonging, joy, vulnerability, and distinction. Through trials along their trails, LeRoy and Johnny B transform people they meet, brand the world a better place, and reap the benefits.

Characters:

Main characters include LeRoy and Johnny B as well as Alice. LeRoy is an African-American cowboy hand who had experienced slavery and discrimination by others. He is intelligent and often thinks before he acts, which he blames it on his background. He also helps out Johnny B with numerous tasks and loves science. Johnny B. is an orphaned Sioux male who in someways best resembles the modern audience; he is quick to fix up the problems and often does things without thinking them through. He was a judge's ward and thinks quickly on his feet as well as creating elaborate plans to prove his point. (I admit was my favorite character.) Alice is a widowed young woman they meet on the road who lets them stay with her in exchange for calving work. The three end up getting along well, but know they must part. Alice is plucky, resourceful and very tenacious.

Theme:

From Lao Tzu, I believe: "A thousand mile journey begins with a single step"

Plot:

The story is in third person narrative from Johnny B's and LeRoy's points of view. I think one of the things I had issues with is that the time wasn't crystal clear; that the story is set in nebulous 1870s or 1880s of America with wild west theme. The tale is also reminiscent of a road trip, of two men walking through towns attempting to do the right things but never staying long enough to put down any roots, which I guess I found a bit confusing because why did they stay in this particular town versus why they rejected others? The character growth is slow but it is there and it is evident in how they reason and think towards different scenarios. Also, the author doesn't shy away from the racism that both men experienced and went through.

Author Information:
(From iRead Book Tours)


Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble
Add to Goodreads




Meet the Author:

Jim Halverson grew up in the rural, gold-mining town of Mokelumne Hill, CA and received his MBA from Golden Gate University. He spent part of his life on a ranch and is an avid student of psychology. He recognizes the struggles of all men and women seeking equality and respect. Jim and his wife, Gail, spend their time traveling from their small farm in Forestville, CA.

Connect with the Author: Website ~ Facebook
Opinion:

Years back, I remember that I read and reviewed a story about the secrets to business success, which is also told in a very similar style to this book; that of lessons wrapped in a story. On the surface and in depths, TRIALS and TRAILS seemed to have a lot that I would enjoy; travel through America, attention to diversity and messages that strongly profilirated the pages. I also enjoyed the episodic format of the story with Johnny B and LeRoy showcasing us their talents and their friendship. And yes, its a novel devoid of sex, drugs, alcohol and so forth, which means that I hope if my young son will be interested in reading, I will encourage him to pick this book up. (He's only 2, going on 3.) But for some odd reason, I wasn't really grabbed by the tale as I hoped I would be, and I'm not quite sure why: maybe its because I am used to tales with romantic tales and this one didn't really have any? Or perhaps the fact that I'm not used to reading books that star African-American and Sioux characters? (I do read diverse books, and have read countless Asian or Asian-American novels that I have enjoyed greatly.) But still, a very thoughtful read that deserves to be re-read.

This is for iRead Book Tours

BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE:

March 4 - Working Mommy Journal - review / giveaway
March 5 - Literary Flits - review / giveaway
March 6 - Viviana MacKade - book spotlight / guest post
March 6 - Books for Books - review
March 7 - JB's Bookworms with Brandy Mulder - book spotlight / guest post
March 7 - Svetlana's Reads and Views - review
March 8 - A Mama's Corner of the World - review / giveaway
March 11 - Fountain of Books - review / author interview / giveaway
March 12 - T's Stuff - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
March 13 - Library of Clean Reads - review / giveaway
March 13 - Rockin’ Book Reviews - review / guest post / giveaway
March 14 - Two Girls and a Book - review
March 15 - The Legal Duchess - review / giveaway
March 18 - Paulette's Papers - book spotlight / giveaway
March 19 - Locks, Hooks and Books - review / giveaway
March 20 - Cheryl's Book Nook - review / giveaway
March 21 - #redhead.with.book - book spotlight / giveaway
March 22 - Nighttime Reading Center - review / giveaway
March 25 - Read and Review - book spotlight
March 25 - Sefina Hawke's Books - review
March 26 - Truly Trendy - review
March 27 - StoreyBook Reviews - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
March 28 - My Devotional Thoughts - book spotlight / author interview
March 29 - Christine's Book Corner - review

4 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)