Jimmy Taylor,
a 7-year-old boy, must take matters into his own hands and stand his ground as
everything around him seems to be falling
apart. After getting a divorce and experiencing her son’s near-death, his
mother, Sara, packs up their
bags to move to Raleigh to be closer to her parents. She lost her husband, her
job as a nurse, and almost her son. The events have
already taken a toll on her mental health, and seeing her deteriorating
health, her father, 56-year-old Phil Soderlind, decides to step in. There is
nothing Jimmy doesn’t do to help his mom, but
the screeching voices inside her head, taunting and humiliating her, are too overpowering to control. Christmas is a joyful
time that brings even the most detached families together. However, with Sara’s
sister in town, things are set to go further downhill.
A Thousand Valleys by Ken
Fulmer takes family drama to a whole new level with an exceptional narrative
and memorable characters. Jimmy's story is heartbreaking, yet his determination
and friendships, such as that with Troy, will make any heart melt a thousand times over. Taking
readers back to the '70s, the book holds great value in
depicting the life of a single mother during that time and how her only child
suffers along with her.
With creative
plot twists and Ken
Fulmer’s unique storytelling techniques, this book will become readers’ companion during
turbulent times. With Sara juggling work,
motherly responsibilities, and a mental illness, she comes off as a strong, powerful
character that many can relate to. As a child of divorce, Jimmy also leaves a
lasting impact with his pop culture references and his adorably undying love
for cartoons and movies. If you’re wondering whether you should pick up this
book, the answer is a definite yes. It is a life-affirming work that superbly
translates family drama, the ache in the human soul, and the quest for healing.
Perfect for a Christmas gift!