Shannon's Library

LET’S GET EXCITED ABOUT THIS BOOK!

Early one morning in the remote hill country of Texas, a panther attacks a family of homesteaders, mauling a young girl named Samantha and killing her mother, a former slave. Samantha and her half-brother, Benjamin, survive, but she is left traumatized and horribly scarred. Narrated in Benjamin’s voice, “The Which Way Tree” is the breathtaking tale of Samantha’s determination to avenge her mother by slaying an implacable and terrifying beast. In their quest she and Benjamin enlist a charismatic outlaw and a haunted, compassionate preacher with an aging but relentless tracking dog. As this unlikely posse closes in on the panther, they are themselves pursued by a hapless but sadistic Confederate soldier with a score to settle. “The Which Way Tree” delivers a timeless story and a testament to the enduring love of a brother and sister caught up in a perilous adventure with all the dimensions of a legend.

Shannon’s Rating — PG-13 (Be aware that the “N” word is used twice by the Confererate soldier villain.)

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LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS BOOK!

Before we get started, can we take a minute and talk about the hardcover edition of “The Which Way Tree?” Here it is…

Now, if you’re browsing a bookstore and you see this book on the shelves – would you think to yourself… “There is a book that’s sure to be packed full of adventure, humor and grit?” Absolutely not. I’d really like to know what the publisher was thinking with this one. If I saw this book on a shelf, I would not pick it up and buy it. Frankly speaking, it looks boring. Which is so sad to me. Because “The Which Way Tree,” by Elizabeth Crook” is the complete opposite of boring. Luckily, the paperback cover (the yellow one at the top of this page) is at least a little more interesting and compelling.

Ok. That’s my quick rant of the day.

Now on to why you should read “The Which Way Tree“.

Have any of you read “Moby-Dick,” by Herman Melville? I read it in college and was more than a little proud of myself for actually finishing (and enjoying) that behemoth of a book! Just a quick refresher on the plot. Ishmael is the narrator of the book. He tells the story of Captain Ahab’s maniacal quest for revenge against the whale known as, Moby-Dick. In a previous voyage, Moby-Dick destroyed Ahab’s ship and severed his leg at the knee. Ahab’s need for revenge becomes his obsession and ultimately, his downfall.

Why, you are surely wondering, am I bringing up “Moby-Dick” in a review for “The Which Way Tree?” Because, dear friends, as you read “The Which Way Tree” it’s nearly impossible not to notice a few interesting comparisons between the two stories.

Benjamin, like Ishmael, is the narrator of the story. He brings us along on his sister’s revenge journey. Samantha, like Ahab, was severely injured and traumatized by a ferocious animal. Her need for revenge consumes her. The panther (our Moby-Dick of the story) must be hunted and destroyed – no matter the cost.

Unlike “Moby-Dick,” “The Which Way Tree” is an easy and quick read. It is a fun, adventure story – along the lines of “Tom Sawyer” or “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” It is captivating, exciting and unexpectedly hilarious. Our narrator, Benjamin, is so endearing. He will quickly win over your heart. Who else will weave his way into your heart? The old, decrepit panther-hunting dog, of course!

“The Which Way Tree” was part of my book club last month. While I read the book, many of our book club listened to it. And, apparently, I did it wrong! By all accounts, the audio version is absolutely delightful. So, if you have the choice, maybe go for the audio version. I’m definitely going to listen to it the second time around and find out what I’m missing out on!

If you’re in the mood for a fun adventure story with an unlikely band of misfits, a hilariously stupid villain, and an old dog full of grit – then go read (or listen to) “The Which Way Tree!“