Hey! It's done! The Ruin
A boy's quest to rebuild his self worth
by seeking refuge in the wilderness
The Ruin is a story about bullying, damaged lives, and the tragic consequences that too often end in suicide or even the ultimate tragedy: school shootings.
The Ruin tells the story of retiring English teacher Clifton Kelley. As Kelley cares for his class during a school lockdown, across town a boy is shooting classmates in the school cafeteria. Kelley flashes back 40 years to himself as a 14 year old boy, who after years of school-yard bullying, is driven to make the decision to aim his rifle at his bullies or seek refuge from his rage by fleeing to the wilderness.
The Ruin then becomes the story of his survival using the knowledge he has gained from his parents and the Museum at Mesa Verde National Park. For the next year he takes shelter in a cliff dwelling in the foothill canyons of Mesa Verde. There he gathers food, learns to hunt using a primitive weapon, stores food for the winter, and devises clothing to protect himself from the harsh mountain climate.
The boy connects with the spirits of the long departed Ancient Puebloans whose dwelling he finds home. Spare time in his long days of solitude become a time of introspection, communing with nature, and creativity.
The trade paperback is now available at Arborwoodpress.com
2 comments:
I have just finished reading this book “The Ruin. I couldn’t put it down! It is an amazing book! I was fascinated by the story. The detailed information of survival techniques and the description of the land are superbly done. I was able to relate somewhat with “Clif” the boy in the story having grown up in that region of Colorado and experienced some of the bullying that the story is about. I highly recommend this book to all those who love adventure and challenges, or to those that want to learn about human nature and the battle of survival in mind and spirit. This is truly a beautiful story. I cried. I laughed. I felt fear. But most of all I felt joy and wonder in “watching” Clif meet the challenges and obstacles of his quest.
Well done, Kenneth, Well done!
Betty Burkeen
Bakersfield, Ca
Feb 8, 2010
An additional comment regard the book "The Ruin". This book is appropriate for all ages. It reaches the young people who are trying to survive and grow up in this adverse society as well as parents and guardians who are trying to raise young people in this adverse society. A must read is my opinion
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