Across the Wide River

Stephanie Reed, a woman I've neither met nor spoken to, gave my family a great gift in 2004 when her book Across the Wide River was published. I recently ordered her second book, The Light across the River. These are fictional stories of the Reverend John Rankin family and the role they played in the Underground Railroad. Reverend John Rankin is my 4xgreat -grandfather on my mother's side. My mother had a keen interest in genealogy. She struck up a correspondence friendship with Mrs. Reed while doing research on the Rankin family. My mom was recognized by Mrs. Reed in the acknowledgements of Across the Wide River. I got goose-bumps when I saw her name in the book. As a child I did not pay enough attention to the stories my mom told about our family history. These stories take on greater importance, I realize now, when you have your own children. The desire to explain "who we are," "where we came from," and "what we stand for," takes on new meaning. Across the Wide River came at an important time in my life. My mother died of breast cancer in 2002 the day after my daughter Emma's fifth birthday. My children will have virtually no memories of my mom. She won't be able to pass on to my children the stories of her - our - family. The responsibility falls to me and I was less than an attentive student. Then came Across the Wide River. This book provided me an opportunity I could not have created on my own. Mrs. Reed handed me a story I could use to engage my children in learning about family and, more importantly, to provide my children with ancestral roles models. We have direct descendents who had the courage to stand up against prevailing public sentiment in defense of a greater moral value: Freedom. Across the Wide River is symbolic of the great power of family stories. As we read and discussed the book together, I could feel my own children gaining confidence to strive to do the right thing. They are a developing a sense of responsibility to continue a family legacy of standing up for social justice. I have never done anything even marginally similar to the heroic efforts made by those who were part of the Underground Railroad. I don't begin to expect that my own children should or will one day do things that make them historic figures. But there is a strange sort of comfort, a reservoir of courage somewhere deep within, that springs from the knowledge that someone in your family - even family members who lived more than 170 years ago - successfully confronted more difficult challenges than we will ever encounter. My daughter Emma talks about an inner voice she hears on the few occasions she's had to confront a bully in the school yard. She says it's as if Lowry or one of her 4xgreat uncles is saying, "You can do this." Every family has stories of making it through difficult and challenging times. My wife Joni's family overcame economic challenges - as if they didn't exist. Her parents are role models of public servi

I have to be honest, I'm not always a big fan of historical fiction. But I picked up this book after a friend recommended it. What a wonderful surprise! Ms. Reed does a fabulous job of bringing the Underground Railroad to life and putting it into historical context. But it was Lowry's own struggle to find his calling, to do what he felt was right and stand up for his beliefs - in the face of strong opposition - that really moved me. It's something we can all relate to and I felt a real connection to Lowry. I know I will never forget him or his family. I've already pre-ordered Ms. Reed's next book!

This is a novel for all ages, and once I began reading it, I couldn't put it down. The story, set in the early 1800s, is based on a real family and real events. It is the era of slavery, slave traders, and the beginning of the Abolitionist Movement and Underground Railroad. It is more than a story about the struggle between northern and southern beliefs, it is a story of human cruelty and also a story of human compassion and courage. I will never forget the main character, young Lowry Rankin, whose internal struggles with personal insecurity and his beliefs are just as powerful and poignant as his external struggles against slavery and discrimination. The moral principles depicted are timeless, and it is an era in our country's history that should never be forgotten. Highly Recommended!

Across the Wide River is a work of fiction, but based on a real family, the Rankin Family, living in a time of slavery and abolition. The story, with its rich descriptions, draws you into the struggle for freedom so much so that you feel the anquish and intense longing of those desiring freedom and those who work so valiantly to secure that goal. Stephanie Reed introduces us to Lowry Rankin, nothing but a boy in the beginning of the book, who must face constant danger and moral dilemmas when confronted with the reality of the 'family business.' Will he become a preacher and abolitionist like his father? Or will his shyness overtake his desire to help the slaves and preach the Word of God? This is a story of courage and compassion with even a pinch of romance, but most of all - a story that won't be forgotten. Join Lowry in his adventures, and journey Across the Wide River.

The awe-inspiring story of country-boy, Lowry Rankin, an ordinary youth intent on taking a stand against slavery. With the Bible as his guide, and a preacher for a father, Lowry learns early on, the value of human life no matter what the color of one's skin. Follow Lowry from his awkward grade school days to his action-packed adolescent years as he transports slaves to the next safe house en route to freedom. Throughout the story, Lowry continually questions whether he's really making a difference...the clandestine transportation of slaves under the cover of nightfall is one thing, but will he be able to publicly speak out against slavery? Across the Wide River is a must-read for young and old alike. The selfless, servant-attitude and godly character found in Lowry Rankin is truly refreshing. The storyline flows logically and the sense of adventure makes it hard to put down! The descriptive adjectives peppered throughout the book make for very interesting reading. Hopefully, a sequel will follow!