Fire in the Hole!

This is a gripping, seemingly realistic picture of life at the turn of the century in a mining town of Northern Idaho. I didn't want to put the book down. I had to know what would happen to Mick and his family and to the town they lived in. The history is well-researched, but it's the story that keeps you hooked. My 11 year old son also read the book and loved it. It definitely appeals to adults and kids alike.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I read it from start to finish in one night because I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen to Mick and his family. Not only did the author do an excellent job of researching the history and material for the story, but she really drew me into the emotion the main character was feeling. For example, she doesn't just say he was angry, she describes the emotional and physical event to a point that you can completely relate and feel and understand his anger.

Mary Cronk Farrell definitely did her homework when she wrote this tale about Mick and his family during the historical silver mining strike. I stayed up late just to finish it. Although it is written for youth I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I felt as if I was there in Northern Idaho with the characters and found that I was praying for them as they faced the challenges given to them. Farrell's book made me laugh and cry but especially it made me look forward to her next work.

This book was hard to put down. It was a very interesting story. I felt like I really got to know the characters, and was captivated by the unfolding of events. Anyone who has ever been a teenager can identify with Mick as he struggles against the world that he finds himself in. I enjoyed watching him learn and grow from the challenges he faces as comes to the grips with the realities of entering adulthood. I learned a lot of history from this book, as well as gaining some insights on humanity. It is definitely worth reading.

I thought the book was exciting and it kept me hooked onto it. When I least expected it, something happened! I felt like I was in the book, watching Mick and the other characters.