Out of the Desert

Firebird Book Award winner for 2021 Fans of multi-layered literary works like those by Anthony Doerr, Amor Towles, and Paula Hawkins should enjoy this entry in the genre. When Todd Mathieson, the oldest of four children who grew up on the Mojave Desert, closes in on his 50th birthday, he wonders what happened to the little boy who wanted to be a spaceman. And a famous writer. The desert anchors the book, eventually bringing Todd home to evaluate his life. He wonders what happened to his childhood persona, Toad the Dreamer. Can he unlock secrets of his youth to push him forward to the next stages of his life? Will he decide that his professional achievements are enough, even though his life isn't fully satisfying? Can he reconnect with a special childhood friend to help him chart his path?