The book is very well written. I highly recommend it if you like adventure and suspense combined with spiritual insight and real life experiences. It caught my attention right from the beginning as I wanted to know more about the two characters. I loved how they both helped each other discover a deeper meaning to life on their journey together. I enjoyed the Christian insight and loved how the story was written to where you feel you are traveling right along with them-Havasupai Falls sounds gorgeous. A must read!
What can be said about this novel that may do it justice? So many cliches come to mind: 'tour de force', 'mind-blowing', 'life-changing', etc. And they're all somewhat accurate in describing this excellent first novel penned by a very talented husband and wife duo. But this work deserves much more than just a few overused phrases, none of which accounts for its impact on this reader. In terms of scope, it may not be the so-called "Great American Novel" - neither geographically, since the setting is pretty much limited to a certain region (Havasupai) within the Grand Canyon, nor in terms of its cast of characters, confined mostly to Russ, the story's psychically scarred protagonist, and 'Chief', an old and more than merely spiritual Native American with whom Russ joins in a quest that turns out to mean everything to both men. At one point, the Chief relates to Russ an old Native-American myth wherein an aged warrior tells his young grandson that within each person's body are two wolves -- one good and one evil -- both always fighting for control over the person whose body they inhabit. When the boy asks his Grandfather which one wins, the old man replies, "the one that you feed". Having been a reader for just over seventy years now, I can say that most likely everything I've read over that span has gradually influenced my life and my way thinking (not always to the good), some of it more than others. But up until my having read Havasupai, only two books really moved me on the Richter Scale: The Holy Bible and "The Book: On The Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are" by Alan Watts. Suffice it to say that if you do read Havasupai, you will definitely be feeding the "good wolf".
Not everyone has life experiences like this author, but life experiences do shape our lives. The inspiration for this novel came from the author’s life experiences. He uses his talent, along with actual events to create this work of fiction. He was blessed along the way to have a wife who is as talented as he is. Since I am Native American Indian myself - to me - this novel has the Native American spin on Karma. This is a work of fiction - but it has a lot of truths. Reading “Havasupai” and taking a trip to the Grand Canyon will be time well spent. Jeannie Walker (Award-Winning Author) "Forever in My Heart" - A True Story of Coincidence and Destiny
Bill and Dale did a great job writing Havasupai. I am not a great fan of fiction interspliced with real life experiences but this book quickly grabbed my attention and I could not wait to get back to reading it everyday until I finished. Halfway through you more or less know what the final outcome will be but it still holds your attention until the very end. Knowing Bill personally and working in some of the same disciplines of course caught my attention and he in no way overstates his resume. I do not know Dale but she is probably in line for sainthood. Along with the great story the interweaving of true life nuances that come with age and life experiences was in some ways like looking into a mirror that most of us should do from time to time. So, I give this book a well done and highly recommended it. Keep up the good work you two.