Darrell Pedersen’s Campfire in the Basement takes us to a place in our midwestern soul where a bowl of steaming tomato soup is being served with a side of grilled cheese on a cold, winter’s night. The folklore of fishing at the lake, believing in monsters under the bed, and having a teacher that made us squirm, yet gets credit for our character formation isn’t just for one age group of listeners. The Great Depression seared some cellular memory into one generation that became the DNA in all its descendants. Campfire in the Basement takes some of our connected experiences and, just at the last moment, something not so common is thrown in.

Each telling of a story comes from a personal perspective. Pedersen’s tales flow out of a daily observation of his life, as it evolved in Northern Minnesota. With a soft, yet direct voice, he unrolls his magic carpet and you step on board, riding through small town football games, cowering with your family while a storm blows overhead, or enjoying a penny candy at a mercantile.

Depending on your generation, you will have heard similar stories or find yourself telling them, but Pedersen’s stories have a twist. A Campfire – in the basement. An assignment to read Silent Spring leads to environmental awareness. A scholarship for a full ride in college ends up changing his direction away from the prize. Without giving up details, I’ll just say that, this preacher presents his collection without being preachy. It is a joy to read. Maybe it will encourage you to tell your stories, too.

Janet E. Kurtz
Spanish Professor, Central Lakes College – Brainerd, Retired
Author of Northern Shores Southern Borders – Revelations of a Bilingual Life