New book shows the price of truth

If the idea of doing a modern-day pioneer trek seems a little daunting, then you might consider reading “Journey of the Heart” by author W. Dave Free instead. The novel gives you a taste of pioneer life as you follow along a handcart trail with an everyday modern LDS teen that gets transported to the pioneer days of 1856.Eighteen-year-old Jake, the main character, is in a terrible ski accident not long after informing his parents he will not be serving a mission. When he wakes up from his accident, he is bewildered to find himself part of a group of 19th century Latter-day Saints preparing to make the arduous journey from Iowa City, Iowa, to Salt Lake City by handcart.Jake tries to warn the Saints of the trials that lie ahead, but when he is unsuccessful, decides to accompany them on their journey.His adventures give readers an insight into the daily work, sacrifice, humor and tragedy of pioneer life.Jake’s modern lingo provides many opportunities for laugh-out-loud reading.“Jake walked over to the family (hand)cart, picked up the cross bar, and said in his best car advertisement voice, ‘It’s the Captain Edward Summer Tent Blowout sale! These babies are flying out the door! Don’t be the only one on the prairie without one. This weekend only, zero down and no payments until 1857” (pg. 114)Jake’s journey provides him with opportunities to learn from the most faithful of his faith and he begins to take a spiritual journey towards faith and testimony.  While Free seems to have written this book to ungrateful or faltering teens, the humor, dynamic characters and the opportunity to visualize life as a pioneer make it a fun read for anyone.