"Journey of the Heart" by W. Dave Free

This story is categorized as LDS Young Adult Fiction. Not my usual kind of read but I am always willing to try something new. And besides, it is never too late for me to start building a library of clean books for my kids to read when they hit those teenage years.

The story centers around Jake, an average 18-year-old boy, who is making some of those "coming of age" decisions. In this instance, it has to do with deciding to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After sharing with his parents that he has decided not to serve a mission he suffers an accident while skiing with his friend Tyler. When he gains consciousness he finds himself in Iowa city in 1856 with a group of Latter-day Saints who are getting ready to cross the plains by handcart.

Jake makes friends with Annie, a young, single sister in the handcart company, who often reminds him of some of his lousy outlooks on life and the gospel. He is asked to serve in a few different capacities such as a tent president, a blacksmith, a carpenter to help fix broken handcarts, and he also helps weigh and record the items that the saints are allowed to carry.

I found this book a valuable help in understanding the plight of the pioneers who were willing to leave all of their possessions and, in some cases, their family members behind so they could join the other saints in the Salt Lake Valley. I will admit that I found the plot to be very predictable and I had a hard time believing the whole time travel thing, but I am willing to give this book three *** stars because it was well written and fun to read - as a teenager I would have definitely given it four or five stars. There are a few editing snafus but it is in it's first printing (it just came out this year) and so that is generally expected.

I highly recommend this book to LDS teenagers and their parents that want to learn more about the handcart experiences of the pioneers.

* Available at Deseret Book