The Communing Tree

by Theresa Verboort, Amy Blumenstein Collen (Illustrator)

It is 1979 and sixteen-year-old Judith's survivalist father has never been so relaxed and cheerful since he returned from Vietnam with a debilitating case of PTSD. The eight years he and his family have spent hidden deep in the Kalmiopsis wilderness of Oregon have been good for him. Unfortunately none of them have any idea that disaster is about to strike. While camping away from their cabin, Judith and her younger sister, Kali, witness the murder of their parents and older brother.Afraid of being tracked down by the killers, the girls escape to their family's isolated cabin, occupied by their grandmother. As Judith cares for a now mute Kali, the girls struggle to survive, especially after their Gramma dies. Throughout their trials, they often find comfort under the special tree that shelters their grandmother's grave. But when a secretive visitor brings them aid, only time will tell if they will uncover the identity of their guardian angel and find a way to return to the outside world-or be alone forever. The Communing Tree is a novel about courage, persistence, and survival as two sisters are forced to face a perilous new life alone in the wilderness.

220 pages, Paperback

First published July 27, 2018

Reviews

[Lynee · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I was out to coffee after church with some members of the choir, when one of the members/coffee drinkers was introduced as an author. And boy, do I love reading new books by local authors! So I bought one on the spot and commenced to read.

This book starts out with a literal bang, and keeps going. Reading about a survivalist family in the 1970s-1980s after the Vietnam War was quite interesting from a historical viewpoint, though sometimes quite grim. There were a lot of "Little House on the Prairie" day to day chores, but this family had lived in town with a house and car, running water, electricity, and grocery stores before heading into the Oregon wilderness. They truly had to learn to live with nature and off the land.

There are references to PSTD, the Oregon Modoc tribe, and End Times prepping. I'm hoping for a sequel...

[WordGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great story! This is a story of female empowerment and independence, loss and strength, overcoming and persevering, facing and overcoming fears. You will be rooting for the two main characters throughout this book. It also provides a terrific glimpse into the rare and beautiful southwestern forests of Oregon, which still have some remote terrain. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to escape from civilization or live on your own, you'll experience that way of life through this story. I'd recommend this to anyone age 12 or older.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super well researched! A coming-of-age story about a teen girl who, through sad circumstances, finds herself living in the wilderness, caring for her little sister, hidden from the rest of the world. Great YA read, adults who like wilderness survival stories will also enjoy this book.

[J W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book all the way through, with caveats. It was especially relevant to those who remember or experienced life after Viet Nam, which I did. A negative for me was being written in first person. Also, the Prologue was so dramatic it made the vivid scene writing seem slow. I'd rate it PG-13, close to R, for elements typical of that era (marijuana, murder, and a singular f-bomb). But if you can handle that, I'd recommend it.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Communing Tree takes place in 1979 when survivalism was really picking up steam. I was a teenager growing up in Niagara, Oregon back then. I remember how my Dad had my brothers help him bury a great big metal container full of food in our woodshed. Vietnam was almost always the topic around our dinner table and two of my brother's draft numbers were close to being called. I'm still relieved that they didn't have to go.

This YA wilderness survival story is told by Judith, a young girl whose survivalist family moves her and her family, including her grandmother (who I loved) clear up into the rugged Kalmiopsis wilderness of Oregon. They live off the land, essentially homesteading. I enjoyed the details about gardening, goats, cabin life and canning. It was fascinating, how they managed to make a life there. But they need money and decide to grow pot. Don't worry, the parents are not potheads. But their decision does lead to a terribly tragic event. Judith has to grow up overnight. She shows such courage and determination, finding food and shelter. She takes care of her little sister who got so scared, she stopped talking altogether.

As you may be able to tell, I found myself completely drawn into the story. Judith describes how they survive -- her voice is rhythmic, almost hypnotic. Her story is a blow-by-blow account that kept me wanting to know what would happen next.

The Communing Tree is a thrilling read for all ages and even though it's intense, it's family friendly and intelligently written. I gave it to two of my nieces and they devoured it. I hope you enjoy it too!

[Kate Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 2019 WILLA Literary Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction & Nonfiction, the title is an engaging read from the first page to the last. The characters are well-developed, and both adult and young adult readers will care about their desires and dilemmas. The stunning wilderness setting also displays a personality of its own, and Verboort’s descriptions of daily survival there lend authenticity to the story’s high level of suspense. . .https://www.theusreview.com/reviews/T...

[Jonathan Schildbach · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off with such a harsh opening, that I didn't know what to expect from the rest of the book --some kind of revenge tale? But then it settled in to so much about life without modern luxuries, doing chores, tending to the animals, staying hidden from the outside world. I was interested throughout, but not highly compelled to keep coming back to it. Weirdly enough, I feel like it could have used an additional 50 to 100 pages to flesh out some more of the story and more of the connections between characters, and resolution to the overall plot.

[Peggy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, engaging, surprising, never a dull moment.

The Communing tree started off with a shock and a hook that never let go. Hard to put down, but so fascinating and unusual, I savored it for three whole days. Also great for military vets, survivalists and anyone who loves the great outdoors.