^#smrgSAHAF Love and Country: A Novel - 2003

Fourteen-year-old Kenny Swanson and his mother, Lenna, have just moved to a small ranching town in Idaho.When Kenny learns that he isn't yet allowed to ride broncos in his new community, he is hugely disappointed-but here begins a complex and poignant year of growth for him and others in Love and Country. Kenny's first love, Cynthia, is a singular girl with a common longing for escape; Roddy, the boy's hero, is a small-time rodeo star whose genuine charisma attracts too many.As Lenna struggles to find a place for herself-alone with her son, surrounded by vast and sometimes frightening open spaces-Kenny faces death on a hunting trip, risks the consequences of breaking colts, helps a mare to foal, and learns the meaning of forgiveness. Lives intersect in a medley of grief, longing, and love, as Adam's characters find challenges in being outsiders and strength in making connections at the most important moments.Like the migrating geese that catch Kenny's attention, they fly first in different directions, eventually gathering together in formation.