Strum

Strum is an epic tale that crosses geography, time, and cultures. In 1950s Quebec, a deaf woodworker, Bernard Tenderfield, is drawn deep into the woods when he hears a lulling melody in his dreams. The forest gives him an unexpected gift - an ancient cedar falls at his feet, and he nearly loses his life salvaging part of the fallen tree to build two magical guitars.

From there, the story moves back and forth, tracing Bernard's European and Iroquois bloodline through time with the magical allure of the instrument connecting his family. Strum spans two centuries, jumping from Canada to the French Alps to Southeast Asia and beyond, and introduces a gripping cast of characters who have moving tales to tell. Rich with beautiful imagery and thought-provoking symbolism, this debut novel will stay with listeners long after they finish the final minute.

Strum is winner of seven awards: 2016-17 Library Journal Top Ten Most Requested Self-e book (2nd Fantasy); 2014 USA Best Book Award (Finalist: Literary); 2014 Independent Publishers Book Award - IPPY Silver Medal (Best Reg'l Fiction, Canada); 2014 New York, Hollywood, San Francisco and Great Northwest Book Festivals.

Reviews:

"Engrossing prose and an imaginative narrative define this gorgeous, highly recommended saga." - Library Journal

"A beautifully written, engrossing family epic." - Kirkus Reviews

"Young's intense focus on the natural world provides imagery of glistening beauty." - Publishers Weekly

"A sweeping debut of enduring but tragic love." - Pasadena Now

"Young's debut novel delights the reader in a mesmerizing story you can't stop reading. Definitely a page turner!" - American Library Association