Raft of Stars

A Novel

By: Andrew J. Graff

Narrated by: Lincoln Hoppe

“A rousing adventure yarn full of danger and heart and humor.” —Richard Russo

An instant classic for fans of Jane Smiley and Kitchens of the Great Midwest: when two hardscrabble young boys think they’ve committed a crime, they flee into the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Will the adults trying to find and protect them reach them before it’s too late?

It’s the summer of 1994 in Claypot, Wisconsin, and the lives of ten-year-old Fischer “Fish” Branson and Dale “Bread” Breadwin are shaped by the two fathers they don’t talk about.

One night, tired of seeing his best friend bruised and terrorized by his no-good dad, Fish takes action. A gunshot rings out and the two boys flee the scene, believing themselves murderers. They head for the woods, where they find their way onto a raft, but the natural terrors of Ironsforge gorge threaten to overwhelm them.

Four adults track them into the forest, each one on a journey of his or her own. Fish’s mother Miranda, a wise woman full of fierce faith; his granddad, Teddy, who knows the woods like the back of his hand; Tiffany, a purple-haired gas station attendant and poet looking for connection; and Sheriff Cal, who’s having doubts about a life in law enforcement.

The adults track the boys toward the novel’s heart-pounding climax on the edge of the gorge and a conclusion that beautifully makes manifest the grace these characters find in the wilderness and one another. This timeless story of loss, hope, and adventure runs like the river itself amid the vividly rendered landscape of the Upper Midwest.

Feel good

I’m so tired of reading ugly stories full of hate and violence. What’s wrong with a cast of characters you can care about, worry about? Nothing. This is an optimistic story. One adventurous tale that leaves you feeling good when it’s over. Sure, it’s a bit far fetched, but who cares? Just enjoy it and have fun. Feeling good isn’t a crime.

Modern Huckleberry Finn story.

Good story. I enjoyed the many characters. good narration. Only a couple of cuss words..that's always nice!

Nice morality adventure tale

Very nice book to listen to with a slow but comfortable reader. North woods tale part coming-of-age, part suspenseful adventure, and part imperfect wisdom of experience. The pace was good and the story engaging. Sure, (like one overly bitter Wisconsin native reviewer complains) there was some mild “stretching” of the Wisconsin wildlife to fit the story but nothing unreasonable to make the narrative flow. I enjoyed the book from beginning to end.

Great writing / great story!

Did not dislike one single word One of the best books I’ve read this year! The story and the characters are memorable!

A possible family read

Lots of spiritual overtones, and not just Christian if you're really paying attention. If you have middle schoolers this would be a good book you could both read together. Themes of innocence lost and found, facing down ones past, 'happy accident' relationships. A lovely journey overall.