HATS OFF TO DAN
Bad things happen to good people… That’s a tough fact of life that many people wrestle with regardless of spiritual belief. It gets worse… Sometimes bad things happen to kids too… That one is even harder to swallow. The majority of us were lucky or blessed enough to be spared the worst of atrocities that can happen to children, but it doesn’t matter how good a childhood we had – we all carry scars from childhood and those who try to ignore them or pretend they didn’t happen fare much worse than the folks do who face the past realities of life head on.
That’s what my friend Dan Erickson has done in his first two novels, “A Train Called Forgiveness,” and “At The Crossing Of Justice And Mercy.” Being a bit cynical by nature, and maybe due to some scars from childhood, when people tell me they grew up in a cult, I’m skeptical. I’ll admit that I was with Dan at first… Till I read “A Train Called Forgiveness” that Dan wrote based on the true account of his life as the main character of Andy Burden.
Dan’s life was literally a living hell for him and some of the other young boys and girls that were also trapped in a cult right under the noses of our modern day society. “A Train Called Forgiveness” is Dan’s recounting the life inside a cult – his fight to escape – and the decades of the aftermath trying to piece the fragments of a destroyed childhood together to make sense out of it and seek truth and peace from God for himself and for his young daughter. (Not revealed in the first book)
Dan doesn’t pretend to answer all the questions in this real and raw account of his long journey back to the comfort only found in our Father, but he does give amazing insights into human nature and finds an island of wisdom in the peculiar place aboard “A Train Called Forgiveness.”
“A Train Called Forgiveness” lays the tracks for Dan’s next book “At The Crossing Of Justice And Mercy” and delivers an action-packed mystery that continues to ask the hard questions and conquer the recurring doubts we all face after we think we’ve slain the dragons of our past wounds and scars that we find out all too often are merely mended, not healed.
Dan Erickson delivers one of the most captivating journeys and stories that I can remember reading since I was a kid. My heart beat with stress and dread as if I were with Andy Burden as he searches for peace of mind and faces his deepest and darkest fears that have been haunting him since childhood.
Andy Burden seeks to find the answers to life’s toughest questions in action and pursuit of truth – despite the bludgeoning fear that rides on his shoulders. He finds some of that truth amidst dire danger “At The Crossing Of Justice And Mercy.”
I highly recommend Dan’s books IN ORDER. Reader be aware – it’s real life and is not censored, neither book is vulgar or rude, just a real account with similar hurdles we all face… Dan’s were just set a lot higher… I purchased my own copies of Dan’s books via Ibis Books at Amazon and was not asked for a favorable review in exchange for anything.
HOMERUN DAN ERICKSON!!! My hats off to you, Sir!
I recommend you check out my friend Dan’s post on a regular basis at danerickson.net
Dan Black
Thursday, May 23, 2013 @ 6:49 pm
Great review Floyd. Dan Erickson is a great man who has a wonderful story to share(Any one named Dan is ok in my book:)
Floyd
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 6:58 am
Now that you mention it, those guys named “Dan” are pretty good guys! I agree, Dan’s book speaks to the real struggles in life that mostly get ignored. Dan shines a light into the dark corners of our lives that we’ve been hiding from. They are great reads. Thanks, Dan.
Dan Erickson
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 7:11 am
Thanks Floyd, and thanks for reviewing the books on your blog. I appreciate your support. As for Dans, most Dans I’ve met are pretty good guys.
Floyd
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 9:12 am
My pleasure, Dan. Your books have a purpose and not only for the ones with the hard backgrounds, but also all of us who face fear in our lives… that leaves a pretty wide audience! Again, excellent job. I wish I would have taken my heart rate as I got to the climax of “Crossings.” Whew…
Ngina Otiende
Saturday, May 25, 2013 @ 3:28 pm
Haha
Ngina Otiende
Saturday, May 25, 2013 @ 3:31 pm
*my “haha” reply was to go right under Dan black’s “anyone named Dan is ok in my book” 🙂 : )
Floyd
Saturday, May 25, 2013 @ 4:19 pm
I think I’m gonna start going by “Dan” too! (kidding! couldn’t pull it off!)
Jillie
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 4:32 am
I agree with Dan Black! Anyone named ‘Dan’ is ok in my book too! I have a younger brother Dan…my dearest friend’s husband is a Dan…and my own son’s second name is Daniel! And of course, there’s that famous, Godly, courageous ‘Dan’ who prayed three times daily to his God, despite dire warnings not to, and who faced the ferocious lions in the den! ‘DAN’ is a good, strong, noble name.
You have done a good thing here, Floyd, in giving this wonderful review of your friend’s books. You have certainly piqued my interest, as I have a sister-in-law who grew up in the cult of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I know a great deal of her story, including the “dis-fellowship” she endured when she married my brother, her banishment from her own family, AND her subsequent mental breakdown and deep depressions she has suffered in the ensuing years. It’s been a long and often unbearable road for her. These cults place such a stranglehold of indoctrination on the minds of sincere seekers–they really mess with the minds and hearts of people. But our loving and merciful God IS working in her life, slowly, but surely. Thanks Floyd. These books will bring renewed hope to those who’ve lived it.
Floyd
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 7:02 am
I think you’re right, Jillie, about how these words of truth from someone whose lived through those times God will use to help lift the burden they carry with them. I also agree with you on that powerful name from God. There are no coincidences! Thanks, Jillie.
Betty Draper
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 10:47 am
Adding Dan books to my “want to read” list. I think I would be surprised how many are out there at this time. I do know churches who border on being a cult and control is the core of them. Thinking back to the early years with the Lord, not having much knowledge I could have been easily sucked into one. I thanks God for His protection and the Word of God that gives wisdom and discernment. Thanks Floyd for the heads up on Dan books…
Dan Erickson
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 12:36 pm
Often, fear and isolation are prime components for a group becoming a cult. The group I was in also claimed to be a “special people.” All things to watch for. I hope you find the time to read my books, Betty, and that they move you in some way.
Floyd
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 5:45 pm
My pleasure, Betty. They are worth reading for sure. I haven’t read anything this good in years… Thanks, Betty.
bill (cycleguy)
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 1:39 pm
I totally concur Floyd. Just finished reading both this past week. They were powerful, poignant, pitiful and provocative. (Hey, I’m a pastor and have to go with alliteration). I was captivated by both books and can’t wait for the third to come out. Well done Floyd! Well done Dan!!
Dan Erickson
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 2:02 pm
Thanks, Bill. I hope some of the characters and parts of the story were pitiful and not the quality of the writing itself. ; ) I need to get to work on the third. I have a start, but it will likely be the greatest challenge of the three with an emphasis on redemption.
bill (cycleguy)
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 6:40 pm
characters and part of the story Dan. To see how people were and are duped is mind-boggling. I thought the writing was fine. Used some words I wouldn’t and don’t but that is part and parcel of the book and the story. 🙂
Floyd
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 7:12 pm
I think part of the interesting part of the true story is how God allows things to some people and not to others, and uses those lives, even the ones that are rough around the edges, to reach those that some of us can’t. We all have our own ministry… but I know I’m preaching what I’ve heard you preach often… Preacher! Thanks for the honesty, Bill.
Dan Erickson
Saturday, May 25, 2013 @ 6:12 pm
That was part of the intention, to show hat God uses those we would not expect, including those who some of us might be tempted to judge.
Floyd
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 5:47 pm
How cool! I’m so glad you got to read them. I was so impressed, I’m tellin’ you, that climax in “Crossing” still has me reeling! Thanks for adding your personal findings! Great stuff!
Jason Stasyszen
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 2:33 pm
Sounds incredibly interesting. Peoples’ personal stories fascinate me. Sounds like I should check this out. Thanks Floyd.
Floyd
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 5:49 pm
You won’t be disappointed, Jason. Dan has quite a talent and a style all his own. You know what they say, “Truth is stranger than fiction!” Thanks, Jason.
Dan Erickson
Saturday, May 25, 2013 @ 6:14 pm
Of course the books are “officially” fiction. The first book is based on truth, mostly true to my own history. The second book has a lot of parts based on real life, but is more fictional.
Hazel Moon
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 6:05 pm
Thanks Floyd for a good review of Dan’s books. Sounds like two I would like to place on my “To read list”.
Floyd
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 6:38 pm
Dan’s books tackle the tough issues of fear and the “why’s” of this world. I hope you get a chance to read them. Thanks, Hazel.
Barb Raveling
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 7:40 pm
Wow, I need to read that book! Books.
Floyd
Saturday, May 25, 2013 @ 6:56 am
They do tell a compelling story and have life lessons for all of us. Thanks, Barb!
Mia
Friday, May 24, 2013 @ 11:08 pm
Dear Floyd
This reminds me so much of Don Quixote who fought windmills on his horse, Rocinante. In the eyes of others there is not any enemy, but in his heart there are real, cruel, terrible, frightening monsters lurking to overwhelm him. I admire this poor guy fighting so valliantly. Like ypu have said, dear friend, we all have a windmill or two from our childhood, but not everyone is as brave as Don Quixote and rather try to hide the pain and insecurities. Even worse than that is that their own children just receive the hidden fruit of this pain.
God bless you, Floyd
Mia
Floyd
Saturday, May 25, 2013 @ 6:58 am
Wow. That’s a great point, Mia. I think if we don’t learn how to deal with our own windmills, we pass the monsters on to our children… That’s reason enough to find the strength to fight! Well said. Thanks, Mia.
Ngina Otiende
Saturday, May 25, 2013 @ 3:43 pm
You almost wrote a new story in reviewing the books Floyd 🙂 ….you are a great writer. And a wonderful review. They sound like amazing books.
Floyd
Saturday, May 25, 2013 @ 4:22 pm
I should have done a review after I read Dan’s “A Train Called Forgiveness,” but he was close to releasing “At The Crossing Of Justice And Mercy” so decided to do them together, that’s why it was a bit winded! I hope a lot of people get to read Dan’s books. He has really hit on something with facing his fears and past, something many of us lack. Thanks for the support and chuckle, Ngina!