Winner of the Northeastern Minnesota Book Award 2024 Best Memoir!
Campfire in the Basement by Darrell J. Pedersen is filled with amusing retellings of his colorful family history and thought-provoking bits of wisdom garnered from a long life well lived. The book is eloquently and expertly written, and readers will enjoy the tales inspired by the author’s life as a child, teen, husband, father, pastor, and passionate outdoorsman.
Who Will Carry the Fire? More Reflections from a North Woods Lake by Darrell J. Pedersen thoughtfully examines the value of human history, traditions, memories, and relationships and reiterates the importance of preserving and faithfully passing these memories and lessons to the next generation. Through a collection of essays and the retellings of his early days as a son, brother, husband, and father, Pedersen expertly weaves a book that is both a memoir and a celebration of life.
A self-described “little dickens” during his growing up years, the author shares memories of a not-well-thought-out campfire in the basement and the tragic misadventures of being asked to care for the class goldfish over Christmas. Pedersen’s stories will remind readers of their youth when old country stores were “candy heaven” and how every little boy wanted to be like the cowboys from Gunsmoke.
Campfire in The Basement includes memories of heartache, loss, and long goodbyes. But these tough retellings create a perfect balance of relatable stories and raw authenticity. This book is not only a memoir; it is a reminder of the pure joys in life and how faith can help us through the good times and the bad. Campfire in the Basement will keep readers engaged from the first page to the last.
Darrell J Pedersen spent much of his adult life serving others as a parish pastor at numerous Minnesota churches. After nearly 40 years of ministry as an ELCA pastor, he retired and added the title of author to his lengthy resume. Guided by his deep faith, Pedersen hopes that his ability to tell stories, love deeply, and laugh at himself will encourage others to do the same. Pedersen resides in Northern Minnesota with his wife, Jennifer. Together, they have three grown children and thoroughly enjoy being grandma and grandpa to Anders and Bjorn.
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