On the run from the law, Kate and her two best friends return to the Kingdom of What Is, only to confront even greater challenges than those they fled. The story explores their struggles as they navigate a world filled with unexpected dangers and the consequences of their past decisions. As they face new threats, the bond between the friends is tested, revealing the depth of their loyalty and resilience in the face of adversity.
The memoir explores the challenging childhood of a boy raised by a Dutch Reformed preacher, highlighting his experiences with natural disasters, family struggles, and the complexities of growing up. Karl navigates the hardships of having disabled siblings, confronting death, and grappling with fears, all while facing the mysteries of adolescence. Through trials and moments of redemption, the narrative offers a poignant glimpse into his formative years and the resilience that shapes his identity.
Kate, a thirteen-year-old girl grappling with loneliness and the absence of her father, finds herself in a vibrant, enchanting land after being led by a crow. This magical realm offers her a stark contrast to her colorless life, filled with beauty and love, suggesting a journey of healing and rediscovery. As she navigates this new world, Kate confronts her feelings of sadness and begins to explore the possibilities of hope and connection.
Bellowing in the Common is Karl Petersen's first book. This collection "bellows" on behalf of the unheard things and people. Unheard and unseen, because they are too ordinary and common for human perception. His poetry shows how the mundane -- whether it be a boat rocking at the dock or a garden squash -- often rings with a voice louder and more startling than the extraordinary, if only we have ears to hear. Karl Petersen hears a bellowing in the common and, with a true poet's vocation, awakens us with new ears to the same old tunes.