How many times, in the course of growing up, are we told by our mothers, our fathers, our teachers and various adults in our lives, “Never judge a book by its cover.” As far as adages go, this one is universal. As a mom with children of my own, I know I’ve said it to them. And still, how easy it is to fall into the trap and judge.
When I received my Advance Reading Copy of Powder Dreams by David Ward-Nanney, I took one look at the cover and decided I didn’t like the typeface. I flipped it over and decided I didn’t like the text on the back. I still don’t like either, but I really enjoyed reading David’s novel. I couldn’t put it down. Here’s why.
1) Powder Dreams is about a lot more than skiing.
While skiing and the life of a young ski bum Bo Grayson provide the back story to the protagonist’s early 20s, the book doesn’t dwell on the powder, the drugs or the terrible living conditions endemic to the ski bum life. The novel spans the 1980s through the mid-2000s, and Bo is only a ski bum for eight years.
Ward-Nanney recounts this time with an economical eye for detail that borders on the autobiographical. For anyone who has skied or lived in the Colorado and Utah mountains, it feels like coming home. Reading it, I thought to myself, “I know this guy and he knows those mountains.” Not Bo, the main character, but David Ward-Nanney, the author.
2) Powder Dreams is about learning to distinguish between fantasy and reality.
In a passage early in the book, Bo has hitchhiked home to Tennessee to attend the funeral of an elderly friend and mentor. Bo reunites with his closest friend from childhood, by now a self-made millionaire (or more) and his boarding school shrink, Dr. Kalb. Bo recounts,
I tried to explain the beauty of Colorado in the winter and exactly what I’d been up to….”Fantasyland,” (Dr. Kalb) had called the resort atmosphere of the Rockies. “I know,” I finally said, “it sounds like a frivolous existence.”
Dr. Kalb put a hand on my shoulder and asked, “Are you having fun?”
“Yes,” I said. “I am.”
“Don’t worry about it. Just go and have fun,” he said. “You’ve got plenty of time to grow up. I meant the comment as a long term warning. Don’t ever forget that it is Fantasyland.”
We drank a toast to growing up on our own terms.
The irony of Powder Dreams and what makes it such a compelling story is that Fantasyland can be anywhere. For a while Bo perfects his fantasy in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon. Later, his fantasy lies in searching out the next big deal where money can be made hand-over-fist in the (for Bo at least) soul-stealing world of finance.
As Bo connects throughout the years with his childhood friends, he is humbled by their success and vows to reach a similar level of material wealth. He trades in the Rockies for Chicago — to seek higher education and eventually to land job as a trader on the Mercantile Exchange.
3) Powder Dreams is rooted in psychological theory, but the story reigns supreme.
Depressed, pasty from too-much time in the city, and quickly becoming a drunk, Bo decides to see an analyst. In one of his early sessions with Dr. Attfield, they have this exchange.
“What do you feel nostalgic about?”
“The mountains.”
“Could you be more specific?”
“I used to spend everyday in the mountains. I woke up to the mountains, went to sleep with them in the background. I played and worked in the mountains….”
“Why did you leave them?”
“I thought it was time to grown up.”
“Fair enough. How is growing up going?”
“Fine,” I answered.
“How would you define growing up?”
“Taking on responsibilities. Doing meaningful work. Um. Making money.”
Bo has forgotten about growing up on his own terms.
Later in the book, as the Dr. Attfield’s usefulness wanes and Bo’s world changes in a flash of lightning from benign to threatening, he realizes that
The desire for money was beyond an appetite for the latest Molecular Cuisine concoction. It was far beyond German-engineered cars and big houses. We all wanted to make money for some other reason and the answer did not come easily to mind. It was a craving, an inexplicable craving.
It was also ultimately, a fantasy.
The Upshot…
With the exception of a few dense paragraphs explaining Jungian theory, Powder Dreams never loses momentum and moves far beyond psychological introspection. Crime, morality and ill-gotten gains raise their heads and as Powder Dreams draws to a close, there is real suspense. Of course, there is also a girl and in the character of Abby, Bo meets either his undoing or his salvation. I’m not telling which. You’ll have to read the book.
Despite my initial judgment, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Powder Dreams. It is complex, but not overwhelming, and the story moves easily. The characters are sympathetic and real. I still don’t think the text on the back cover does the book justice nor really compels readers to pick it up. But if you’re willing to take a flyer on this self-published author, David Ward-Nanney’s Powder Dreams is a fun flight through psychology, love and life.
Powder Dreams, published by Mud Season Publishing. Available at Amazon.com.
Giveaway information….
To win a signed copy of Powder Dreams, leave a comment with your name. One winner will be chosen at random on Friday, October 7 at 8:00 a.m.
Enjoy!
This post contains affiliate links to Amazon.
This drawing is now closed. Congratulations to Eric.
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Sweet! I’m always looking for a good book to read!
I don’t think you’ll go wrong with Powder Dreams. Thanks!
I’ve already started teaching my 5 year old the perils of “judging a book by it’s cover” which, to a Kindergartner, is a completely alien concept as MOST of what they do and how they reason is completely visual. I relish the challenge!!
Incidentally I quite like the cover, granted, the font does leave much to be desired…
…sounds like a good read!
I think I have a lot in common with Kindergarteners! In a good way! Thanks.
Nice review. Good story? Mountain setting? Compelling character? I’m in.
It’s a fun read. I really didn’t want to put it down!
I can’t wait to read it. I am reading the Ridley Pearson series set in Sun Valley. 3 books – fast reading, good mystery and in a mountain setting!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll have to check those out.
Have lived in Fantasyland for 22 years, now my kids are fully immersed in Fantasy and want nothing to do with the “real” world. I prefer the reality of the mountains over the unreal living in the other parts of our country! Three Cheers to Colorado’s Mountains, there towns and people. I will definitely read the book as a winner or not!
I think you’ll love it. Actually it starts in Summit County! Please spread the word! Thanks.
I do the same thing with books and wine! Sounds like a good read.
So true. Shouldn’t judge a bottle by its label!
I’m always game to read a book about skiing. It would be a good book to read during my daily commute.
Yes, it would be a great escape during your commute! Thanks!
Was a ski bum in Utah in the 90’s. Sounds like I might like this book.
I think you just might! Good luck.
Sounds interesting. I’m always up for a book that flows and isn’t too difficult to read or follow! Thanks for the chance to win!
You’re welcome! Good luck!
Sounds like a great book 🙂
I enjoyed it! Good luck!
Sounds like a good book. I like fantasy style books with the twist of real life. Will give it a read.
I hope you’ll enjoy it! Good luck!
Why would you have a black cover on this book? Guess it attracts attention. Reading about winter and skiing is always fun.
I think the black cover was to denote dreams. The book is a bit dark, but a fun read.
Sounds interesting. A serious ski novel? Greg Stump gives it a thumbs up? I may have to pick it up! Thanks for the review.
Yeah. Pretty good props. I think you might like it. Good luck!
Thanks for the recommendation! It looks good!
I hope you like it. Good luck!
going to have to check this one out this winter
It’s a good one! Good luck!
It’s the perfect time of year to sit by the fire and get lost in a good book!
Isn’t it though? Good luck!
My husband would LOVE This book (and me too!) Christmas gift!!?!? 😉
Great idea! Good luck!
I got here through tweet by ski cooper.. nice blog and looks like a great read. for someone stuck in GA, this book should be the perfect escape to my fantasyland. thanks.. just purchased the kindle version through your link.
Those folks at Ski Cooper are so nice! Glad you follow them. I hope you enjoy the book! The author is an Emory grad. Good luck!