Ken Kuhlken's first novel, originally published by Viking Press, has since become a companion to the Hickey family crime series and Book 1 in the three book epic love story, Hickey and McGee.
The haunting story, honored as a Finalist for the Ernest Hemingway Award for Best First Fiction Book, set in and around the exquisite Lake Tahoe basin, is told by a precocious seventeen-year-old torn between her quest for God and her love for a man.
During the early 1970s, in a paradise fast becoming a millionaires' playground, a high school senior, troubled by her father's gambling and the arrogance of her wealthy peers, turns from drugs and boys to radical Christianity. But when she falls for her English teacher, a gambler and dedicated unbeliever, hard choices test her will, her faith, and her love. And tragic results threaten her sanity.
Anne Tyler, as Chair of the Ernest Hemingway Award selection committee, wrote, "The pace, clarity and assurance of Midheaven make it a pleasure to read."
From Kirkus Reviews: "Kuhlken has, with Jodi, created a character new to us-the born again adolescent who's in-the-know-and he provides her with grit and honesty."
Novelist Andy Straka commented, "Midheaven is one of those rare gems of a novel that sneaks up on you and nestles in your soul. I especially enjoyed the setting and character development. The sun-dappled mountains and cold water beauty of Lake Tahoe hold too many secrets for a teenage girl to bear. Jodi is a character you won't soon forget."
About the Author: Some of Ken's favorites are early mornings, the desert in spring, kind and honest people, baseball and other sports played by those who don't take themselves too seriously, most kids, and films he and his Zoë can enjoy together. He reads classic novels, philosophy, theology, and all sorts of mysteries. On his blog, he offers some hard truths and encour-agement about living in general and living as an artist in particular. He has long been the author of novels, stories, poems, maga-zine features, and essays. Lots of honors have come his way, including a National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellow-ship; Poets, Essayists and Novelist's Ernest Hemingway Award; Private Eye Writers of America Best First Novel and Shamus Best Novel; and several San Diego and Los Angeles Book Awards. Though he praises beer in a you tube video, he actually pre-fers red wine and Scotch. To reach him, go to kenkuhlken.net.
