The Shepherd of the Hills by Harold Bell Wright

I first published this review on June 19, 2010

 I read this book so many years ago that I didn't even remember what it was about, so decided to reread it. [I often reread books. It's like visiting old friends!]

The Shepherd of the Hills was written in 1907 by Harold Bell Wright. It's mostly fictional, portraying mountain folklore. Wright began visiting the Ozark Mountains in Southern Missouri and northern Arkansas in 1898. His Doctor told him he needed two vacations a year for health reasons. He became acquainted with "Old Matt and Aunt Millie." They were the inspiration for his characters in the book.

The book has some romance, a little mystery, atonement, forgiveness, reconciliation and redemption. It gives much insight to living in the Ozark's in the early 1900's,

Some older books tend to go a little slow but this one doesn't. Very easy to read and very interesting from the first page.

The Shepherd of the book is an elderly, mysterious, educated man that shows up in Mutton Hollow. Wright does a great job showing strengths and weaknesses of people. His writing also depicts man's success and how each of us looks at success from different angles.

It's such an interesting story that it draws thousands of devotees to the outdoor performance in Branson, MO every year.

A famous quote from the book is: "Here and there among men, there are those who pause in the hurried rush to listen to the call of a life that is more real. He who sees too much is cursed for a dreamer, a fanatic, or a fool, by the mad mob, who, having eyes, see not, ears and hear not, and refuse to understand."

The story begins: "In the hills of life there are two trails. One lies along the higher sunlit fields where those who journey see afar, and the light lingers even when the sun is down; and one leads to the lower ground, where those who travel, as they go, look always over their shoulders with eyes of dread, and gloomy shadows gather long before the day is done."

What a great sermon illustration!! We've all made mistakes in our lives - but living a life without having to look over ones shoulder is a blessed life indeed.  I am so thankful I've been forgiven and my trail is along the sunlit fields and the light never fails. God has greatly blessed me.