Upon Destiny’s Song

I will be adding a new section, starting this month, informing you about good clean books. This month’s selection is Upon Destiny’s Song by Mike Ericksen. It is available from the material center at the church and can be checked out for one week and may be renewed, if there is no waiting list. It has a companion disk with pictures and music that accompany the story that is available at the Mt. Pleasant Public Library.

Synopsis – In 1856 the Ole Madsen Family set sail from their native Denmark seeking an American Zion, answering the call of early leaders of their newfound religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Once docked in New York City, they still stood two thirds of a continent from their dreams. They traversed 1,300 miles of that land pulling a handcart packed with their meager belongings. They were assigned to the Willie Company, one of 10 such pioneer companies that made the trek from the Midwest to Utah Territory on foot. An already difficult task took a harrowing turn for the worse when food rations ran out and harsh winter storms descended while they were still hundreds of miles from their objective. As the family lay huddled together on the crest of Wyoming’s Rocky Ridge, freezing to death, they learned the true meaning of faith.

Their story echoes across the expanse of time as descendent Mike Ericksen & his family search for these ancestors. As Ericksen flips through pages of aged documents & pores over family trees online, he discovers truths that leave him in awe. He learns of his great-grandmother Marie’s struggles & finds a consoling connection to her by telling her powerful story through music. Through it all he comes to understand the powerful ripple effect of everyday decisions & the significance of being true heroes.

Authors – Mike Ericksen &  Sage Steadman

Reviews – Amazon   &   Good Reads