Bad Ground

by W. Dale Cramer, Pete Bradbury

Author of Sutter's Cross, a Booklist Top Pick, W. Dale Cramer evokes the ambiance of a small Southern town in this inspiring novel. Jeremy's mother has passed away, leaving him with an odd request. He is to find his Uncle Aiden, a hardrock miner, and stay with him, regardless of Aiden's wishes. Jeremy's faith in God gives him the courage to find the humanity behind this tough-as-steel man.

"… Cramer has a delicious way with a pen, whether he's crafting a lush Southern backdrop or offering glimpses of [his characters'] interior lives."-Publishers Weekly, starred review

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Novels, Audiobook

MP3 Book

Published August 14, 2009

About the author

also writes Amish genre under the name Dale Cramer

Reviews

[David Kenison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book on recommendation from a friend, and discovered later it belongs to a genre called "Christian fiction" - stories not afraid to discuss religious questions as a part of the plot. The characters deal with moral issues, challenges to faith, sharing their beliefs with others, etc. - and eventually, conversion to Christ that brings hope to a life of despair. I hope this is perhaps more "real life" than most contemporary fiction, which basically ignores religious life. In this case, the religious parts were not overwhelming to the story, but helped add some warmth and authenticity.

The book tells the story of 17-year-old Jeremy Prine, whose dying mother sends him to find his Uncle Aiden (brother of his father who was killed in a mining accident), saying he has something to give Jeremy that she could never give him, and he has something to give the uncle. With this meager instruction, he hitchhikes from Tennessee to Atlanta and discovers the work of deep underground rock excavation. It's an interesting setting for a story that proceeds to unravel the past lives of some unusual characters and how they enable each other to find peace and happiness.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first began to read this book I didn't know if I would finish it. In fact, I started to read it last year and put it back on the shelf. I really enjoy W. Dale Cramer as an author but I just couldn't get into this book at first. I am so glad I finished reading it. Everything came together and by the end, yep, I was in tears. (small disclaimer note: While I do enjoy W. Dale Cramer as an author, he always has one or two parts in each of his books that REALLY don't need to be in there. His books would be even better if he would leave those unnecessary parts out.)

[Don · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am a Christian. I don’t read Christian fiction writing because every novel I have attempted reinforces stereotypes and incites non inclusivity. Basically every Christian novel I have attempted is self righteous and unforgiving, therefore not the Christianity I want to be a part of. In this case within the first 50 pages the author manages to take an encounter with pedophile and make it into all gay people are evil.

[A.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realise until I was a fair way into this book that it was 'Christian Fiction'. I don't think I'd have read it, if I'd known that. It's just not a genre that appeals to me.

But, if I had ignored it, I would have missed out. Sure, there was a fair amount of church and bible in it, but I didn't feel as though I was being hit over the head with either of them. Aidan and Jeremy Prine are sympathetically-drawn characters and Cramer's writing is excellent: realistic dialogue and fascinating details on subjects as diverse as deer-hunting and tunnel-drilling.

My favourite line was in reference to the trailer/caravan belonging to Weasel, who spent the afternoon "putting out awnings and lawn chairs - the shallow roots of a nomad."

It got a bit saccharine towards the end, and I was never very convinced by the female characters Kearston and Swan, but overall it was an enjoyable, gripping read and I'm glad to have had my prejudices proved to be wrong.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent character, plot, and setting development. Cramer captures the South in the details. As far as Christian fiction in general goes, his work is the best I've read yet: it is powerful, inspirational, and, most importantly, real. It's refreshing to hear poetic yet strikingly applicable spirituality from a layman's perspective regarding layman issues. I highly recommend this book and Cramer's Summer of Light.

[Kaycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love this book. I cried. This book is mostly about male characters, but it was so interesting. I really like this author. He does a great job.

[Marvin · Rating 1 out of 5]

A work of Christian fiction, I bailed out of its overwrought setup after about 50 pages.

[Cybil Timm · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing story that will leave you wanting more.

A book report on Bad Ground by Cybil Timm

W. Dale Cramer’s novel Bad Ground is a story about a young boy who is only 17 years old named Jeremy. He only had a mother, but she died so he had to go live with other relatives. Soon he was given a letter from his mom. When he read it he found out that she wanted him to go live with his Uncle Aiden who they haven’t seen or heard from in years. He had no idea why but he wanted to find out.

I definitely recommend this book. I don’t think that there is a specific age group that it would be best fitted for. I think that teenagers and older would enjoy this book. I think that the romance would appeal to the younger readers but I think that all the heartfelt moments and the difficult decisions and predicaments of life would appeal to the older audience.

Jeremy saw a girl and was instantly intrigued by her. He later drove by her house and saw that they were having a garage sell so he decided that he would go so that he could see her. He talked to her and realized that they had a lot in common. Their relationship grows and they work well together. Aiden hears a piano from the apartment below him. He sees the girl that was playing piano and he immediately likes her but he doesn’t want to admit it. Sometimes he will sit there still and silent just listening to her play towards the end of the book Jeremy finally convinces him to go talk to her.

Throughout the story people realize how Jeremy has changed so much. He came to his uncle and was a scared little boy who doesn’t know how to do any handy work and can’t think on his feet. Then later on you will realize he is no longer a little boy. He works hard, he stands up for himself, and he doesn’t become still in the face of danger like he used to. You will realize he is now a man. So many things have happened to him throughout the book that have forced him to change.

This book is only the second book the W. Dale Cramer has made so when he wrote this book in 2004 he was still a pretty new author. The first book that he wrote is Sutter’s Cross. Since he wrote Bad Ground he has made 6 more books. They are Levi’s will, Summer of light, Paradise Valley, The Captive Heart, Though Mountains Fall, and Kiss of the jewel bird.

The plot is very intriguing but still authentic. The book starts off in Tennessee but shortly Jeremy goes to Georgia. Towards the end of the book there is another part that takes place in Tennessee.

I have not read any books or seen any movies that are of the same genre. When I got this book I didn’t realize the genre, which is Christian fiction, until after I finished it. I think that makes it a pretty unique book. I think that it intrigues people who have never read a book like it before. I think what makes it different from other books in its genre is that the genre isn’t completely taking over the book like I heard that most books in that genre do.
I think that this book is relatable in many ways. Things that happen in real life are demonstrated throughout this entire book. Although life is a bit tougher for the guys in this story than most people in the U.S. but I still think that people can relate to it.

I think that the main theme in this book is that you can understand or learn something new from anyone. Jeremy’s mom wanted him to go to his Uncle Aiden because he could give something to Jeremy that she couldn’t. She also said that Aiden could gain something from him. Jeremy didn’t understand what she meant until towards the end of the book. So I think it is a big theme because it is introduced at the beginning but you don’t know how big it is until you read the end.

I think that this book is great for anyone who wants to read it, but maybe a specific thing would be if they are going through a tough time I think that this book would be a really good story for them.

[Mary Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read Dale Cramer's other book and looked forward to reading this one as well. Although it dealt with a lot of technical matter related to drilling underground, he was able to make the story understandable even if I couldn't quite understand what he was describing. His characters are real people--miners who are rough around the edges (and sometimes in the middle, too), who cuss and feel more at home underground than around other people. Yet, he draws them without a single cuss word in the text and makes us love them with all their vulnerabilities.

I rarely if ever highlight anything in a novel, but there were several places where I used a yellow marker in order to remember them. This book is good drama and well worth reading.

[Larry Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up at a library sale and was not aware it was a "Christian Fiction" when I brought it home. This is not my genre obviously because I am an atheist so I probably would not have read it if I had known before I started it. That being said I was moved by the story and gave it a three star because of that. I felt the writing was shallow and had an almost immature flow to it but entertaining enough to keep me reading it.
So a good story it entertained me and sometimes that's good enough.

[Vivian G. Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of pain, love, happiness, loss and recovery

I gave this wonderful book a five-star rating because there was no six on the scale. It's rare to become so immersed in a book that I read it in one day with no thought of anything else on the planet. It's also rare for a story to have the power to make me laugh out loud and cry serious tears. I can't think of a book, other than the Bible, that has affected me so deeply. Don't miss this jewel.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found that some of the mining parts of the book were confusing because I know so little about mining, but the story about the human relationships was very good. At many times this is a sad story, but still very good.

[Lisa]

I laughed and cried and experienced a completely different world. Definitely what novels are for.

[Hannahh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. Some sad and hard spots to get through. It has faith in God throughout. It gives you some insight into life as a Miner and compassion for those who have been through hard times.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memorable book that sticks with you years after reading. A gritty young man's coming of age and coming into Faith. Well worth your time!

[Kaitlyn Krispense · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow.

Um. I...was not expecting that. But this is one I'll be thinking about for a long time.

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

About a week ago, Carole over at The Power of Words recommended a book by Dale Cramer (Summer of Light). Because she has excellent insight and I trust her recommendations, I immediately downloaded that book. Upon perusal of my bookshelves, I discovered another of Cramer’s earlier books that I had not read. I’m not sure where I picked it up, maybe a Friends of The Library sale, but it was even signed! Having won a Christy Award in 2004, and since the awards for this year will be announced tonight, I decided it would be my next just-for-fun read. Wow! I can’t believe what an excellent read Bad Ground turned out to be. Not currently available directly from Amazon, you can still order it from third parties. It is worth the little bit of work it might to take to find it — it is excellent and very highly recommended.

Jeremy Prine’s mother has died from cancer. The seventeen year old has only a handful of possessions and memories and a letter from his mother telling him to find his Uncle Aiden. Aiden disappeared from his family’s life some ten years previous following the the accident that left Jeremy’s father dead and Aiden horribly scarred. With just a duffel bag and a determination to find out what his mother’s mysterious letter might mean, Jeremy hitchhikes from his home in the Tennessee hills to the south side of Atlanta in search of answers.

Bad Ground is a gritty novel unlike most of the offerings in the Christian market. The characters are not rich or beautiful — these men live hard and work hard, carrying the physical and emotional scars of lives lived on the edge. But although the life of hard-rock mining is far removed from my everyday life, I could identify with these men and their struggles to survive in a dangerous world. Cramer does an excellent job of making the people and locale in the novel come to life. It is amazing that the setting of the novel, a mining site at a waste treatment plant, becomes so real and so right. Cramer has a way of describing things that makes even this bleak setting beautiful. His insights on people and their wounds makes this novel a must read for those looking for a rich reading experience. And I think you are going to love the worship scenes at the very unconventional church that Jeremy attends. God’s grace as expressed through the forgiveness offered by His people is a powerful theme.

If you want a novel that will take you into a very different world and leave you longing for more, then definitely pick up Bad Ground. You won’t be disappointed. Thanks Carole!

Very Highly Recommended.

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When seventeen-year-old Jeremy Prine's mother died, she left him a letter (Jeremy's father died years before, so he is now alone in the world.) In the letter, his mother writes, 'When the time is right I want you to go find your uncle Aiden, and when you find him, stay with him ... You have something I couldn't give him, and he has something I couldn't give you.' At the funeral, he overhears that his Uncle is working as a miner in Georgia. So, with nothing to lose, Jeremy packs his meager belongings and heads from Tennessee to find his Uncle Aiden and hopefully figure out the meaning of his mother's instructions.

The road is harsh and Jeremy learns difficult lessons on his trip. He loses almost everything, but finally ends up at the place where his Uncle (known as 'Snake' due to extensive scarring from the explosion that killed Jeremy's father) works. Jeremy lies about his age and gets hired in the mine before he even meets Snake. When the two finally meet, they form a tenuous relationship. Snake has spent many years hiding from the world, and Jeremy needs guidance to grow into a man. Can the two find common ground? Will they ever discover what Jeremy's mother meant in her letter?

This is a richly written book, filled with evocative language. The setting of a hard rock mining operation may seem dry, but in reality, it's filled with exciting and intense situations. Both Jeremy and Snake have a great deal of learning and growing up to do. Jeremy is secure in his faith, and is able to communicate his beliefs in a way that makes Aiden search for God in his own life. The characters wrestle with significant spiritual issues, yet the reader never feels bogged down or preached to. In fact, I wrote down a couple of quotes in my book journal to ponder over later.

The novel is sprinkled with humor, and its tone never remains too contemplative. Jeremy's deer hunting experience made me laugh out loud. His hopeful outlook gives a light touch to the more serious problems of Snake's guilt over Jeremy's father's death, and his physical deformities. God's hand is shown clearly throughout. Poignant and thought-provoking, Bad Ground will stay with you for a long time.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts[return]When Jeremy's mother dies, leaving him an orphan, he is given a letter--her last words to him. She tells him that when the time is right he should go find his uncle Aiden. "You have something I couldn't give him, and he has something I couldn't give you". So a few months later we follow Jeremy as he hitchhikes to Atlanta and arrives at the mining company where his uncle works with nothing but the clothes on his back. He actually gets a job working at the mining operation with his uncle Aiden, or "Snake", much to Aiden's displeasure. As 17 year old Jeremy works at the mine he feels he is becoming more and more a man, but Aiden still sees him as a kid with a lot to learn. But more than that, he sees him as a reminder of his brother Tom (Jeremy's father) and past secrets.[return][return][return][return][return][return][return]Style Characteristics: Pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.[return]The story's major conflicts deal with Jeremy's coming of age and dealing with the rough hand he's been dealt, and also the need for both him and Aiden to face the tragedies of the past head on and not avoid those secrets. The reader is kept guessing as to what those past secrets are of course, and is also given a fascinating look into the world of the miners. Cramer also does an excellent job of setting the scene, even providing a picture of the mining machine so that the reader can easily visualize the roughness and danger of the environment the miners work in. This environment and the miners that work in it are so vivid that the time spent getting to know them and sharing in their adventures does not feel wasted.[return][return][return][return][return][return][return]How Good is it?[return]I'd give it five stars--it combines depth with a compelling plot, a rare combination.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had to review this book based solely on the first couple of chapters, the review would not be positive. This book starts out slow. It is difficult to stay interested. Yet, the reader who sticks with it will be pleasantly rewarded.

[Paula-O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Ground was second book written by W. Dale Cramer


There is so much in this book and at times I thought this is a mans book. The details of the mining work and the men that worked underground is told with such clarity you feel as if you are there walking those tunnels.
Danger is everywhere....Jeremy finds his uncle Aiden here and wanting to learn from him he joins the workforce. His mother told him as she was dying that his uncle had something to give him and he had something to give his uncle that she could not give either one.
All the men have names (unusual ones) his uncle is Snake because of his skin after he was almost killed in an accident that took the life of Jeremy's Dad. Snake carries a guilt from the accident wondering "if" he had done something different his brother might still be alive today.
When Jeremy went to work there one of the bosses started calling him "Germy" it stuck till the end of story when he showed such courage and declared his name was not Germy but Jeremy.
Reading the last few pages -my heart raced along with Jeremy as he faced the unknown.
This author writes a story you won't soon forget.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think a book about blasting holes in the earth would appeal to me, but Cramer's eloquent and haunting prose drew me in. As I read, I remembered the feeling I got when I first read Christy by Katherine Marshall, that although both wrote about people I don't normally encounter (miners, folks from Appalacia), their taut characterizations made me want to befriend the characters, giving me a desire to spend my life peeling away the layers of all types of folks, elevating the dignity of every human being. Though I was sometimes bogged down by the technicalities of the mining operation, I found myself cheering for the protagonist, an orphaned boy becoming a man. Cramer has a lovely way with language, so beautiful I wanted to savor his words-words like "Burrowed into his sleeping bag, he slept as one who has no else to be, and the stars kissed his sleep like a mother" (p. 16). If you are looking for a literary work with a redemptive message, Cramer's Bad Ground will satisfy.

[Laura Bennet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Bad Ground. This coming of age story holds so much more than simply a boy turning man. It deals with fear, forgiveness and the proverbial where-is-God-when-bad-things-happen theme. Set in a water treatment plant mining tunnel outfit, it is very different than the variety of books I typically read. But Dale Cramer has a tantilizing way with words. He managed to make a man's world in an unusual setting interesting and informational but not so technical so as to lose the reader. I love how real (with just enough depth) his characters are with their unique personalites. And most of all, the wisdom of God pours from his pen (or computer as the case is these days). The messages are clear, subtle and deep. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading others by this author.

[Keiki Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence is eye opening..."A boy afraid of the dark and a man afraid of the light". Then "You have something I couldn't give him, and he has something I couldn't give you".

I've read only one other Cramer book. I am quickly pushing him up to the top of my list of favorite authors. More to come...

Cramer has a rare talent to draw you in to his characters to the point where you almost know them.

If your a mother, the reflections of the boy about his mom will move you. If you've ever felt like the black sheep of the family, you will identify with the uncle in this story. And if you know Jesus, you will see how the author has woven miracles throughout the telling of this story.

An absolute MUST READ book.

[LeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I will remember about this book long after I have forgotten the name of Jeremy's girlfriend or the answer to the question of how his father died is the author's heart for men--men who use rough language and enjoy going out for a beer after work, men who rarely darken the door of a church and lack some of the social niceties I am accustomed to. Cramer portrays them with humor and affection in all their orneriness and neediness. Never preachy, Cramer is a master of deep characterization and subtle spiritual insight. There is nothing soft or sweet about this book. Its a mans book that women can also appreciate.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parts of this book were hard for me to read and follow. There is a lot of detail about underground mining; in this case drilling through rock to make a place for sewage water to be held during heavy rains until the waste water treatment plant can process it.
A 17 year old boy lost his father in an accident when he was around 10. His uncle was disfigured in the same incident. Now his mother has passed from breast cancer and has given him a charge to find the uncle who disappeared. Can he find him? How will he go about it? What will he learn along the way? Who will he encounter? Will he be able to share anything with his uncle? Will his uncle even want him around?

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

No other words are really necessary except that I LOVED THIS BOOK. I read it on audio and I have to say that I enjoyed the reader and the author. The story line was well strung together - I don't remember a time when this one had any drag time. This is the story of an orphaned boy in search of his uncle and along the way he and his uncle both find out how to be men. It's a bit of what I would call a "guy" book but the fact that it held my attention and I actually wanted to finish it says something for Cramer's writing. This one I would read a second time.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superbly written. I wasn't sure that I would enjoy a story about mining since I know nothing about it, but the author did a great job of making it understandable and interesting.

The characters are painted with such detail that you have to remind yourself that they are in a book, not next to you.

The storyline takes its reader into the struggles dealing with loss, growing up, family ties, and finding faith to get through life.

My favorite quote is "...everybody preaches something, whether he means to or not, and he don't even have to open his mouth to do it."

[Deedee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seventeen-year-old Jeremy Prine honors his mother's dying wish and seeks out his estranged uncle. He finds his uncle working as a hard-rock tunnel miner in Atlanta, Georgia; and against his uncle's wishes, Jeremy also takes a job as a miner. This book was so good; very descriptive and "soberly thoughtful". Thoughts of Jeremy continued to live with me long after I finished his story. After Note: Atlanta, Georgia is home base for a company that manufacturers continuous-mining and tunneling machines. Also, Atlanta does in fact have hard rock tunnels for sewers, etc.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

After his mother dies, 17-year-old Jeremy must find his Uncle Aiden, who has been estranged from the family for years. Checked this one out after reading the favorable review on Discerning Reader. It is very good- eminently readable, thoughtful little book, with some good symbolism. Has a good message without getting too preachy. I was kind of sad to be done with it, which should tell you something.