By the Breath of Their People: Book One of the Last River Series

by Gil Bean

Jeff Phillips is a blessed man with a clear vision of what he wants for his family and himself. But he has other visions - visions that fill him with a longing he does not understand.

531 pages, Paperback

First published October 14, 2014

About the author

Gil Bean was born in Easton, Pennsylvania—where much of By the Breath of Their People is set—and raised in nearby Phillipsburg, New Jersey. After graduating from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, he pursued a career in technology that took him to locations throughout the eastern half of the United States. He eventually returned to the Delaware River Valley, moving to the Philadelphia area in 1995. The father of four grown children, he currently lives in Mays Landing, New Jersey with his wife, Deborah. By the Breath of Their People is Bean’s first novel.

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a quick read and was written by a great storyteller. I'm looking forward to the second installment.

[Susie James · Rating 4 out of 5]

"By the Breath of Their People", I found, is a treasure! It fits the bill for philosophy, religion, history, cultural exploration, anthropology -- so much; and it's certainly a love story in the best possible meaning of the genre! I don't want to nit-pick, even though on one page, someone didn't edit "Walks Around" back to the budding Native American's real name, "Walks Alone"! Gil Bean has really created a book that would be well read in many schools across the United States and Canada. This is in many respects a dreamlike work; not only do certain of its characters get possessed of dreams, or visions, but also, the reader easily enters a trance! I recall having written a poem inspired by as a child, finding Indian artifacts on our family's farm in Carroll County, Miss. and wondering about our own alleged but vague legends of some Native American heritage. Gil Bean's loving treatment is set up in Pennsylvania and mingles and weaves fact and fantasy from the days of William Penn and beyond. Such nasty tricksters, those key Europeans, who hustled and murdered and stole from the Great Spirit's people! Such blessed people, Bean's Phillips family and others in the present time, who give back.

[Mike Zinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a total revelation. I really don't know how Gil Bean managed to write something this wonderful on his first try - but he sure did. I can tell that he loves the places he has lived and feels attached to the people that have come before. So often when a story moves back and forth in time it gets confusing, and sometimes hard to understand at all, but not in this book. It all works just the way it should and makes the reader feel so close to the history of the region and the people who have lived their lives there. Plus, I learned some new historical facts, and totally enjoyed the book. I will certainly be looking for the sequel. Many have tried to write books like this - many have failed in their attempt - but Gil Bean has it figured out. This book deserves a lot more attention than it is getting.

[Debra Jeakins · Rating 5 out of 5]

From historical fiction to love of family to just plain beautiful prose BY THE BREATH FO THEIR PEOPLE BOOK I OF THE LAST RIVER SERIES" BRINGS IT ALL. At first glance,over 500 pages seems like a heavy sigh but when I really started the pages just flew by from the past to the present and back again,the plot just keeps coming and the pages kept turning. Just wonderful!

i recieved this book from goodreads in exchange for a review

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads First Reads for a review. The story alternates between the present in which human remains are found on a family's property, and the 1700s story of the Native American who became those remains. The present-day part of he story lags a bit, but the American Indian part is interesting, informative, and very touching. Ultimately, both stories dove-tail very nicely and come to a moving and satisfying conclusion.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. As a first book, it is quite an achievement. It is apparent that Mr. Bean has done his research! The story encompasses a good deal of local history, and makes it very readable and interesting. The writing itself is very detailed, with words creating a picture in the reader's mind that makes the story come alive.

[Bill Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a marvelous book ! It brings history, philospohy, poetry and a remarkable heart warming story. Fictional history at its very best. I cannot wait to read the follow-up books. Keep them coming Mr. Gil Bean.

Bill Brennan
Kailua, Hawaii

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Mr. Bean is a master storyteller and I liked the way he paralleled the lives of Walks Alone and Jeff Phillips, two men, separated by centuries and cultures, trying to find their destiny. I am looking forward to Mr. Bean's next book.

[Clark Woodford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read. The imagery was very sharp. I could see myself in many situations. I particularly liked the creative ending.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superbly written. Such a great story.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book. Enjoyed reading it. Looking forward to reading the next one.

[Wayne Palso · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. The author's story telling held my interest throughout and caused me to reflect on my life and my family. The ending was a surprise! I'm looking forward to his next book.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read... enjoyed the local history and the parallel stories. Stimulates the mind and thoughts on your own journey. I highly recommend it and look forward to the next in the series.