Steven Kerry

If Those Trees Could Talk Steven Kerry

It is 1984, and just about everyone needs a miracle. What better place to seek one than in an enchanted forest? A friendly and casual community of hikers, nature enthusiasts, gay men seeking discreet sexual encounters, and assorted social outcasts has proven peaceful for years. At the center of this group is the park's unofficial earth mother, a tender but tough retiree named Naomi Livingston, ever happy to offer support and wisdom to the park's younger regulars. No one has any idea that ranger Randall Damron has experienced a divine vision calling him forth to clean up the park of anyone engaging in illegal activity or infractions. Randall soon intensifies his authoritarian reign, particularly focusing on the "bushies", gay men engaging in sex. Word spreads among the park's regulars that Randall has a violent streak and carries a gun. Even the trees, who share their wry and sage-like observations with readers throughout the book, notice the disruption in their once peaceful habitat. When the brutalized body of a woman is discovered in the park Randall's frustration reaches the boiling point as he tries to crack the case himself when the LAPD falters. No one in the park is aware Randall is motivated by personal political ambition and dreams of glory in accomplishing his mission. Meanwhile, a mysterious blue book that promises miracles to those who read it passes from hand to hand among the park regulars. Romance, sex, life and death play out amidst the beauty of the park, and even as the sunny optimism of the Reagan era beams forth the dark cloud of a horrific epidemic continues its deadly descent. After reading this book you may never look at a tree the same way again.