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Citizens of Campbell
Earl Johansen and Nearly Kelly have been friends since they were boys in Campbell, Iowa. Now old men, Nearly lives in the Veterans Home, where Earl is his frequent visitor and steadfast companion. As his health deteriorates and they reminiscence about days gone by, Nearly has only one regret--something Earl and a couple of new friends might help him resolve. Citizens of Campbell is the story of a small Iowa town, the unlikely but enduring friendship between two World War II veterans, and the timeless gifts of living a simple life.
- GenresFiction
150 pages, Paperback
Published December 2, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 26, 2017
Did you ever think
All those years ago
That the world would be
Such a crazy show
Is there anything
To be certain of
Save the gentle steps of the ones we love
As I trace the path grateful to
Have walked along this road with you
- From Gift of Age by Singer-Songwriter-Guitarist-Author Ann Reed
In Citizens of Campbell, two old friends, Earl Johansen and Nearly Kelly, have lived in Campbell, Iowa, their entire lives, save their service in Europe in World War II. Earl and his brother Mitchell grew up in a household with an abusive, alcoholic father and a mother who did little to protect them. They were loved and guided by their grandmother. Nearly – yes, “Nearly,” is half Native American, half Irish American. His father died before he was born. Nearly endured endless name calling, bullying, and ostracizing from classmates and even from adults. But Earl was his steadfast protector and friend. They looked out for one another. It’s what friends do.
Now Nearly is in the Veterans Home, unable to fend for himself due to the ravages of diabetes and a heart condition. Earl visits him faithfully every day. Despite the lapses in memory and repetition in their conversations, Earl treasures the time he spends with his old pal.
In addition to the two best buddies, we also meet a former classmate, Marlene, and her great-niece Lori. Marlene’s kindness and Lori’s youthful enthusiasm add joy to the lives of the old guys, and they in turn, help 17-year-old Lori find her passion just by being open and listening to her.
I have long been a fan of Minneapolis native Ann Reed. I cannot count the times over the past 30 years or so that I have attended concerts and listened to her on Minnesota Public Radio. She is a marvelous folksinger with a rich, deep voice. She plays a mean 12-string guitar. She is a storyteller in both her music and her stage performances, so it really comes as no surprise that this woman can write. Her characters are ordinary, small town folks who go about their daily lives. This author is a great observer of people! Ms. Reed writes with compassion and wit; there are even some chuckle-out-loud moments. As in her music, the story is filled with questions about life, about love and friendship, and about living our dreams. There are darker themes, as I mentioned – bullying, racism, and homophobia. I listened to the book on Audible, taking it all in through the sound of Ann’s narration, which I highly recommend.
Citizens of Campbell is a gentle, touching story tinged with humor, told in the unique style of Ann Reed. Ann, I hope you will write more books – soon!
Special thanks to D. Glenn Millar, whose contest on his website made this Audible book possible for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
5 stars.
All those years ago
That the world would be
Such a crazy show
Is there anything
To be certain of
Save the gentle steps of the ones we love
As I trace the path grateful to
Have walked along this road with you
- From Gift of Age by Singer-Songwriter-Guitarist-Author Ann Reed
In Citizens of Campbell, two old friends, Earl Johansen and Nearly Kelly, have lived in Campbell, Iowa, their entire lives, save their service in Europe in World War II. Earl and his brother Mitchell grew up in a household with an abusive, alcoholic father and a mother who did little to protect them. They were loved and guided by their grandmother. Nearly – yes, “Nearly,” is half Native American, half Irish American. His father died before he was born. Nearly endured endless name calling, bullying, and ostracizing from classmates and even from adults. But Earl was his steadfast protector and friend. They looked out for one another. It’s what friends do.
Now Nearly is in the Veterans Home, unable to fend for himself due to the ravages of diabetes and a heart condition. Earl visits him faithfully every day. Despite the lapses in memory and repetition in their conversations, Earl treasures the time he spends with his old pal.
In addition to the two best buddies, we also meet a former classmate, Marlene, and her great-niece Lori. Marlene’s kindness and Lori’s youthful enthusiasm add joy to the lives of the old guys, and they in turn, help 17-year-old Lori find her passion just by being open and listening to her.
I have long been a fan of Minneapolis native Ann Reed. I cannot count the times over the past 30 years or so that I have attended concerts and listened to her on Minnesota Public Radio. She is a marvelous folksinger with a rich, deep voice. She plays a mean 12-string guitar. She is a storyteller in both her music and her stage performances, so it really comes as no surprise that this woman can write. Her characters are ordinary, small town folks who go about their daily lives. This author is a great observer of people! Ms. Reed writes with compassion and wit; there are even some chuckle-out-loud moments. As in her music, the story is filled with questions about life, about love and friendship, and about living our dreams. There are darker themes, as I mentioned – bullying, racism, and homophobia. I listened to the book on Audible, taking it all in through the sound of Ann’s narration, which I highly recommend.
Citizens of Campbell is a gentle, touching story tinged with humor, told in the unique style of Ann Reed. Ann, I hope you will write more books – soon!
Special thanks to D. Glenn Millar, whose contest on his website made this Audible book possible for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
5 stars.
October 1, 2017
This is a tender story of friendship, loyalty, following your dreams and doing the right thing. I loved it!
September 15, 2022
What a sweet and wholesome story of small town life. I could relate to this story and its characters because I grew up near a small town and now live in a small town. Reed has captured a time in later life when community and connections are even more important to well being, especially in the continuing aftermath of the Covid pandemic.
I know of Ann Reed from my years living in the Twin Cities when I attended her concerts (she’s a talented singer-songwriter with a fabulous voice). I also listened to her on Minnesota Public Radio during the Minnesota State Fair when she appeared on the Morning Show (I think that’s right). Fair goers would would stop by MPR’s booth and mention their favorite experiences from the fair and then, within the show’s air time, Reed would craft and sing a song incorporating those elements. I was in awe.
I’m impressed with Ann’s mastery of storytelling in this, her first novel, and I hope to read more in the future. Congratulations, Ann. Here’s to a woman who hones and refines and expands her creative frontiers.
I know of Ann Reed from my years living in the Twin Cities when I attended her concerts (she’s a talented singer-songwriter with a fabulous voice). I also listened to her on Minnesota Public Radio during the Minnesota State Fair when she appeared on the Morning Show (I think that’s right). Fair goers would would stop by MPR’s booth and mention their favorite experiences from the fair and then, within the show’s air time, Reed would craft and sing a song incorporating those elements. I was in awe.
I’m impressed with Ann’s mastery of storytelling in this, her first novel, and I hope to read more in the future. Congratulations, Ann. Here’s to a woman who hones and refines and expands her creative frontiers.
October 28, 2017
Wonderful story of how our hearts can turn friends into family.
October 29, 2020
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August 27, 2021
I love this story. Absolutely love it.
Ann’s music has been the soundtrack to my wife’s and my relationship since we met in 1989. We both grew up in small Minnesota towns and it feels like we knew these people - heck, it feels like we could be these people. (I worked at a Della’s-type place.) Ann portrayed them so compellingly and respectfully. The story was a bit predictable in some ways, but I think that made me love it more. I’ve had some negative feelings about where we grew up (conservative, judgmental, etc.), but this story warmed my heart a bit about those places. Thank you, Ann. Great narration, too.
Ann’s music has been the soundtrack to my wife’s and my relationship since we met in 1989. We both grew up in small Minnesota towns and it feels like we knew these people - heck, it feels like we could be these people. (I worked at a Della’s-type place.) Ann portrayed them so compellingly and respectfully. The story was a bit predictable in some ways, but I think that made me love it more. I’ve had some negative feelings about where we grew up (conservative, judgmental, etc.), but this story warmed my heart a bit about those places. Thank you, Ann. Great narration, too.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews