Longing for a Homeland: Discovering the Place You Belong

by Lynn Anderson

Book Overview

Home. It is the place we all long to be, yet in today's fragmented society, the concept of home is elusive for many people.

In his new book, Longing for a Homeland, Lynn Anderson traces the wanderings and homesickness of the human race and the irresistible urge to find a place called "home." It is the story of a journey toward fulfillment -- a search to fill the God-shaped hole inside -- that ends only when we discover that home is...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1582293538
• ISBN13: 9781582293530
• Release Date: February 2004
• Publisher: Howard Books
• Length: 205 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Anderson will create in you your own longing...

"Longing for a Homeland" follows the author Lynn Anderson as he sets out to discover his roots. Anderson explores his ancestors' search for new homelands after leaving their own, and he searches for the places that housed the beginning places of his roots. He shares his travels to ancestral homelands and visits to the North American homesteads that his forefathers and mothers called home. Readers will enjoy looking over Anderson's shoulder as he rides a train across Canada, finds the house his mother lived in as a child and touches the scribbles written in her childish hand. Throughout "Homeland," Anderson employs an inner dialogue with Moses, perhaps the most famous wanderer of all as he explores man's repeated efforts to find a homeland. Anderson discovers the phenomenon of man's repeated efforts to take away a nation's homeland--from Israel's continued wars to the American tragedies visited upon the native tribes. He tells of Sitting Bull's sad history, whose life was ultimately ended by a gunshot fired by one of his own people. The author also raises the question of whose land is it, really? Where is home for generations of wanderers? Since the beginning of time, people have not felt at home, wandering aimlessly, searching for that perfect place. Midway through "Homeland," a poignant scene plays out as Anderson stands on the land where he was raised, excited to share this place with his children. Tearfully, Anderson realizes that a place is not home. People are home. But people go away, too. So where, really, is home? Anderson ultimately discovers, "home is among the people of God." Lynn Anderson is a man of rare talent, one whose words resonate in the minds of readers almost as if he is speaking aloud. His words will remain with the reader and instigate a journey of their own as they, too, search for the meaning of home. "Homeland" is suitable for pastors, and it is filled with topics which will spark discussion and self-discovery. Small discussion groups ages 16 and over will find Anderson's book easy to navigate and would be well-used as a chapter-by-chapter review, such as in a book club. Readers will especially enjoy Anderson's journey as they recognize themselves in the various characters introduced by the author, as well as the common circumstances all mankind encounters at some point in their lives. The format of the book will prompt discussions such as returning to your birthplace, immigrant ancestors, ownership of land, and ongoing wars designed to remove man of his native land. Ultimately, the discussions will uncover the true meaning of home--God is home.

for the wandering & wondering soul

Rebeccasreads highly recommends LONGING FOR A HOMELAND as a fascinating memoir of a prairie minister's sentimental journeys, teachings, wanderings & discoveries. His insights into the despair of our souls which can take no comfort from material things, only from the embrace of the light of spirit, purpose & affection, are heartwarming. Lynn Anderson weaves stories & journal entries of his search into a blanket of comfort & direction. He is a fine storyteller with a light touch, a humor & a perspicacity, that is gentle, lyrical & charming. He makes friends with you, walking a while beside you, quoting from the adventures of his life, of this vast American land, from Ellis Island to Moses' wanderings in the Bible, to the creation of modern Israel, from singers of songs, writers of books, & the people he has met along the way. Could not put it down!