The sequel to Secondhand Summer continues Sam Barger's story with
the homecoming of his older brother, now wounded from war, and the
struggle for the two to understand and find each other again.
"Walker expertly explores how families live in the world at large, and
how the ties that bind can be sorely tested by events far from home [.
. .] Walker is one of those young adult novel authors writing for
adults as well as kids. Intended or not, Back Home is a commentary on
our times as well. It's a reminder that battle fatigue comes from more
than just warfare. It comes from living in a society at odds with
itself."
--Anchorage Daily News
"Back Home will appeal to young adult readers, those interested in an
Alaskan setting, and fans of bildungsroman stories. Recommended."
--Historical Novel Society
"His big brother's return from Vietnam with wounds both physical and
psychological shakes up a 16-year-old Alaskan's familiar world of girls,
guns, and clueless grown-ups. . . occasionally powerful mix of family
drama, late-'60s culture clashes, and wilderness adventure."
--Kirkus Reviews
It's 1968, and like any other junior in high school, Sam Barger's just
trying to get by in classes and find a part-time job at the local pizza
parlor, maybe chat up the pretty girl who also works there. But when his
Marine Corps brother Joe comes back from the Vietnam War, life at home
changes. By day Joe struggles with alcoholism and by night he battles
night terrors. Sam just wants normalcy again but doesn't know how to
close the rift between the brothers, especially once he questions their
country's involvement overseas.
Set in Southcentral Alaska in the 1960s, Back Home is a heartfelt
story about the brothers and their struggles to come and understand each
other. The book reveals the lasting effects of war on young people and
draws parallels between a pivotal moment in history then to the
contemporary wars and struggles today.
