Ted Manzer

The stall warning horn screeched for what seemed like an eternity, and young Carl thought the whole plane was going to fall apart. Ice covered the wings and fuselage, and it was only a matter of time before the weight would force the plane down. He felt the crunch of windshield glass, as the seaplane came to rest in a rocky ravine. Carl knew fear was not a luxury he could have when he saw his father’s blood.

Never Alone is a throwback coming-of-age story. The plot bears no resemblance, but the manuscript’s emotional intensity is similar to that of Old Yeller, The Yearling, and Where the Red Fern Grows. Another major difference is the overwhelming influence of God in Never Alone. Carl finds himself in a lonely harsh environment, but his faith in the Lord helps him embrace it. He learns to trust the Lord and realize God is in control of everything. Without faith, he has no chance. This makes it possible for him to survive that environment and find a way to deal with other problems he may face.