Yesterday, I was disappointed with a story written early in David Farland's career. He's one of my favorite authors, and I didn't get why. It was written early in his career, and even by his own admission was a real downer.

Then I hit up on this story, another written early in Farland's career as a writer. Unlike what Farland would someday become known for, Charley in the Wind is not fantasy, science fiction or in any way paranormal. For that reason, I think, it surprised me, beat my expectations, and more than a little yanked at my heart strings.

I know. That's pretty sappy. But it did. Coming right after reading At the Virgin's Doorstep, it was a dramatic change.

The story is short, and Farland wastes no time with excess background and description. Here are two boys, growing up in what we would today recognize as tough circumstances, but they don't know that, and who band together to survive the kinds of things kinds face: bullies, little brothers, and abuse.

Wait, what?

Okay, I hope that no one has to experience abuse, and I would be lying if I said I ever had. However, the story resonates with adolescent boy scenes. Playing with matches. Making promises. Irritating little brothers. Sleep overs with less sleep than is probably known by parents. Exploring the outdoors. And more.

When things take a turn for the worse, though, something caught in my throat, and I felt it. No one should have to go through this to grow up. And yet, I could fully see and feel like it had really happened.

Charley in the Wind is heartbreaking, disturbing and painful, but pulling on all the right strings to build a tale that is well worth the read. ( )