The Journey to Mitford: A Life Changing Experience

Have you ever found a book or a series of books that you consider life changing? I have been blessed to find a series that is the most pleasant "read" and comforts my soul. For some reason this series of books is one that I have been able to read over and over. It seems that when I need comfort and strength in my life I pick these books up to read all over again. I am speaking of the Mitford series written by Jan Karon. To be very honest, I have just competed reading this nine book series for the seventh time. It never fails to bring me closer to God and restores happiness in my heart.

Jan Karon, named Janice Meredith Wilson at birth in 1937, was raised on a farm near Lenoir, North Carolina and knew at a very early age she wanted to be a writer. With her first novel, At Home in Mitford, she was nominated three times (1996, 1997, and 1998) for an ABBY (American Booksellers Book of the Year Award) which honors titles that bookstore owners most enjoy recommending to customers and was the only book ever nominated for three consecutive years. In addition to this prestigious award, Jan Karon won both the Christy and Gold Medallion awards for outstanding contemporary fiction in 2000 for her fourth Mitford novel, A New Song. Jan Karon has also won Gold Medallion awards for A Common Life, In This Mountain, and Shepherd's Abiding. Out to Canaan was the first Mitford novel to hit the New York Times bestseller list; subsequent novels have debuted on the New York Times list, often landing the number one spot.

This is a heartwarming story of a simple Episcopalian priest named Father Timothy Kavanagh. He is a wonderful, witty man in his early sixties. You might think that the life of a priest in the sleepy town of Mitford, North Carolina, set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, would not be very exciting but you would be wrong. These wonderfully inspiring books are packed with excitement, tragedy, love, and faith. I have found it is so refreshing to find books with humor and sadness without having to read pages filled with questionable language and subjects I would prefer not to think about. I will try to give you a brief insight into this fabulous series without giving anything away that will spoil you reading them for the first time yourself.

At Home in Mitford - As we get to know Father Tim, it is very hard to not love him instantly. He is a great man of God, a great friend, a great neighbor and has the kindest heart. He is someone you wish you had in your neighborhood, at your church or just someone you wish to meet at the market. With this first book Father Tim has many hurdles that he must face and he does it with dignity (most of the time). He finds a mystifying jewel thief and a dog the "size of a Buick". I am sure you will be transported into the Mitford community just as much as I was. Jan Karon's style of writing makes you feel as if you are there and you feel right at home.

A Light in the Window - Father Tim finds a special friend in his new neighbor, Cynthia Coppersmith, a wonderful woman that writes children's books based on her cat named Violet. I have to tell you I laughed so hard that tears would come to my eyes. What a refreshing feeling! A cousin "from across the pound" lands on Father Tim's door step and a wealthy widow will try to win his heart with hot casseroles.

These High, Green Hills - As this story progresses, you will find that you are praying for Father Tim and his many challenges. You laugh along as this sixty-something man of God takes in a teenage boy that tests his limits, an unforgettable camping trip and a new computer that requires the patience of a saint.

Out to Canaan - Change is something that Father Tim does not like and in this book "change" is everywhere. A mayoral election threatens to divide the town and Father Tim grapples with his sixty-fourth birthday. In addition, Father Tim is finding he is missing his long time friend that recently passed away. It is filled to the brim with miracles and mysteries that make everyday life worth living.

A New Song - An island breeze is blowing and a new lifestyle is in the air. Life is not any less challenging with "The wind in our hair..., gulls wheeling above us..., the smell of salt air..." In this book you will find love, friendship and forgiveness, in addition to the storm that forever changes Father Tim's life.

A Common Life - Almost a charming after thought, this book is a story of a fairytale wedding that will make you laugh and cry at the same time. After living alone for so many years, finding an instant family will test anyone's patience and make a person question their sanity. Father Tim holds up bravely.

In This Mountain - As anyone that neglects themselves, Father Tim has finally had to realize he must cooperate with his doctor. Depression and a feeling of failure take root in this novel. Father Tim faces a long road to recovery and self forgiveness. Even with the best of intentions Father Tim has failed more than himself.

Shepard's Abiding - With Christmas upon him, Father Tim finds that a busy schedule is his greatest adversary. This book offers love and sacrifice. The greatest display of love is giving of ones self. It restores the confidence in humanity as well as journey of faith that touches everyone around him. It will remind you all about the true Christmas spirit.

Light from Heaven - It sounds like heaven to "house sit" a farm that has someone who comes in and cleans the house as well as the other duties. All you have to do is collect a few eggs every morning, enjoy the scenery, and collect wild flowers. Don't forget the dogs, Barnabas, a Bouvier-Wolfhound mix; Buckwheat, an English Foxhound grown long in the tooth; Bodacious, the Welsh Corgi and Luther, the mixed-breed. Keep a watchful eye out for a chicken thief that has met his canine match.

Along this wonderful journey you take with Jan Karon, in addition to Father Tim, you will be delighted to meet wonderful characters like Dooley Barlow, an eleven year old boy that meets Father Tim and wants to know immediately if Father Tim "has a place he can take a dump". In addition you will meet Uncle Billy that does not have a formal education but lives his life with a joke on the tip of his tongue and the heart of a true gentleman and Harley Welch, a former liquor runner, who has a toothless smile that wraps around the "backside of his head" and "The Turkey Club" that faithfully dines at the Main Street Grill just to name a few.
I truly hope you will take the time to read this series. My hope for you is that you will find a hammock, a cold glass of sweet iced tea, pick up the first book and never want to put them down as I have done.