| Erik Hare's young adult book "Downriver" brings serious life lessons to teenagers in a metaphoric format through a fanciful story about small creatures called Hopnegs.
Tao-Influenced Story Teaches Teens About Finding Their Place in the World
Growing up has never been easy, but in today's rapidly changing world, it is harder than ever for budding teenagers to figure out where they belong. When Erik Hare decided to offer some guidance for these young adults, he drew on the influence of Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching and infused the ancient wisdom within his book, Downriver. Downriver, enjoyed by adults as well, is the story of the transformational journey of Popey, a 3-inch-tall creature known as a Hopneg. When thoughtless humans unknowingly destroy Popey's home, he is bent on revenge, but ends up with something far more valuable. Popey's defiant determination takes him down a path of discovery, where he gains knowledge through two of life's greatest teachers: experience and observation.
While many children's stories deal with clear-cut "good versus evil" dilemmas and often end with the violent decimation of evil at the hands of good, Downriver exemplifies the fact that real life usually isn't so black and white and that conflicts can often be dealt with in a far more peaceful manner. Downriver also emphasizes the need to take responsibility for one's own actions, rather than blaming society for your problems.
Through the use of metaphors and creative characters, Downriver explores the themes of identity, power and ownership, as well as representing important coming of age lessons. The novel's memorable characters illustrate the vast influence relationships with others can have on a person's choices.
Hare's inspiration for the character of Popey actually came from his son George, who had a small imaginary friend named Popey when he was 3 years old. Hare quickly realized that George was having trouble dealing with being the smallest member of the family. "Everyone feels small and scared at some point in their lives, especially as kids," Hare says. "Getting past that, rather than accepting it, is very important to not only realizing your dreams, but to actually becoming them."
Downriver encourages readers to carve out their own path of individualism and follow their dreams. Through Popey's journey of self-discovery, filled with Tao-inspired wisdom, readers may find the tools they need to begin their own unique voyage to self-actualization.
Erik Hare resides in St. Paul, Minnesota. His vast and varied work experience has included time as a chemical engineer, furniture designer, internet entrepreneur and a writer -- his current, and preferred, career. Although Downriver is his first novel, Hare has previously written short stories, poetry and articles for community newspapers and magazines. He plans on writing a sequel to Downriver in the near future.
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