Who Will Carry the Fire? More Reflections from a North Woods Lake, returns us to Northern Minnesota, where life seemed simpler, possessions were few, living close to the land was often harsh, and while "love" was never mentioned, it was the glue that created tightly knit families and communities. This collection of stories expands on the essays from Darrell J. Pedersen's first book, Campfire in the Basement, inviting us to reflect with Pedersen on how the lessons learned growing up on beloved Eier Lake have shaped and guided him in his relationships with his wife, neighbors, communities, and creation. Our fast-paced world is filled with distractions as people pursue instant gratification. The practice of passing along our stories to future generations is priceless. Pedersen's gift of writing encourages us to slow down, take a breath, and ponder the beauty and opportunities that we encounter every day. Settle into a comfy chair, light a fire, grab a mug of hot cocoa, and allow this beautiful book to fill you with hope and take you to a place where you remember your stories.
– Wendy Adamson, Central Lakes College Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Retired


In his latest book, Darrell Pedersen continues his series of stories and musings about life. This book is evocative of my own small-town childhood. There are the stories of the outdoors where you can literally smell the woods, hear the frogs and soak up the sunset. Darrell is a natural storyteller and whether it is an evening in the backyard, a bitterly cold day in the deer stand or an actual glowing campfire, the stories warm the soul. Memories of family, hope, and faith are woven among the many questions we all ponder as we walk through this world. If you're looking for a sense of connection and feeling of wonder, this is the book.
– Sue Beck, Crow Wing County Community Services Director, Retired