Book Review: Between the Mountains

Reviewed by Chelsey Tucker

A heartwarming tale that underscores the important bond between animals and humans while exploring themes of friendship, forgiveness, and community

Between the Mountains by Jeremy Campbell is a tale that revolves around a community’s newfound strength, thanks to a dog and his person. The story begins on an unsettling note, with an old stray black lab being harassed by a stranger. Arley Flores, returning home to Jackson County, Alabama after a year at college, witnesses this disturbing incident. Her homecoming at the airport is less than ideal, as her parents have forgotten her existence. Instead of succumbing to disappointment, Arley decides to follow Roscoe to the North Star Community Center, where she used to work.

At the community center, Roscoe is a beloved figure, cherished by everyone, particularly the center’s director J.D. Roscoe and J.D. quickly form a deep bond, inspiring and aiding others in their journey to become the best versions of themselves. J.D. works tirelessly to improve the community, while Roscoe swoops in to save the day whenever needed.

However, when a figure from the past begins targeting Roscoe, shock and outrage ripple through the community. With a touch of style and the assistance of J.D. and the Mustang mascot, Roscoe imparts powerful lessons on forgiveness and the importance of community. Between the Mountains is a compelling read for those who adore dogs, but it also delves into the themes of second chances, healing, love, and loss.

The prose flows beautifully, maintaining a consistent and suspenseful tone throughout. Each sentence effortlessly transitions into the next, drawing readers in with unexpected perspectives, such as that of a dog. “Scars of the past and worries of the future sit out of mind, like spectators on the riverbank, while a canine’s present needs race through his head as fast as water gushes through Morgan’s Cove after a summer rain.” The result is an emotionally charged tale that keeps readers hanging on to every word, even when exploring typically mundane moments.

Readers should be attentive to one characteristic of the narration—the occasional mid-chapter shift in focus from one character to another. This can be perplexing if not anticipated. However, once you grasp the purpose of these shifts, they add a layer of suspense and entertainment to the narrative. The exploration of how the human perspective inherently differs from that of dogs or other animals adds a thoughtful dimension to this story. 

Between the Mountains delves into a wide spectrum of emotions, ranging from sadness and rage to happiness and love. Ultimately, it is a tale of community and hope: “Hope, after all, is among humanity’s greatest gifts awarded to compensate for the pain of enduring a lifespan over several decades in which we could – and do – lose those closest to us. How could anyone survive life without hope?”

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