“Distant Thunder” tells the story of the nameless Narrator from the Northwest as he moves from triumph to tragedy toward early adulthood. He searches for love and a life of peace and purpose until he finds himself enveloped in automatic weapons fire on a Vietnamese hillside. A minor miracle takes place and he is given a chance to start his life again. The author tells his story with the conviction of a man who has lived through events such as those described. His love for his characters is obvious in every line.