The Hearts of Men

Bookseller recommendation

“If you read Shotgun Lovesongs, you know that two of Butler's strengths are his rich Wisconsin settings and his ability to probe the depths of men's friendships. His new novel, an epic about three generations at a Boy Scout camp in the North Woods, takes it to the next level. It starts with the bullied Nelson, who finds purpose in the Scouts and winds up running the camp, and Jonathan, the older boy who becomes both his manipulator and protector. Their complicated friendship unfolds through Jonathan's son Trevor and grandson Thomas, who both wind up spending summers at Chippewa, but what's a Scout to do when the Scout Oath doesn't always hold up in reality? Is there a place for honor when nobody wants to get a stamp-collecting or radio merit badge? In Butler's hands, the answers unfold, all in the context of a heck of a good story.”

— Daniel Goldin • Boswell Book Company