It is a particular pleasure to highlight Colorado authors and to follow their careers in this column. More than a year ago, I wrote about Boulderite John Shors’ novel “Dragon House.” Column readers responded positively to the book, and I’ve been eager to recommend Shors’ latest work, “Cross Currents.”But I’m not the only one eager to sing Shors’ praises. The back cover of “Cross Currents” includes blurbs from bestselling authors Wally Lamb and Amy Tan. I believe Lamb and Tan recognize what so many others see in Shors: a talented author who makes distant lands and events feel close to home and personal.“Cross Currents” is set on the Thailand island of Ko Phi Phi, a popular tourist destination. In December 2004, the island was hit by a tsunami that killed approximately one-third of the island’s 10,000 residents and visitors.Shors’ fictionalized account of the tragedy feels real. The author traveled to the island on numerous occasions, both before and after the tsunami, and is familiar with the geography and the people. Perhaps that’s the reason his setting and characters seem so authentic.The lives of all the main characters in “Cross Currents” revolve around one man, a 20-something American named Patch. In trouble with the law, Patch hides out with a young Ko Phi Phi family that struggles to make ends meet. The family owns a small resort of dilapidated bungalows. Patch helps repair the resort in exchange for room and board. The arrangement results in Patch becoming close with the family, which includes two small children, their parents and their maternal grandmother.Patch’s brother Ryan, a high-strung perfectionist, travels to Ko Phi Phi to help Patch resolve his legal troubles. Ryan brings his girlfriend Brooke along on the adventure, but while they both fall in love with the island, they fail to fall for each other.The characters’ lives, with all their strengths and weaknesses, are explored during the days leading up to the tsunami. When the tsunami finally hits, the mistakes of the characters’ pasts seem minor. It is the whole of each character—combined with the unique circumstances of that fateful day—that determines their future.“Cross Currents” is a wonderful tribute to the people of Ko Phi Phi. It is also a great testament to the storytelling ability of John Shors. I look forward to watching the progression of his career and recommending many of his books to fellow readers.Miller welcomes book suggestions. Read her blog at www.anitalaydonmiller.blogspot.com or e-mail anita.l.miller@att.net.

John Shors Photo by

Photo by