Detour Home

By: Mike Tyrell

Narrated by: Scott Woster

Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

A newly married young couple decides to take a Detour in life from fast-paced Chicago to a small town in central South Dakota. On a year-long journey with a cast of unique characters, they come to discover one of the basic tenets of living: the more you give, the greater the rewards you receive in return. This heartwarming novel is set in rural South Dakota on the banks of the Missouri River. As the couple takes on the role of houseparents at St. Joseph's Indian School, their lives are changed forever. Their students, coworkers, and new friends open their eyes–and their hearts–to love, loss, and what it really means to serve others. Without them recognizing it, the couple's struggles lead them to understand where they belong.

Loosely based on true events, see how a little faith ends up teaching two people the true meaning of home.

©2022 Mike Tyrell (P)2022 Mike Tyrell

A South Dakota Story

The story was well written and the author does a good job of developing the personalities of each of the kids, as well as making you feel a variety of emotions as the kids’ stories evolve throughout the year. You can also tell the narrator has a decent grasp on Lakota language and delivers accurate pronunciations of the various Lakota words used in the story. Overall, definitely worth the read/listen.

So Inspiring!

This book is so inspiring and touched every emotion on so many levels.
It’s truly a great read!
Thank you for sharing your story, Mike and Kim.

A Journey to Home

This book is about a journey, both physical and spiritual. It is the author's story of his first year as a volunteer at a home for Native American children in central South Dakota. It has a folksy style. The descriptions of the Missouri River and the plains of South Dakota make one want to visit. The author's enlightenment about the native children under his care is a focal point of the book. The narrator captures all of this very effectively. I would recommend this book to all.

Inspiring

Have you ever dreamed about packing up and moving across country? This is a story about a couple who decided to do just that and what they discover about living in small town South Dakota. You learn about the struggles of life on the prairie, making new friends, loss and life as a "house" parent at a residential Native American School. The book is easy to read and to follow along with the characters. I especially loved Kim and found myself laughing at her crazy ideas. Overall recommend this book for someone looking for a lighthearted story that will leave you smiling and wanting to know more.

Cute, warm story that will make you smile and possibly tear up.

I enjoyed Detour Home very much, I’m sure you will too. It made me appreciate my life more, it reminded me to not be quick to judge others, we don’t always know what others are going through, I laughed and even… I kid you not; teared up. Judge it for yourself. If you have teenagers, it would be also a good book for them. For some it will be a life lesson, for others a story to relate to, and for some a warm, cute story that will make you smile and possibly tear up.

How LIfe's Decisions Shape Us

Full Disclosure: I am related to the author.
I find that Mike'a story, although fiction, outlines the decisions that he made which influenced his life trajectory.
Mike gives an authentic view of the day-to-day encounters, moods, and interactions in his role as a house parent at a Native American school. One can trace his growth as a person and parent. His story is one of perseverance, support and love for the youngsters under his and his wife's care. I recommend this book. It could offer special insight to those seeking to work with children in a group home setting.