Inspiring Read
Hanover, Ind., author Kummer
published his fifth novel
His newest book is based on life in a small town
(May 2021) – David Kummer, 20, of Hanover, Ind., began writing as a hobby in middle school. “I decided to publish books just for fun,” he said. After attending an event featuring local authors, he found the motivation and inspiration to keep progressing and building as a writer.
Now, along with being a sophomore at Hanover College pursuing a degree in English and secondary education, Kummer is preparing to release his fifth book. His latest novel, “Everything, Somewhere,” was released on Amazon on April 25. Copies are available at Village Lights Bookstore in Madison, Ind.
Prior to the release, Kummer said he had already sold 100 copies of the book. Kummer wrote two books during quarantine, one being “Everything, Somewhere.”
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Kummer |
“I’d never had one set directly in Madison, which is a big part of this book. I changed the name to “Little Rush,” but it’s still very local,” said Kummer, who has lived in the Madison and Hanover area since he was age 5. “The people in the book are somewhat based on stories that I’ve heard, so it’s really been a collaborative effort and a different book for me to write since I’ve grown up around it.”
“Madison is a beautiful town, but it takes an insider to explain its complexity. In Kummer’s book, the place is more than a setting. Madison becomes a character in it’s own right,” said Tony Kummer, David’s father. “Anyone who loves Madison will feel a strong connection with the places and people in this book.”
“Everything, Somewhere” follows four individuals throughout the story and their interactions with the town and with one another. “It highlights snapshots of life in Madison through multiple points of view,” said Kummer. The book chronicles two high school seniors in the throes of deciding whether to stay in their hometown. “That’s the big question of the book – his motives and why he moves here,” said Kummer.
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Everything Somewhere book cover |
Kummer published several horror and thriller novels at the beginning of his writing journey, but described his new book as a young adult, coming of age story. He also said he would categorize it as literary fiction due to its focus on reality. “One big difference from some of my earlier writing is that I used to write just for enjoyment and storytelling,” he said. “This book highlights a lot of bigger topics and themes that I felt were important to write about.”
“Everything, Somewhere” covers issues like substance abuse, poverty and homelessness that Kummer described as “uncomfortable subjects that are important for high schoolers and college students to consider. Though the people in the book are fictional, the issues are real issues that are present in the community. I wanted to tackle as many hard subjects as I could.”
“I see David’s compassion in this story. He’s trying to understand and offer hope to other young people. There’s no judgment for those who lose their way,” said Tony Kummer.