As we celebrate Father’s Day this June, our book club selection turns to a deeply emotional and thought-provoking novel that examines the heart of fatherhood and the moral decisions that shape a parent’s legacy. “Southernmost” by Silas House is a beautifully written story about the struggle between conviction and compassion — and the lengths a father will go to protect and guide his child.
The novel follows Asher Sharp, a small-town preacher in Tennessee, who finds his faith and beliefs tested after a devastating flood hits his community. When his church turns away a couple in need, Asher is forced to confront his role in a system that excludes rather than embraces. The decision sparks a spiritual crisis, setting him on a path that will forever change his life.
At the core of “Southernmost” is Asher’s relationship with his young son, Justin. Caught in a bitter custody battle and haunted by a strained marriage, Asher begins to realize that raising his son with honesty, empathy and open-heartedness may require stepping outside the bounds of the law, as well as the expectations of his church and community. In a moment of desperation and clarity, Asher takes Justin and flees south to Key West in search of his long-lost brother and, perhaps, a new beginning.
This is not a fast-paced thriller, but a meditative, lyrical journey through the moral gray areas of modern life. It’s about the courage it takes to unlearn old truths and the sacrifice that often comes with doing what’s right. Most of all, “Southernmost” is about a father’s love and the difficult choices that define it.
Silas House’s storytelling captures the richness of Southern landscapes and the emotion
al texture of inner conflict. He paints Asher not as a perfect parent, but as a man trying — sometimes clumsily — to offer his son a life built on empathy rather than judgment. The novel’s settings, from the misty hills of Tennessee to the sunlit streets of Key West, serve as powerful backdrops for Asher’s transformation.
As a Father’s Day read, “Southernmost” reminds us that being a father is not just about providing or protecting. It’s about evolving, learning and leading with love — even when the path forward is uncer
tain. It’s about legacy, not in terms of wealth or status, but in the values we pass down to our children.
About the Author
Silas House is an acclaimed novelist, playwright and activist from Eastern Kentucky. His work often explores themes of family, identity and the bond between people and place. In addition to “Southernmost,” his novels include “Clay’s Quilt,” “A Parchment of Leaves” and “Lark Ascending.” House is the current poet laureate of Kentucky and teaches at Berea College.
Through “Southernmost,” House offers a tender, resonant look at fatherhood and what it means to guide a child through a complex world with compassion as the compass. It’s a perfect read for June — and a meaningful way to reflect on the power of a parent’s love.
Silas House’s books can be found at your nearest Johnson County Public Library branch or at our hometown bookstore, Wild Geese Bookshop, which has hosted the author on multiple occasions for special events. Attendees of these gatherings were treated to readings by House himself, engaging Q&A sessions and personalized book signings. His warm Kentucky drawl and calm, thoughtful presence made each event a memorable and meaningful experience.
