Scott Burton, Forester

Scott Burton is a thoughtful sixteen‑year‑old who has spent his childhood wandering the woods around his quiet New England village. When the chance comes to attend a distant forestry school, he must balance his love of the forest, his parents’ practical hopes, and the deep bond he shares with his best friend, Dick. The decision to leave home sets the stage for a journey of self‑discovery, as Scott grapples with the excitement of new horizons and the pull of familiar comforts.

The early chapters paint a vivid portrait of small‑town life, the expectations of a physician father, and the camaraderie that has shaped Scott’s world. As he prepares for departure, the novel captures the bittersweet mix of anticipation and anxiety that accompanies any first great adventure. Listeners will feel the rustle of leaves, the echo of distant train whistles, and the hopeful promise of a future rooted in nature and learning.