Chapters 4 through 6 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 4: Built by Fire

Ever since the pine forest developed millions of years ago, it was in a constant struggle for survival against the lightning that would begin fires lasting for months. The green pine cones that were strewn in the grass would escape the fires and eventually blossom and branch out, replacing their elders who were destroyed in the fires. The pine trees, loaded with resins and oils, were vulnerable to fire. Many grew tall enough to save pines trees of shorter stature from the fires and thus spread in number. Eventually the pine tree became known as the pine that fire built. Fires were an essential element of the perpetuation of the pine forests.

Chapter 5: Iron Man

Janisse's grandfather, Charlie Joe Ray, was orphaned as a young boy and struck out on his own at just fourteen...