Pioneer, Go Home!

Pioneer, Go Home! chronicles the unconventional story of the Kwimper family from New Jersey who, after running out of gas on an unfinished highway in the fictional state of Columbiana, decide to settle permanently on the roadside land. The family consists of welfare-savvy Pop Kwimper, his pure-hearted son Toby, identical twins Eddy and Teddy, and their babysitter Holly Jones. When state officials attempt to remove them, Pop discovers old homesteading laws that might legally allow them to claim the land. The narrative follows their struggles to establish a life on the highway, facing challenges from government bureaucrats, social workers, natural disasters, and criminals attempting to establish an illegal gambling operation nearby. The novel uses humor and satire to explore themes of individual rights, government authority, and the true meaning of pioneering spirit in modern America.

Reviews indicate readers find this 1959 novel a humorous take on Florida homesteading, with many comparing it to the movie adaptation "Follow That Dream" starring Elvis Presley. Readers highlighted: - Fast-paced dialogue and witty exchanges - Authentic portrayal of rural Florida culture - The resourceful and determined Kwimper family characters - Balance of comedy with social commentary Common criticisms: - Dated language and social attitudes - Some character stereotypes from the era - Pacing issues in middle sections Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (29 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) One reader noted: "A forgotten gem of Florida fiction that captures the pioneering spirit with humor." Another wrote: "Not politically correct by today's standards but an entertaining time capsule of 1950s Florida." The book has limited reviews online, with most modern readers discovering it through the Elvis film connection.

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🔹 The novel was adapted into the 1962 Elvis Presley film "Follow That Dream," marking one of Elvis's more critically acclaimed acting performances 🔹 Richard Powell wrote the book while living in Fort Myers, Florida, and based many of the locations on actual places in the state, though he created the fictional state of Columbiana for the story 🔹 The book reflects the real-life phenomenon of highway squatting that occurred during the rapid expansion of America's interstate system in the 1950s 🔹 Prior to writing novels, Powell worked as a newspaper reporter and advertising executive, experiences that influenced his satirical take on government and society 🔹 The story's premise was inspired by the 1862 Homestead Act, which allowed Americans to claim public land if they lived on and improved it for at least five years