LYNCHBURG — The tall hickory saplings, the family farm, and the river that runs through it all. To Moore County readers who pick up a copy of native Rodney Syler’s new book, Yellow Fever, they’ll feel awfully familiar.

“Growing up in Lynchburg and the surrounding area was very influential,” says Syler. “The JuJu scene came from a few similar rides on tall hickory saplings back on the family farm with brothers or friends. The river in the book seems a bit bigger, but the Elk River it certainly comes to mind.”

Syler will visit the Moore County Public Library on Friday, August 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. for a Meet the Author event. He will bring copies of his novel for purchase and signing.

Set in a rural southern town, the book reminds the reader of the pure fun of imagination-fueled childhood adventure. It’s a nostalgic tale, of Don, Ray, and Amber as they navigate their friendship and the rural county looking for treasure and a sense of belonging. It an engrossing story of resilience and the power of childhood friendships. It’s Home Alone meets Treasure Island with a small town southern twist.  

There’s no doubt that local readers will see familiar images and scenes in his book. Though it’s not set in Moore County, Syler says much of the setting was inspired by a childhood spent hunting, fishing, camping, and working on his family’s farm.

“The cave is a combination of Motlow Cave, Silvertooth Cave, Bishops Cave, Chicken House Cave and a few more,” Syler told The Times. “I expect that even subconsciously, I included familiar local places that shaped the dialog.”

A native of Moore County, Syler hails from the Hurdlow community where he grew up with his parents, Clayton and Maggie Syler, and four siblings Kerry, Rickey, Craig, and Tanya. He graduated from Moore County High School and then attended both Motlow State and MTSU. He worked at Jack Daniel’s Distillery for many years as the assistant production controller.

He now lives in Franklin with is wife, Lisa. The couple have three children and four grandchildren. Syler is also a designer and inventor who holds 13 U.S. patents for various designs.

Yellow Fever is the first in a series, Syler says.•

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Moore County … covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, the Lynchburg Music Fest, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}