Author with local ties publishes first book
By Michael Johnson, Editor
Kjelden Cundiff, 42, an author living in Springhill, Fla., calls his first published book, "The Cold November Son," a labor of love. Cundiff’s grandparents are the late Ben and Esther Thomsen of Underwood, who Cundiff remembers visiting often on his summer vacations. "Underwood holds a special place in my heart," Cundiff said. "My mother brought my siblings and me to Underwood for at least two weeks every summer. It was the highlight of my summer vacation to stay with my grandparents." Esther Thomsen had a love for books as well. She was the original librarian in Underwood and started the library there in 1951 in the front of the Underwood News office. Now 60 years later her grandson is spreading the word of his own book. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree. "My mother’s friends Ross and Janice Lorentzen would have us out to their farm near Washburn and my grandparent’s had several family and friends over at their home while we were there," Cundiff said. "My great aunt and uncle, John and Lucille Prouty, lived next door to my grandparents’ house."
