The Rankins of Pratt County — Robert Bingham

"The Rankins of Pratt County" is a coming of age novel about a midwestern teenager raised by neglectful parents. Russell Rankin is forced to live temporarily out of state in rural North Carolina with his widowed paternal grandmother where he faces additional challenges and disappointments in his new surroundings. Extended family and community help stabilize the youth who excels academically and athletically despite his dysfunctional past. After college and a successful twelve-year career in professional football, Russell returns to Pratt County to raise his family and begin a new career. Unresolved issues soon develop that further test his character and loyalty. The book primarily takes place from 1982-1988 in small town, northwestern North Carolina. The final chapters conclude during 2005-2009.