The Journey of John Bean Author:Tom Gorman The Journey of John Bean describes a young man’s quest for what he believes he wants, but ultimately learns that destiny has its own plans for him. As the Civil War begins, John Bean is compelled to follow his native Virginia in fighting for the South. His brother Patrick, however, joins the Northern army. At the Battle of Antietam, John loses a... more » leg before being captured by Union soldiers. Although he recovers physically, he can’t accept that he will not fulfill his dream of becoming a locomotive engineer. When he learns of Patrick’s fate, John becomes more embittered. A prisoner exchange allows John to return home. His poor attitude frustrates his father and younger brother Jeremiah. Only through a chance encounter with a notorious fugitive does John see the futility of his self-pity.« less