I think you're wrong about A Land More Kind Than Home. That's been on my to-read list for seems like a year. I saw reviews of that book all over the Internet. So it hasn't been "under the radar" in my opinion. Wilderness, however, has been, although that, too, has been on my too-read list. I just by chance found a review of that book and now really want it.
I can't wait to meet Homer Hickam! I have all his books. I especially like his four memoirs and his "Josh Thurlow" adventure novels.
Re: “Perfect pages”
Another great GLBTIQ book that recently came out is "The Cross in the Closet" by Timothy Kurek about a southern baptist young adult who came out as gay for a year to see how his family, friends and church/ community would treat him. Great book- amazing courage and meekness to do such a thing and see for himself that God loves and accepts GLBTIQ people too. I want to bring Timothy to CS during Pride to speak to our Youth group and community. I think this could open up dialog between the GLBTIQ and church community to promote tollerance, acceptance and peace among all people who live in Colorado.