Finding the Way is a historical novel that takes Karl on a long journey in pursuit of his goal to homestead land. He lands in Baltimore, finds he has been robbed of the funds needed to get west to Nebraska. While working his way out of Baltimore he experiences a first love with a German immigrant woman, whom he leaves in order to continue his quest to own land in America.

He moves to Chicago and works in the meat packing industry with the intent to save enough money to claim some land. He finds the working and living conditions oppressive and the compensation inadequate.

He moves onto the northwoods in Wisconsin and works as a lumberjack for two winters and finally accumulates the money he needs to reach his goal. At this point a friend persuades Karl that he should join him in the 1876 Black Hills goldrush.

The Black Hills adventure includes deadly encounters with Indians, a lively existence in a lawless Deadwood and falling in love with a half-breed Indian woman.