Is there a book? If so, I want to read this

I wonder what magazine article or church testimony this is based on. I know that I heard the tale at least thirty years ago, and it was an old cautionary yarn about house fires and the importance of family even back then. I believe the story, but what I do not believe is that it is the intellectual property of the screenplay writer, Patrick Sheane Duncan or his life experience. If it did happen and it was his story, then it happened in Michigan. Duncan grew up in Michigan and attended GVSU in Allendale, Michigan. I remember hearing a similar tale that happened in Utah or Idaho. Since I've lived in both Michigan and Utah, it could actually be Duncan's own story and I am getting my locals mixed up. Either way it is a great movie and Kathy Bates is splendid in the role of Frances. The supporting cast is wonderful. I enjoyed Soon-Tek Oh's performance as the neighbor. It was believable and heartfelt.
I want to know, as you do, the origin of this tale. I hope that someone will write a book about the family.

*The Manitou is in and will take your calls now.
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