Rating: 
Summary: Pass it around
Review: I absolutely loved this book, I bought before a flight from Denver to DC and it made the flight very short. I have also passed it on to several people where I work and they all liked it as well.
Rating: 
Summary: A HUGE disappointment!
Review: I thought I would LOVE this book. Why would I think otherwise, given the rave reviews posted here and also included on several pages of my paperback edition? I was wrong, wrong, wrong. This novel is tedious, cliche, boring, and worse, entirely full of itself. The writing is like Garrison Keillor gone awry--instead of being naturally charming and funny and insightful, we see the author TRYING to be charming and funny and insightful. Trying way too hard and not at all succeeding. The characters were stock, the story was unbelievable, Swede was utterly insufferable in my opinion--with her ridiculously advanced (and hideous) epic poem--and Rube was right behind her in the insufferability department. We see the good guys, the bad guys, and nothing in between and we also see how God is only on the good guys side (that's really Christian, huh?). I don't mean to be negative. I love more than anything to come on here and recommend a good book, but I really have to be honest. In my opinion, readers of good literary fiction are not going to like this book. I was so disappointed in this one.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I've ever read!
Review: I LOVE the way Mr. Enger puts words together!! He is not verbose but acquaints one thoroughly with each character and place. It is a thoughtful, beautifully written book. I had no trouble with the miracles because I believe anything is possible--why put a limit on a universal energy we can all tap into? It was spiritually uplifting and Jeremiah Land is someone we would all do well to emulate. I am from North Dakota originally and thoroughly enjoyed the trip across the state to the Badlands. I can't say enough good things about this book. If you want lots of warm fuzzies and sweet, gentle humor, read this one!
Rating:
Summary: mawkish
Review: silly, mawkish, trite, stereotypical. So many adjectives to apply to this poor novel. Was there a plot? I couldn't find it. I couldn't finish it either.
Rating:
Summary: Like a river that's a song
Review: What a wonderful, beautifully written and crafted book! I can't believe I didn't hear more about it when it was first published, but rather came upon it in its paperback edition. Amazon is right that the narrator's voice ranks with the likes of Huck or Scout. And the lyricism of the writing is manifest in the voices of each distinct and very memorable character. I swear, even if there were no plot (and this one is very good and artful), I would read the book just to savor the poetry in each character's voice. And I can't forget the poem of Sundance, which was a perfect foil and even a metaphor for separate attributes of each character: Rube, Swede, Davy, their father, etc. The magical realism isn't something you often find in American literature, but it makes a lot of sense weaved into a tale of a family in America's heartland. After reading this, I realized my Christmas shopping for the year is done!
Rating:
Summary: Peace Like a River
Review: My favorite book of all times is Catcher in the Rye. This book rivaled my enjoyment of Salinger's classic. One of the greatest compliments I can give a book -- is that I miss the characters when I am finished reading it. I have thought about Rube and this story so much that I even listened to the book tape to further study the character development. Leif Enger's Peace Like a River is outstanding.
Rating: 
Summary: PLeeeeze
Review: I've had enough of books with miracles and dead people looking down from heaven. Give me books like Atonement,No Great Mischief, and Exteriors. Let us think!
Rating:
Summary: This Story Touches Your Heart
Review: I recommend a "warning" label on this book ~ this story may touch your heart, read at your own discretion. I've never cried while reading a book, I did with this story. It was a good cry though ~ where you're celebrating humanity.
As I read the book I thought about "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "A Prayer for Owen Meany" (two of my favorite books"); I noticed later that reviewers had also referred to these books and how "Peace Life a River" was similar.
With all that's going on in the world, it was a pleasure to read about goodhearted people who persevere, and continue to love and support each other. Yet, that's not enough, Enger's story gives readers the opportunity to take part in the small yet beautiful details of daily living ~ so many times I had a smile on my face, like I was there.
Leif Enger's writing style is a joy ~ so glad that he wrote this book. I will buy and pass this to many friends. Highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Prose
Review: What a fabulous novel. Reading this book was like eating chocolate and listening to classical music.
Rating:
Summary: Lighthearted and funny
Review: When I first started reading this book, I immediately thought of the brother and sister from "To Kill A Mockingbird." The two of them were absolutely funny, heartwarming, and so honest it had be laughing aloud sometimes. It always seemed lighthearted, even during the serious times, but always in a good way - to mirror the life and thoughts of a child. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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