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Summary: Believe what you will
Review: Eleven-year-old Reuben is the narrator throughout this story of miracles, hope, family love and betrayal. Rube believes himself a witness of his father's special gifts and blessings; he tells in an open, honest voice what he has seen his father do, what he's heard his father has done (beginning when Reuben was born and when he could not draw a breath), and what he has seen others' reactions to his father to be. While telling his story, and explaining what he believes are miracles, Reuben does not attempt to insist that what he sees is what the reader will see; he tells the reader, "Here's what I saw; take from it/believe what you will." There is nothing pushy or preachy about either Rube's nor Jeremiah's faith; rather, both show through their actions what they believe, which makes them and their faith all the more believable. As Rube shares in the story of two violent boys and his brother, Davy's, reaction to them, part of his brother's court trial and the people the family meets during that trying time, Davy's escape and then the family's search for him, Rube writes with such open feelings, laying out not only his thoughts or interpretations about his asthma, his father's forgiveness, his sister's spunky, endearing and talented character, his brother's elusiveness and the enemy fed who is on his trail, but also Rube lays out his flaws, his errors, and his redeeming qualities as well, which makes for a deeper, more empathetic read. Although this story focuses more on day-to-day living, personal growth and redemption, there is plenty of action, humor, depth to keep the reader involved and interested. I also liked how the friends of the Land family feel as though they are the reader's friends, and the Land family themselves become a family I care about and cheer for.
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Summary: A Wonderful Read
Review: To those who did not love Peace Like A River:
Sometimes it is not the writer who fails, it is the reader.
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Summary: Miracles in Minnesota
Review: Leif Engels' Peace Like a River is a book expansive in story and distinctive in narrative voice. Rube Land narrates his memory of the events of his eleventh year, the year his brother Davy shot two town bullies, and the effects of those events on his family. His father, the classic literary Christ figure, performs miracles and counsels forgiveness even as the family suffers the judgment of the Roofing, Minnesota townspeople. His sister Swede, age 9, provides the family's heart and resilience with her precocious Scout Finch-like insights and cowboy poetry. Rube himself witnesses events that leave him struggling harder for breath. And when Davy busts out of jail and heads for the hills, the family piles in an Airstream trailer and heads out to find him-with the "putrid feds" right on their tail. Rube's voice in Peace Like a River is just right-honest, hard on himself and others, and humorous in spots. Unlike other literary novelists, Engels sacrifices nothing for the voice: the plot is equally strong and all the elements of the story in place. Tragedy is spiced with comedy; guilt with innocence; and violence with peace. Peace Like a River is my idea of the perfect novel-a 5 star read.
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Summary: Breathtaking Reading
Review: How refreshing to read such an uplifting and well-written story such as this! This is one of those books you cannot put down and end up carrying with you everywhere (the kitchen, the bathroom, the bus stop, etc.) so you can keep reading. Enger's writing style sucks you into the story from the get-go and holds you on for the ride right to the end. I read this book a few months ago and it's one of the few books that I think back to often and smile, reminiscing on how enjoyable it was. I'm looking forward to more of Enger's stories!
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Summary: Just Great
Review: This book is exceptional, so I won't tell you any spoilers of the plot. What I will tell you is that the narrative is pleasant and engaging, if not the most original, and it illustrates the many different places in the book beautifully and completely.
Some characters could have been developed a little more, but for the most part they're pretty throughly developed. The narrator, Reuben, is no Tom Sawyer, but another kind of character(I just can't understand all these comparisons!)You won't regret buying this book. It's worth the time and money.
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Summary: Nice surprise
Review: This was a great book. A quick page turner. I finished it in 2 days. I loved the characters, the dialogue, the story....
It wasn't quite what you'd expect, which made it good.
Worth the time!
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Summary: Writing that flows like a river
Review: This is a lovely book. The story is intriguing, the characters are well-drawn and deeply developed to the point that you care about each and every one of them. The language is flawless and the writing is so pleasurable that you forget you are reading and feel like the author is there, telling you this wonderful story. It is rare to find such a marvelous book and almost never as a first novel! I'll never forget these characters and their story, it is deeply moving and beautifully written.
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Summary: absolutely delicious
Review: to steal an expression from my grandmother. Perhaps one of the most exquisitely written books I have come accross in a very very long time. Absolutely could not put this down. Yes yes, the story is a good one, though not a great storyline by any stretch. What is remarkable is the way in which it was written. This author has a demeanor about his writting that is incredible. You could easily melt in the reflections, descriptions nad true feelings contained in the pages. Toi be able to convey the strong emotions, compassions and bend of the characters without overdoing the verbosity is a wonderous feat. The sentences are fairly easily come by, yet convey much more then their lack of complexity and verbosity would lead you to believe. That is an artform. And let me tell you, those feelings are the heart of the book and make is such a warm piece despite the wintery nights the tale is confined to. Bar none, this is one of the best books I have read this year and in fcat, one of the best books ive read in a while.
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Summary: A fabulous adventure
Review: Leif Enger's spectacular first novel takes the reader on a fabulous adventure as the Land family sets out to find their elder son, Davy, convicted for killing two intruders while defending his family, . Enger combines elements of faith, love, compassion and suspense and a cast of fascinating, compelling characters. This is a superb book!
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Summary: Mesmerizing Read
Review: This is one of the most beautiful, well written novels I have ever read. The words flow like a song. Being a huge fan of To Kill a Mockingbird, I was delighted to find a book of the same caliber. The strength of the family ties in this novel will renew your faith in the "All American Family". During the search for Davey, Ruben and Swede discover things about their father few children are lucky enough to know. It is the fathers' Godliness which gives this book a decided edge. Their adventures across the U.S. in their beloved Airstream trailer will leave you laughing, crying and truly captivated. I am unsure as to whether Mr. Enger should not try to top this book, but I am highly anticipating his next novel. If it's anything like Peace Like a River, it should be wonderful.
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