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Summary: Mesmerizing Work
Review: Leif Enger has crashed the literary gates, and he should be welcomed with wide embrace. His work succeeds in many ways, as fine fiction always does: characters who engage and grow; narrative reach that grabs the throat and won't let go until the last sentence is read (and then breaks your heart as it reassures everlasting love); thematic tension that insinuates the big qestions (such as the limits and boundaries of kinship and honor, faith and divine intervention, free will and fate); and of course a rollicking-good story, commanding absolute belief. And there are many passages -- so well written and so wise -- that leave you gasping in admiration.In Reuben and Swede (narrator and sister), Enger has created characters who belong beside Holden Caulfield and Huck Finn and Owen Meany, they are that richly realized and that memorable. Like Cold Mountain, which made a similar entrance, this work deserves an award or two. In contrast, however, Peace is comforting and amusing, fast-paced and unpredictable -- like hanging with good friends and telling stories about shared adventures. And, yes, as other reviewers have shared, it will rest on the shelf reserved for books I love and plan to read again and again. It's one of the best books I've read in some time. Get it. Read it. Savor it.
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Summary: If you liked "To Kill a Mockingbird"...
Review: Loved this book. It goes on my bookshelf beside "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Last of the Mohicans". There, it too will be one of those books I will read over from time to time for the sheer pleasure of visiting these characters again and for marvelling in awe at the beautiful writing that paints this world for us. Read it! Honestly, there are lines in this book so lovely in themselves, you will read them over a few times before going any further.
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Summary: One of the BEST BOOKS I've read all year!!
Review: The prose in this book is overwhelming. I was so caught up in the profiling and development of the characters that it was very difficult to put this book down. The plot in the story, the relationship of the siblings and their father along with the city, you really care about them and what happens in their lives. The younger sister and her writing was phenomenal, her insights. The maturity of the children, the comradarie of family and friends assisting this family all along the way. You begin to really want things to turn out wonderful for the family, in a way it does and in another way, they have to go on and find the strength to live.
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Summary: First books I tell everyone about!
Review: I definitely enjoyed this book. It ranks among my favorites this year for narrative voice, interesting story, and touching observations about the bonds of family. In fact, it takes second place right behind my favorite this year, Tending Roses by Lisa Wingate, which is similar in tone, and I liked even a little better. I learned about both of them through the ... chat board, which I turn to often for book suggestions. If you love good books, don't deprive yourself of either one.
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Summary: Wow! What a great book!
Review: This book was like nothing I've ever read before. The story and writing style were unique and wonderful. It made me laugh, cry and think! And sometimes, I wasn't really sure who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. It was a book I could not put down, yet tried not to pick up because I knew it would be finished far too quickly and I didn't want it to end.
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Summary: The Waltons by way of Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Review: I bought this book because of all the hype both Amazon and the reviewers gave it here. When I read the last page I shrugged with a small smile on my face. It's obvious that many readers took the book to heart and found something in it that deeply mattered to them, one of the truest signs of a meaningful book. My reaction however was to think it was well written but constantly going for the heartstrings in a precious, manipulative way that often got in the way of really good writing. There is an implicit cuteness in the book that I found cloying and ultimately annoying. Everyone is too adorable, and when they aren't being adorable they are put up against people or things that test their adorableness in a way that reminded me of Victorian villains twirling their black moustaches and snickering. If I were trying to pitch this book to movie makers in Hollywood I would say it is the Waltons meets Magical Realism and the meeting is sometimes successful, sometimes not. I fully agree with the reader who suggests you have a look at Kent Haruf's wonderful novel PLAINSONG if you want to get the real goods.
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Summary: DId Not Like this book
Review: The story and plot seem good, maybe it's the way it's written that turned me off, forced myself to finish it though.
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Summary: One of the most enjoyable books I've read in awhile
Review: I read this book over the Christmas/winter holidays and it fit the season perfectly, from my slightly skewed perspective. What I loved about this book is the imaginative use of words. The author takes advantage of the beauty of the English language and weaves it in remarkable, inventive ways. There were passages that brought tears to my eyes simply from the glory of the writing. If you enjoy reading books not simply to be told a story, but also for the art of writing, this book will bring much joy.
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Summary: Only the 2nd book I could not finish!
Review: I could not get through this book. It required a dictionary on almost every page. I think the author wrote this with a Thesaurus to be original. Original he was, I got to page 127 and said that is enough! The story line did not flow at all. The author makes a 9 year old girl talk and sound like an adult. I read the previous reviews before I purchase this book. I must have gotten the wrong book, but the author and title are the same. Sorry I do not agree with the previous reviews.
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Summary: A Wonderful Romp to Places I 've Never Explored
Review: I read the review on Amazon because it was the editor's pick. And he/she was right on the money. I love books that take me to places I haven't gone and I loved the ourdoorsy feel to the story. It was easy to fall into the story from the first page. The characters were endearing and close to each other from the beginning. The sentences are lyrical, and description superb. I love the reference to Western novels and the ongoing poem of Sundance. See what children can do without telvision and video games? The father's miracles didn't need any explanation. His strong belief was the answer. The son's only explanation: make of it what you will, gives you a chance to think about what is already firm in the boy's mind. The only problem I had with the book was the home invasion. If you are protecting yourself in your own home you should be innocent of crime, but what do I know about law? What I do know is I want to rent an Airstream and go out to live with goats and horses in extreme weather. I can't wait to see what's next from Mr. Enger.
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