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Summary: My First Guterson Read
Review: I did not read Snow Falling on Cedars, and I am glad I did not because it seems to prejudice "Snow" readers against the style, structure and content employed for East of the Mountains. The book's premise, a retired surgeon faces terminal cancer, drew me in. The writing kept me there. The writer makes it look easy as he lays down a beautiful, thought-provoking story.
Rating: 
Summary: Must Read
Review: Whether or not you loved Snow Falling on Cedars, you will love this book. It is very well written, and despite what may seem to be a depressing premise, the book is uplifting, not depressing.
This is one of the best books I have read in awhile.
Rating: 
Summary: Misses the Mark
Review: Perhaps my expectations were too high following Snow Falling on Cedars but this book didn't capture and hold my attention and imagination like its predecessor.Ben's internal dialogue and feelings are written well but his interactions with others are shallow and not fully developed. The only character that gets some treatment is the migrant farm worker but Guterson falls short here as well. The first flashback was well constructed with the same elements that made Snow's flashbacks so powerful. However, the second flashback is too sterile and really detracts from the book. A full 65 pages of 270 are spent on this description of why Ben becomes a doctor!! Then the apex of the story unfolds in a weird way. Ben saves a life but how he gets to this point is totally unbelievable!! Then, his opportunity for retribution is wasted on us using the most superficial dialogue. This book had a chance as a 500 page novel with better character development and interaction. At 270 pages, Guterson tried to mix in too much and we're left with an uncooked stew.
Rating:
Summary: Boring work from a very good writer
Review: Some of Guterson's descriptions are marvelous. The loneliness of his main character trying to meet the goal of his death is a long and thought out process. Problem is the thoughts are slow and plodding. There wasn't much dialog and it seemed you wanted to rush through the book in order to find out the ending, or the meat. I became edgy reading this, and the fact is, I couldn't get through it.
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Summary: Age, Wandering, and Wisdom
Review: David Guterson's second novel is set in the Columbia Basin of central Washington in the late 1990s. It tells the story of Dr. Ben Givens, a renowned heart surgeon who has recently lost his wife, retired, and learned he is suffering from terminal colon cancer. With the goal of saving himself and his family from unnecessary pain and suffering, he sets out with his two dogs on a hunting trip with the intention of committing suicide. This book has strong components of a picaresque novel, with Dr. Givens's adventures in his brief journey, and of an American coming-of-age novel with its protagonist an elderly, successful man rather than a youth struggling to reach maturity. In some ways, this book reminded me of Kerouac's On the Road with an older and wiser hero. Huckleberry Finn for the aging also lurks somewhere in the background In his journey, Dr. Givens has a variety of experiences and meets many different sorts of people emanating from an automobile accident he suffers at the outset. He meets a young couple going sking, a drifter who provides him with marijuana, a graduate student to whom he is briefly attracted who is studying Rudolph Steiner (the founder of an esoteric movement somewhat similar to Theosophy), illegal immigrants picking apples, a young woman veterinarian, and many others. He also recollects during his journey his past life, particularly his loving wife, his wartime experiences and his decision to become a physician. Each of the people he meets along the way has something to teach him towards recovering (or gaining) a degree of self-understanding and acceptance of his condition. I found it striking and good that most of the people are rather ordinary in intelligence and achievement, with something valuable to teach a famous and skilled heart surgeon. The book explores the theme of life as a journey and a quest for self-knowledge for someone with the experience of age. It speaks of the value of this our world, the only world we know. I was reminded of the American poet Wallace Stevens's observation that "The greatest poverty is not to live in a physical world". The book celebrates the beauty of the West, the emotional and erotic beauty of women, the beaty of using one's skills to help others, and the beauty of trying to understand oneself. The descriptions are good, and the story is well-told, even though it lacks a certain sparkle. A worthwhile and thoughtful book.
Rating: 
Summary: Is everyone reading the same book I am?
Review: Fortunately, I was only "east of the mountains" for a short time. This book is over rated, marginally written, and very boring. After being encouraged to read this book by all the great reviews it has gotten, along with the awards won by the author, I thought I was in for something grand. It turns out that the author is about as descriptive and detail oriented as a sleepy three year old. If you enjoy somber prose and reading grocery lists, then this book is for you. If not, keep in mind some other books. If you like serious writing, with wonderful prose and imagery, try "The Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad. Or, if your into detail and descriptive writing, take a look at "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville. My copy of "East of the Mountains" is collecting dust on a shelf in the used book store.
Rating:
Summary: Well written and entertaining however....
Review: I can't believe Ben gave up on that 60+ year old Winchester.
Rating:
Summary: sentimental journey
Review: Ben Givens is a man who has given up on life. Because of a devastating disease, he has lost control of the future, which he plans to regain by committing a well-planned suicide. Well, the 'best-laid plans' are quickly turned topsy-turvy, and Ben finds himself moving toward an immersion in, and appreciation of, the present. It is a sentimental journey, of wonderful and harsh reminiscences of youth, interspersed with the current physical trek, full of encounters and exploration. There is much description of the landscape. The book is well-written and engaging. In the right hands, it will make a beautiful film; but read the book first!
Rating:
Summary: East of the Mtns
Review: It may take some readers a little time to get into the book. Don't give up! Keep reading! It's got a little romance, a bunch of hunting, and a turn I wasn't expecting, which was my favorite part. Read it, it's worth it :)
Rating:
Summary: Loved it !
Review: Although not as good as SFOC Gutersons 2nd novel is a worthy read. Can't wait for him to come up with another one.
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