Rating: 
Summary: The least of the three.
Review: This was the third Haruf novel that I have read in as many months. I was enthralled with Plainsong and similarly enjoyed The Tie that Binds, but I was the least enthusiastic about this piece. I did not like the ending of the novel. It did seem to me, at least, that he really had no idea how to end what he had started and so chose an odd direction in which to go. Unlike some other reviewers I eagerly await Mr. Haruf's next effort and have enjoyed the process of reading this trilogy a great deal. But I would suggest that attention be paid to the other two books and this one be left aside until you have covered his stronger material.
Rating:
Summary: The writer's path
Review: Truer tales not told - small-town hero is allowed to bend the rules, gets an easier path to travel, and BLOWS IT. Every little town has its tale about the athlete, scholar, or other admirable young man who becomes so enamored that the rules are completely forgotten.I was haunted by the ending of this fictional fable. I suppose I've seen too many of these bad boys in my time, and the ending always shocks. This is a "stepping-stone" novel for me. I read Haruf's "Plainsong" first, so I wanted to see his development. Quite the writer, with three excellent novels to his credit.
Rating:
Summary: The writer's path
Review: Truer tales not told - small-town hero is allowed to bend the rules, gets an easier path to travel, and BLOWS IT. Every little town has its tale about the athlete, scholar, or other admirable young man who becomes so enamored that the rules are completely forgotten. I was haunted by the ending of this fictional fable. I suppose I've seen too many of these bad boys in my time, and the ending always shocks. This is a "stepping-stone" novel for me. I read Haruf's "Plainsong" first, so I wanted to see his development. Quite the writer, with three excellent novels to his credit.
Rating: 
Summary: Liked it
Review: Well, it seems most people on here either liked it, or they didn't. I did.
Read it in one day, a very quick book. But good.
I too was a little put off by the ending. But I figure that Haruf is just leaving it up to our imaginations as to what will happen. I have never read a book where I didn't know the narraters name till almost the end of the book either!! I can't wait to read his other 2 books.
Rating: 
Summary: Where You Once Belonged
Review: While I enjoyed Plainsong, this book, despite its short length, was extremely disappointing. No character development whatsoever. When the book switches from the third person to the first person, you have no clue for pages as to who the narrator is. I am utterly mystified at how well-respected book critics could find such glowing comments to make about this extremely disappointing read. It's one of those books that you are disgusted with yourself for having invested any time in reading when you get to the final page. Don't assume if you enjoyed Plainsong, that you'll similarly enjoy this book.
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