At Home in Mitford (The Mitford Years)

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Summary: MITFORD IS A NICE PLACE TO LIVE, BUT WOULD YOU WANT TO VISIT
Review: There's not much plot and very little character development of the multitude of quirky characters that populate this hamlet. Yet, for some unfathomable reason the reader is pulled into the homespun, humorous happenings of Father Tim and the parishioners of his Episcopal Church. From next-door neighbor Cynthia who asks him to "go steady" to Homeless Hobbes who has known the glamour of Madison Avenue, you will find yourself inexplicably drawn into the everyday meanderings of this town. Maybe everyone secretly wants to live the laid-back life in a town where the biggest news is a dog-napping, where a criminal in the attic becomes a favorite son, and where schizophrenics are coddled not institutionalized. There is something safe and secure in a book where prayer is the key to solving all problems and favorite Bible verses roll off every character's tongue. If a few sugar-coated hours appeal to you, read this book. But if your tastes lean to the darker aspects of human nature, you need to look elsewhere.

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Summary: Bless you, Father Tim
Review: As a "cradle Episcopalian", I was thrilled to discover the Mitford series when it first came out. My mother is anxiously awaiting the publication of "A common life" this spring,as are many of the ladies(and gentlemen) In our parish. We have decided that Father Tim is a composite of several priests that we have had over the years. It isnt hard to get a discussion group going when word gets out that another Mitford book is due. Several people I work with recommended the original book to me(Not Episcopalians,by the way), and we are all waiting for April! Jan Karon has captured the essence of 20th century old fashioned Episcopalianism in the finest detail, including the priest who marries later in life,and discovers that he can never quite retire! Kudos and blessings to the author and to all the books in this wonderful,inspiring series!

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Summary: A wonderfully pleasing read!
Review: This is the first book of five in the Mitford series. In this book, you are introduced to a cast of characters that will keep you reading for hours and always wanting more. We meet Father Tim, who is subsequently adopted by a large dog and who befriends a town boy who is very much in need of love and attention. Then throw in a new neighbor with whom Father Tim is totally smitten. Throughout all this, a long-buried town secret comes to light to add just the right touch of mystery to this wonderful little hill town.

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Summary: I just finished Mitford and I already miss it!
Review: I cannot wait to collect the whole Mitford series and continue following Father Tim's adventures. The gentle spirituality of this book is a tonic. I thank Jan Karon for introducting me to Mitford. I encourage everyone to visit.

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Summary: I FELT RIGHT AT HOME!
Review: At Home In Mitford is one of the finest books I have ever read! Jan Karon is truly a gifted writer. I could not put this book down; I took it everywhere with me and opened up the pages every chance I got. I mentally and emotionally stepped into the pages of Mitford very early in the first chapter and felt as though I were mingling with all those wonderful characters, especially Father Tim Kavanagh. I wanted to stay in Mitford forever! I have since read all of the books in the Mitford series and am very sad that this wonderful adventure is now over. However, I understand there are two more books coming. I do hope that this is true and soon! I am suffering withdrawal symptoms. Hurry, Jan Karon!!!

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Summary: A book for everyone
Review: I love a book that I can readily recommend to all my friends. This book pleased my religous grandmother, and many non-Christian friends. It's religious side is uplifting without being sappy. It pulls you into the Mitford community and compels you to love the characters as much as Fr. Tim or Jan Karon. Join the revival, read it today.

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Summary: At "Ho-Hum" in Mitford
Review: The rock group Talking Heads did a song that goes "Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens." I don't really agree with those sentiments, but substitute "Mitford" for "Heaven" and it becomes a lot more accurate. At first I thought Mitford might be similar to the Mayberry of "The Andy Griffith Show" with a cleric instead of a sheriff as the lead character, but actually, Mitford seems to be a place where people from Mayberry would go to escape the hustle and bustle. Plus, as annoyingly quirky as the Mitford characters are, there is nobody there as well-drawn as Barney, Gomer, or Floyd the barber. Maybe this book would work better as a TV show. Or as a sleeping pill.

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Summary: AT HOME IN MITFORD
Review: I loved this book! I love Father Tim, a person so close to God and so easy to identify with. As I read this book I couldn't help but chuckle, therefore resulting in having to read some portions out loud to my husband. Each character is so well thought out. I felt that I knew them myself personally. Jan Karon helped me open my eyes to the people around me and accept their perculiarities with more patience and love. I will be reading all the books in the series. My heart goes out to those critics who found the book boring. May God grant them a richer life!

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Summary: A wonderful visit to Mitford....
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Mitford and learning about the town and people through the eyes of the village Priest. Reading the rest of the series is high on my list. The characters came alive with Ms. Karon's descriptions. It was time well spent and has strengthened my faith.

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Summary: BORING!!
Review: I am still wondering when the book will actually begin. What is it about? There doesn't seem to be a protagonist, antagonist, plot or story line. I keep looking for a conflict of some sort, character development, etc. The characters are so predictable and sappy. Any thought provoking ideas here? I think not. I really can't figure out why thousands of women like this book so much.