to be read

With many books, you can proceed with the sensation that the plot is interesting, or the theme a worthy one, or there is a new slant on something, but often with wonderful thoughts like these, we get workmanlike prose, or something basic and serviceable. But in "Peace Like a River" not only is the plot interesting and clearly unfolding, the words along the way hold such enchantment and fun that it has an effect, where one wants to keep turning the pages and finding the next delight.

This piece is told mainly from the viewpoint of an 11 year-old boy. This boy has a very devout father, who is literally capable of miracles. After a full novel of suffering from asthma, 11 year-old Reuben is shot, and by all rights should die, but his father, also shot, but not critically wounded, performs his last miracle by giving Reuben his healthy lungs so he can live.

The prose serving this lovely tale is charming, flowing, witty, and knowing throughout. It takes us on an unusual journey (plot-wise and idea-wise), and at the end we're given a glimpse of heaven: brightly lit, humming with life, where a river flows uphill. Reuben sees his father, who takes his place in the peace that is like a river.

This isn't really a coming of age. Rube experiences some awfully weighty things for a sixth-grader, witnessing miracles and seeing his fugitive brother, and sitting by, awe-struck and envious, as his little sister composes remarkable verse. This is an extremely enjoyable book, kindly, wise, and a little fantastic. Time quite certainly well spent. Don't pass it by, by any means! ( )

Davy Land is sixteen and on the run for an alleged murder. He escapes to the Badlands territory, in rugged North Dakota. He is not only pursued by a persistent federal agent, but his father and two younger siblings, Rube and Swede are also hurtling down the back roads, in a beat-up Plymouth , pulling a silver motor-home with the intention of saving the boy from further catastrophe. The story takes place in 1963 but it has an almost “Old West“ feel to it. It is told from Rube’s point of view. He’s eleven and idolizes his brother. He also has an incredible relationship with his little sister Swede, who at a tender age, is both a poet and deep-thinker. This is a beautiful novel, brimming with magic, family love and encroaching darkness. I cannot recommend it higher! ( )

Masterpiece; as delicious to read as a C.S. Lewis novel but with all the Americana one could want ( )

Leif Enger's gripping tale of family crisis and redemption elegantly unfolds with grace and foreboding through the eyes of a child- as heart-wrenching and enduring as the voice of Scout Finch in Harper Lee's masterpiece. Now that this exceptional work is in the hands of Billy Bob Thornton (who else but a younger Robert Duval could one envision as Jeremiah Land?), my hope is that he casts unknowns (and not Dakota Fanning or Haley Joel Osment) in the roles of Reuben and Swede. To Kill a Mockingbird is one of very few films that translated skillfully and faithfully to the screen. Read this before the film is released and hope for the same. ( )