Peace Like a River by Leif Enger Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Peace Like a River
Book Review: "Make of it what you will."
Summary: 4 Stars
Very dorky title. Equally dorky cover design. This is one of the last books I'd probably pick up based on those two preliminary judgments, but it makes me glad for assigned reading and strong recommendations. Though not always pleasant, there are jewels that may not otherwise be found. I just finished reading this about five minutes ago and I feel a bit like I felt with The Man Who Was Thursday; what now? This ending was not so strong although I don't have any advice for making it better without causing it to lose touch with reality.
My favorite element of the story is definitely the character development. They are amazing people. My favorite is Swede, the 8-year-old little sister who writes narrative poetry with such maturity. And not only that. She cooks, tends to her family (from tending to their illness to digging the shotgun out of the closet when defense is necessary), knows history and literature, and makes very wise decisions. I love this girl. I also love the relationship she has with her brother, Reuben. He is also very mature for eleven, and being the narrator I got a bit more inside his head than Swede's. He is very strong, although more of his weaknesses are exposed. Nonetheless, he and Swede come up with fascinating stories and accomplish so much more than probably any 8 and 11-year-olds do in America in the present day. Their father seems distant from my perception, although that is the way it should be. He is loving, wise, protecting, and remains in his role despite all the torment he goes through over the few months we participate in.
I'm sure that each of these book reviews I've been doing mimics the style of writing that I've just engrossed myself in, but I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing. I find it extremely exciting and interesting. After all, where would we be without taking influence?
In the end, this is the kind of book to read by the fire with tea and a cat on your feet. It wasn't so good to read before going to bed as I often stayed up too late, but it was a great way to wake up in the morning. I feel a bit guilty, though. Sometimes when I read, my mind will wander although my eye continues to follow every word. Sometimes I "wake up" only a few paragraphs later, but often I have to go back a page or two and pick up where I left off. It's an annoying habit which I'm trying to kick, but I fear there were times in the midst of reading this work that I didn't catch myself and there are little morsels that I missed. For one, I have no recollection of Swede pouring a fluid other than gasoline (some beverage which I can't recall) into the gas tank of a federal agent who was stalking them from town to town, and if it hadn't been recalled later in the book, it would have been totally lost from me. My Swede, I was so proud of her when I read that.
It definitely took me a long time to get into the story, although they say the things you wait the longest for turn out the best in the end. The conflict level rose and fell, but there sure were spots in the middle that I cursed when I was interrupted (as I read a majority at work amidst ringing phones, customers, and talking bosses (I'm not complaining at all. I feel so fortunate to have had three temporary jobs in these six weeks of vacation which allowed me to sit around and read. I'm calling it a miracle, but make of it what you will.)).
Book Review: "Make of it what you will..."
Summary: 5 Stars
Reuben Land's authentic voice resounds in this novel and draws the reader in like an old friend. I grew to love the Land family and I love the greatness of heart and strength of spirit that this book possesses. Leif Enger has crafted a powerful novel that I have recommended this book to nearly everyone I know. I am a high school teacher and I can't wait to share it with my students.Book Review: "Make of it what you will..."
Summary: 5 Stars
Reuben Land's authentic voice resounds in this novel and draws the reader in like an old friend. I grew to love the Land family and I love the greatness of heart and strength of spirit that this book possesses. Leif Enger has crafted a powerful novel that I have recommended this book to nearly everyone I know. I am a high school teacher and I can't wait to share it with my students.Book Review: A Book That Packs A Wallop.
Summary: 5 Stars
It is hard to believe that PEACE LIKE A RIVER is a debut novel. Leif Enger is an excellent writer who spins a suspenseful yarn about a small family trying to cope heroically with a monstrous tragedy. He also gives us a fascinating tale about miracles and the afterlife.The book is filled with penetrating insights - the kind of knowledge one acquires from being a keen observer of human nature and maybe even growing up on a farm. I don't remember ever reading another ending which packs more of a wallop than the last chapter in this magnificent gem.
Book Review: A Book to Savor and Read Again
Summary: 5 Stars
Why aren't there more books such as Peace Like a River? Beautiful, lyrical prose, charactors that you really care about and will remember long after the book is finished and a story line that is unique and entertaining without the page turning, manic speed that most of today's novels move at. I don't think it's quite "To Kill a Mockingbird" but comes really close. Outstanding first achievement for Leif Enger, highly recommend.