Peace Like a River by Leif Enger Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Peace Like a River
Book Review: Makes the list for one of my top 25
Summary: 5 Stars
This book will remain one of my favorite reads of all-time. I can't say enough good things about it. The main character's voice, a young boy, reminds me of Scout in "To Kill A Mockingbird". Read it and see for yourself. A classic.Book Review: The Best Fiction I Have Read In A Long Time
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved this book. It had it all. It was beautifully written and it is everything you could want in a story. It had it all from romance, adventure, justice, and an examining of the meaning of life.Book Review: For those who love westerns
Summary: 4 Stars
This was a book club selection, and one that I probably would not have picked on my own. That is the good thing about book clubs it broadens your horizens in terms of what you read.
Having said that, I can say that I truly liked this novel. The theme of westerns is not something that holds interest for me, but this was a little more than a western. It was a story of faith, and what is right and wrong. I would not say it was totally religious, but I believe that those with a sense of faith will appreciate it more.
The story revolves around the family of Rube who is a young boy that has problems with his lungs (not sure what he has exactly, but asthma is a possibility). Rube's father is a single man trying to raise his family of three children to include Rube's little sister and big brother. The brother kills two individuals who enter their home on the pretext of doing something wrong. I think in today's world this would be considered self defense, but for some reason in this book it is a big crime. The brother goes on the run. The bulk of the story is about finding the brother, Davey.
Miracles play a part in this book. I did not really find them believeable, but maybe that is saying that my faith is not so strong. I think those that truly believe such things can happen in this time and age will appreciate these parts of the story.
The other part, the western feel, like I said has never had an appeal for me. This was a little bit of a turn off, but the story has so many more elements that make up for this. I loved the idea that the father loved his children so much that he would do most anything for them. Also, the fact, he maintained his integrity throughout. It was beautiful to see this in a parent.
I can recommend this to those who definitely love westerns, but what a good modern story about love of family and faith.
Book Review: The Alternative Ending to In Cold Blood
Summary: 4 Stars
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." ~Jimi Hendrix
I have seen the reviews comparing this book to one of my favorite books, "To Kill a Mockingbird", and I can understand the comparisons. Both books have God-fearing fathers trying their best to raise their children on their own. Both books have events that cause the children to grow up a little faster than usual. However, the biggest similarity between the two books for me is in the excellent character development. I came to like Rube and Swede as much as I liked Scout and Jem. And dare I say that I liked the miracle working Jeremiah Land as much if not more than Atticus Finch? The characters are the heart and soul of the novel and what I really enjoyed about the book.
I also see many similarities with the non-fiction book "In Cold Blood", written by Harper Lee's childhood friend Truman Capote. "In Cold Blood" describes how two men entered the farmhouse of a family in the middle of the night and killed the entire family. "Peace Like a River" is a look at what could have happened if someone in that family would have fought back. There really is not a good outcome either way.
I enjoyed the writing style and the poetry that was interspersed throughout the book. I really wanted to give it five stars but it dragged a little for me toward the end and was a bit predictable. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I strongly recommend it. It will cause you to pause and remember the importance of faith and family.
Book Review: Remember Magic?
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is nearly magical, which is a silly thing to say, but it almost makes me feel wonder again. Wonder like you felt when you were just a kid... I am only half way through it but I am already slowing down so that I will not finish this too fast. Fabulous characters and dialogue and an angle on awe not seen in a while...