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Summary: Everyone who despairs of modern life needs this book!
Review: I discovered the Mitford books quite by accident.I found the third book in the series at my local book store (my aplologies to Amazon for being there) and my logic is that if there's three in the series then the first two must have been fabulous. They were and I have become a devoted Mitford fan. Would you rather read the local paper with its horrid stories about child abandonment and criminals or would you prefer to snuggle with a glass of wine and Father Tim? No contest! The fourth is as good as the first and I lie in wait for the fifth. Please, Jan!
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Summary: This book is an anomaly--and yet, completely enthralling!
Review: This is the first book I've read by Jan Karon, and I must admit that I was enthralled. It is the fourth in a series, "The Mitford Years." I probably should have read the previous three books first, usually a good plan with a series like the long Aubrey/Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian. But this book stands alone very well. Oddly, I'm now starting the sixth book in the series, "A Common Life: The Wedding Story," in which the events described obviously precede the events in "Out of Canaan." I'm frankly perplexed that Karon would write them apparently out of order. "Out of Canaan" is the story of the rector of an Episcopal church, his wife and friends in the very small southern community of Mitsford. In fact, nearly the entire population of 200 souls seems to be involved in the story in some way. Everyone knows everyone else. This is really a good story. The protagonist and most of the other characters are devoted Christians, and there are many Christian references: Bible quotations, hymn lyrics, and other references. The story will probably not be appreciated by atheists, but may be of interest to folks of other religious faiths who can identify with the human feelings portrayed, and ignore dogma conflicts. Although there is some conflict in the plot--otherwise, there would be no story--one cannot characterize it as suspenseful. For those impatient people who demand suspense and a brisk pace toward the resulution of the conflict, this book might be characterized as "boring." For me, it was a delightful experience. If you like to read, and appreciate nice turns of phrase and realistic characters--the kind of people you know and meet every day--you'll probably enjoy this book. Personally, I loved it. Joseph H. Pierre
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Summary: Out To Canaan
Review: All of these books keep you going. At least they did me. You have to read it.
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Summary: A Wonderful Continuation!
Review: Father Tim and Cynthia are contemplating their future in this book, but in the midst of it all, is too much happening at once. Father Tim who is the legal counsel, psychologist, foster parent, political analyst, and rector of his congregation, is always there to lend a helping hand or advice. Also, longtime mayor, Esther Cunningham, revered for preserving traditions of the town, finds a formidable foe in Mack Stroupe, a free spending industrialist who stands for the two most reviled words in Mitford; change and development. Father Tim, once again has his hands full with Dooley, his foster son. Dooley is back from Prep school for the summer, and the good rector is trying to doctor Dooley's past. Father Tim managed to locate two of Dooley's siblings, Poohbaw, and Jessie,and found his alcoholic mother, Pauline as well.
Another hard to put down book!
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Summary: Good, Clean Reading
Review: Father Tim Kavanaugh, the ever-stuck-in-the-mud pastor of the Episcopalian Lord's Chapel, has finally decided, with his wife's help, to make some big changes. His good friend, Bishop Stuart Cullen, comes to the Chapel to announce that Father Tim plans to retire in eighteen months. Father Tim soon realizes that a year and a half is not nearly long enough to complete the tasks the Lord has given him in Mitford. He must sell Miss Sadie's grand mansion which she willed to the church, ensure that Hope House is running a tight ship for the elderly, and find him and his wife a new place to live. Not to mention, a slightly shady real estate agency is trying to make questionable deals throughout Mitford, and a new candidate is trying to oust Esther Cunningham from her long-held spot taking care of Mitford's own as its mayor. These grand happenings are, as always, secondary to the interpersonal relationships that are always on Father Tim's mind. His foster son, Dooley, is maturing; and two other young girls are brought into his life. Buck Leeper, the abrasive constructin foreman, may be ready to make some changes; and Puny Guthrie's twins have started calling him granpaw. It is these people, that make up Mitford, that always make Karon's books so compelling. The reader of the series feels as if she knows the characters, and is always moved to find out more about what makes them tick. Out to Canaan will be cherished by all faithful readers of the Mitford books!
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Summary: Lovely Series
Review: I got hooked on the Mitford series back to the very first book. The thing I like about Out to Canaan is how you get to see the people of this town grow. It's a story that I think that everyone can relate to. I read this story and I could think of anyone in a small town in America just like the people of Mitford. It is a story that I highly recommend. It's a great read for the whole family.
Rating:
Summary: enjoyable
Review: In the fourth Mitford book, Father Tim manages to keep himself busy as usual. Fernbank must be sold, but the only potential buyer isn't making a very good offer. Father Tim must deal with the unhappiness of his parish after they hear of his impending retirement. The long-time Mitford mayor faces some stiff competition for the upcoming election, and there's something fishy about his campaign. Another enjoyable Mitford book.
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Summary: Another Hit
Review: Jan Karon's Out to Canaan was another great book in the mitford series. It is a slow and laid back book on the surface, but is full of interesting stories and plot twists. It is a great book to read to get a break from life and other depressing books. Karon does a wonderful job of depicting the "ideal" life in a small mountain village. Just like all of the other Mitford books, Out to Canaan is a must read.
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Summary: A story of the heart to the heart!
Review: Living in a small town myself I could give each character a face in this wonderful series(Mitford Years)by Jan Karon. After reading Home in Mitford, I went to check out A Light in the Window, the second of the series, and found the book missing from the local library. I found out my neighbor had it and begged her to please let me have it while she finished another book she was reading. You can do this in a small town. The Mitford years are the most heartfelt and relaxing books I have ever read. Jan has a way of speaking to your heart and making you feel very much a part of Mitford. Jan please don't stop here, your books are absolutely the best ever. These books have renewed my faith in God and made me value my friends even more.
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Summary: A worthy addition to a beautiful series.
Review: There is no letdown in this fourth Mitford book. Those who have read the others will love this one. However, if you have not read the others, I highly recommend that you get the first, "At Home in Mitford," and read them all in sequence. If anyone thinks that Karon's novels are strictly women's literature, I disagree. As a male myself, I find the masculine characters and their dialogue completely believable. The overall tone of the series is warm and uplifting, with a delightful understated humor, but the writing is not unrealistically syrupy. There is a strong religious undertone, since the main character is a priest, but the style is never preachy. The author has a finely balanced approach to every situation that the plots touch. I am hoping that there is another Mitford novel in progress.
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