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Summary: One of the most enjoyable books I've read in awhile
Review: I read this book over the Christmas/winter holidays and it fit the season perfectly, from my slightly skewed perspective. What I loved about this book is the imaginative use of words. The author takes advantage of the beauty of the English language and weaves it in remarkable, inventive ways. There were passages that brought tears to my eyes simply from the glory of the writing. If you enjoy reading books not simply to be told a story, but also for the art of writing, this book will bring much joy.
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Summary: Only the 2nd book I could not finish!
Review: I could not get through this book. It required a dictionary on almost every page. I think the author wrote this with a Thesaurus to be original. Original he was, I got to page 127 and said that is enough! The story line did not flow at all. The author makes a 9 year old girl talk and sound like an adult.I read the previous reviews before I purchase this book. I must have gotten the wrong book, but the author and title are the same. Sorry I do not agree with the previous reviews.
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Summary: A Wonderful Romp to Places I 've Never Explored
Review: I read the review on Amazon because it was the editor's pick. And he/she was right on the money. I love books that take me to places I haven't gone and I loved the ourdoorsy feel to the story. It was easy to fall into the story from the first page. The characters were endearing and close to each other from the beginning. The sentences are lyrical, and description superb. I love the reference to Western novels and the ongoing poem of Sundance. See what children can do without telvision and video games? The father's miracles didn't need any explanation. His strong belief was the answer. The son's only explanation: make of it what you will, gives you a chance to think about what is already firm in the boy's mind. The only problem I had with the book was the home invasion. If you are protecting yourself in your own home you should be innocent of crime, but what do I know about law? What I do know is I want to rent an Airstream and go out to live with goats and horses in extreme weather. I can't wait to see what's next from Mr. Enger.
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Summary: Justice and family
Review: This book reminded me a lot of To Kill a Mockingbird. It was refreshing to view the classic struggle of "right versus wrong" from the eyes of a child. It was a great story of family, unconditional love, justice, fairness, and survival. Although there were some slow moving parts and many of the wilderness and hunting passages were not interesting to me, I would recommend this book to others who are looking for a book different ...
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Summary: Read this book for what it is...
Review: ...an extraordinarily well-written novel, complete with excellent plot, prose and people. This book kept me engaged from page 1 which is amazing because I have never held a special place in my heart for the great western or cowboy poetry both of which permeate the story. Leif Enger writes beautiful prose that incorporates these elements along with mysticism, christian miracles and literature into a novel that defies categorization. Read it expecting a great novel--not a christian parable, not a meditation on miracles, not a modern-day western--and you won't be disappointed!
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Summary: Great Characters, Great Writing
Review: When choosing this book, I was drawn by descriptions of the young narrator, Reuban Land. He was worthy of the praise, and I felt genuine pathos for his asthmatic sufferings; my wife is an athsmatic. However, even more charming to me was his little sister, Swede Land. Her personality, her poetry, her fascination with the old west and the parallels to her family's experiences were delightful! I think this book is a rare find. It's pleasing on several levels: its plot, its characters, its unusual twists, its descriptions and evocations of North Dakota in winter, and its writing style. I even was satisfied with the ending, which isn't always the case with "modern" novels. I had a great feeling of satisfaction when I finished. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes good writing. One last comment: I don't think there was one instance of profanity in the book - if there was any, I didn't spot it. I don't object to profanity per se, but so many authors seem to find it obligatory. It is possible to write a great book without it. I'd like to see more writers try, particularly authors of "teen" books.
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Summary: I DON'T GET IT?
Review: A GOOD FIRST TRY. GOOD WRITING, BUT NOT MUCH OF A 'STORY'. I THINK HIS NEXT WILL BE BETTER. TRY WILLIAM KOWALSKI'S 'EDDIE'S BASTARD' INSTEAD.
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Summary: The Best Gift
Review: This book was a Christmas gift... one of the BEST I ever received if measured in the joy and pleasure it gave me. And it is one of the best books I have ever read: the rare blend of a supurbly spellbinding tale recounted by a master storyteller. I had to pace myself, for I wanted to devour each page, each chapter yet I also wanted to savor this treasure of a book, and to make it last. When I read the last page, the day after Christmas, I found myself filling with tears: tears of joy, of happiness, of hope, and yes... tears of regret to have to part company with Reuben and Jeremiah and Swede and the others. The miracles, all unexplanable acts of God, are perfectly reasonable to one who believes in Omnipotent God. Enger's description of the eternal city that Jeremiah crosses into resonates with my soul: it absolutely feels right and is so beautiful and such a held-out promise, I could easily make it a part of my theology. If taken just exactly as it is, an outstanding first novel by an extremely promising author, this book MUST become a best seller, and, I hope, the first of many such profoundly moving books by this writer. I hope Hollywood doesn't try to make a movie of this one, because there is NO WAY the integrity of the narative will translate to film. Each sentence sings. Each turn of the unfolding story brings delight, suspense, and deep satisfaction. The Sunny Sundown epic poem weaving through the story represents our blessing (curse?) of choosing our actions and influencing our destiny in the course of our own lives, even while our larger scripts play out. I envy everyone yet to experience this book. It is a treat and you will be blessed.
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Summary: Peace Like A River
Review: Best I've read in many years. Tears, laughter, reality, grit, and spirit! I know this author, and as I read the book, I could hear his soft, gentle voice reading to me, and I could see that shy smile that is Leif Enger. I could also hear the honesty and the truth in the struggles of the Land family. Leif has given us a wonderful gift......a classic.
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Summary: Am I The Crazy One??
Review: That's the question that I've been asking myself after I read all the fabulous reviews for this book and then actually read the book. IT'S NOT THAT GOOD!! I read other people's reviews and found myself agreeing as well as disagreeing with many things said. Overall though, this book has no point and is completely random. I have no problem suspending my disbelief for a literary sake...i.e. fine, I didn't completely question the "miracles" that occurred in the book, but they are NEVER EXPLAINED! Why can the father "talk to god"? It makes no sense to me. Furthermore, I found myself reading as fast as I possibly could just to get to the end of the book. I read A LOT of books and unless one is absolutely horrible, I will stick with it to the end. That's what I did with this book. So, let me save you innocent readers some time and recommend that if you want to read a story with a point and one that makes any sense, DON'T READ THIS ONE!!
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