Rating: 
Summary: Into the Mystic
Review: What a joyful, powerful and well-told tale! This book is so well written, it seems to flow like a river. I enjoyed the calmness of the way the story was told. Since it was related by a grown Ruben about childhood events, we feel the loving way the story unfolds. The chapter near the end "Be Jubilant, My Feet" is one of the most beautifully written pieces about a journey into the mystic that I have read. I particularly enjoyed the certain calmness of Jeremiah's faith that anchors the story and characters. This made the story real for me: the way faith doesn't keep you from hardship, but sees you through it. My only quibble is about what isn't in the book -- what kind of mother would leave her children to marry a posh doctor and not return when they are otherwise orphaned? I loved the sense of journey in this book, that life is a path peopled by wonderful folks like sister Swede and Roxana. I believed the minor characters such as the bullies whose demise ignite the action, Mr. Lurvy the mooching salesman and Mr. Holgren the pompous principal. Each of these are perfect small town portraits. The sense of place in the Dakota badlands transports you there. "Peace Like a River" is truly a special book, one you will not want to miss.
Rating:
Summary: An up 'til dawn book
Review: If this book were a drug, I'd be jailed as a pusher. I cannot remember the last time I so whole-heartedly badgered my friends and co-workers to read a novel. Prose like a waterfall~~the beauty of the language astounds. Enger's talent amazes; even the slightest characters are fully fleshed. And to have a character "write" poetry, which is then used to garnish the narrative? Pretty nifty. Astounding violence is levened by love, faith and miracles. From the viewpoint of a not particularly religous woman, Peace Like a River reads as an almost biblical parable for modern times. It also reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird, with its strong father figure, child's eye narrative, and sure moral tone. You'll want to own this, so that you can reread it next year.
Rating:
Summary: A PERFECT DEBUT NOVEL
Review: This quiet, beautifully written novel is inspiring in its depiction of ordinary people who live their lives with noble purpose and familial love. The author makes not one false step. The daughter of the family, Swede, evokes comparison to Scout in "To Kill A Mockingbird." A wonderful antidote to today's disturbing stories of dysfunctional families and society.
Rating:
Summary: A Book You Want to Share
Review: The language of this story moved me in a new way. When you read alot and stumble across something this beautiful, you just want to share the surprise with everyone else you know who cares about reading and the beauty of words. This is a very special book.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Light
Review: I read a review of this in "Book Page", and read on a whim. I thought about Paul Simon's song, "Peace Like a River", and the memories I have of driving out of Pasco, Washington in 1973 to that tune. This book is as melodic, passionate as the song. It is the most incredible book I've read in years, and I'll be giving it for Christmas. Rueben is a boy - a real boy from a real family with real problems. No artifice, no sugar-coating. His burden of asthma is his smallest. Motherless, bonded spiritually to his family, Rueben's world is transformed by Roofing's bullies and the hell they create. His older brother, Davy Land, gives his life to protect his family, but not like one has come to expect. I often thought of the Paul Simon song - "I've seen a glorious day..", while reading. Reuben knows of that day, and tells his listener in earnest. I enjoyed Reuben's frank recollections, his clipped, artistic flow of narrative, and his delightful, boundless sister, Swede.
I was renewed by many of the kind adults and the compassion that Reuben witnessed. Dr. Nokes, the family attorney, August and Birdie, Andreeson, and others did not make up for the evil characters that lurk in these pages, but they offer enough light for the reader to recognize the evil, and cheer for the good. I'll read it again, and cherish this novel always.
Rating:
Summary: Words fail me... How to describe this beauty?!?
Review: This is the definitive book for people who love the beautiful and effective use of language, and also for those who know, or want to know, who God is and how He is involved in our lives.
Remembering this book brings me an impression of floating - of beauty - a complete sense of being IN the world that Mr. Enger describes. Reading this book was like eating the most delicious meal you've ever had - each course better than the last, made to perfection, with the enticing promise of those courses yet to come. The dessert was so delicious, and the flavor left when it's over is pleasurable, sweet, deeply satisfying.
BUY THIS BOOK! Don't delay - don't wonder - buy it, and treat yourself to the most beautiful storytelling you've ever experienced.
Rating:
Summary: Delicious
Review: I wanted to devour this book, but forced myself to read it slowly so it would last longer. The best book I've read all summer.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Read!
Review: This is a heartwarming and touching story of a father's endearing love for God and his children. Jeremiah is a humble, tender, forgiving man with an incredible heart for the Lord who has been given a very "mystical" and special gift. The children are remarkable characters each unique in their personalities and their own perceptions. Each character is described so well, you'll love getting to know them. The book takes the reader on a great journey through tragedy, family commitment, love, pride and humility and even defeat. But never leaves you without hope. The ending, though a little anti-climatic, does leave you wanting something more.
Definitely worth reading!
Rating:
Summary: Read this Book!
Review: There was a wrong-headed review of this first novel today in the NY Times Book Review. Ignore it. This is a wonderful book set in the early 60's in rural Minnesota. Jeremiah Land, the father of three children and a man touched by God, is the hero of this book which is told through the eyes of his middle child, Reuben, then eleven years old. I am not particularly spiritual, but to enter fully intpo this book is to be swept up in marvelous writing and into a world where the northern plains and the miraculous, against all odds!, intersect beautifully and convincingly. Wonderful characterizations abound: Jape Waltzer, a horrid villain; Reuben's sister Swede, a tough little poetess; Roxanna, a late-appearing saint--the list goes on! Suspend disbelief and read this with an open heart.
Rating: 
Summary: Great mix of emotions
Review: This book surprised me -- I didn't know it was going to take me home to North Dakota. I bought it on the recommendation of Publisher's Weekly -- a promising new author with a good book. I read it in two days! I enjoy the way Enger tells the story of a family we have all known -- love, tragedy, disfunction, support for each other. The story kept me wondering, not at all predictable. Although I expected the mother to surface, it didn't really matter whether she did or not. The young girl's amazing skill at writing was a delightful addition and gave a balance to the sadder aspects of the story.
Enger does a terrific job with imagery: burning lignite, the Badlands, federal agents, a little girl writing poetry, a father's direct line to the Almighty, bird hunting and a family finding more than they are seeking.
I recommend this book for anyone who appreciates vivid detail, a bit of the unbelievable and a romp across southern North Dakota.
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