Leif Enger - Peace Like a River

Pros: This book is for anyone who ever had a childhood.
Cons: Absolutely nothing at all. Umm....well...okay: It ends.

By now, the coming-of-age novel is a tried-and-true convention of literature, but seldom has it been as true as what’s on the pages of Leif Enger’s remarkable novel Peace Like a River.

Enger takes the best of writers like...

Pros: Heart-wrenching characters, gorgeous writing
Cons: Story loses momentum in a few places

In rural Minnesota in the 1960's, Davy Land shoots two antagonizing boys and escapes on horseback. First lauded as a hero for protecting his family, Davy soon gains notoriety and negative fame--yet Davy is not even the most compelling character in ...

Pros: Unique style. Some interesting parts.
Cons: Hard to buy in many places. Very flowery.

I’d seen rave reviews on “Peace Like a River” and thought it sounded like a book I’d enjoy. “One of Time Magazine’s Top Five Books of the Year” and also noted by Christian Science Monitor, Denver Post, and the LA Times, Leif Enger’s debut novel was at ...

Pros: Nothing but pros for this prose of all prose.
Cons: see above

Three things happened when I finished this book. First, tears sprang to my eyes. Not of sadness nor of laughter, but from amazement that a book can be so well written. Next I shot off this email to two friends, subject: “Get thee to a...

Pros: It had a good plot, flowery words and poetry.
Cons: Too long, stories within the story, excessive religion and miracles

When you are a member of a Book Club you get a variety of reading to do. How my book club works is in December at the Christmas Party everyone has a chance to recommend a book for the following year and explain why it is your choice. In January all the ...

Pros: Beautifully written, lasting characterizations. Leaves you with a sense of wonder!
Cons: May rely too much on Christian mysticism for some tastes.

Part of Stephen_Murray's Minnesota Write-Off Leif Enger couldn’t be more Minnesotan. Raised on Minnesota farm, he lives as an adult on a farm in a quintessential small town of the hinterland, with his wife and children. For most of his ...

Pros: Well-written, thoughtful exploration of themes, realistic characters whom you love
Cons: Having to say goodbye to these characters

Leif Enger's novel is a tour de force that our book club particularly loved for its characters and thematic depth. The journey theme is central to this powerfully spiritual story of the Land family which walks the proverbial road not taken. From ...

Pros: Beautifully written, Heart-wrenching
Cons: None

After reading the Harry Potter books, I was looking for something exciting to read. I am not a big reader, and am very picky about the books I read. This book caught my eye as I was browsing through the library. It looked familiar, but knew I hadn't read ...

Pros: Beautifully written adventure story with strong a theme of family loyalty.
Cons: The ending seemed a bit abrupt.

Wonder of wonders this well-written book is an opportunity for parents to read and share with their children in the pre-teen or early teen ages. It is entertaining enough for everyone to enjoy with child characters, family problems, adventures that are...

Pros: Beautiful story, original, believable characters and a wonderful message.
Cons: None that really enter my mind.

I'm weird and my tastes generally run very eclectic. I live in a primarily white, Christian, farm community. (Not exactly by choice - can't you tell?) Peace Like a River was one book that I felt compelled to read and more compelled to share with...

Pros: I did enjoy this quote. "Is it hubris to believe we all live epics?"
Cons: I don't think witnessing or family prayer was really ever tried enough for Davy.

I did not find this book very enjoyable and I seem to be a minority here. I feel let down that the book did not go into what the book was truly about. A crime committed by a family member, Davy, (no less witnessed by his 9 year old asthmatic brother). ...