You should see the basket under our Christmas tree piled with new reads for the year. Yet you have managed to intrigue me enough to be tempted to buy a couple of books you include on your list (in particular "I Cheerfully Refuse"). Thanks for these recommendations!
I hope you'll enjoy it, Ruth! It's really intriguing.
I have already read the book I got in my stocking...may just start at the beginning and read it again. It is the newest book by Sally Clarkson and it walked all over my heart.
I haven't read anything else by her. A friend of mine read some of her short stories and really disliked them; I'd be interested to hear your thoughts if you read more!
So Late in the Day is one of hers I've yet to get to, as well. I love how her work is atmospheric and psychological in an earthy way... but some of it might not be for the faint of heart (thinking here especially of the collection Walk the Blue Fields. I enjoyed it but can see why others may not.)
I'm glad you mentioned that the trio of books can and ought to be considered together. I, too, had that thought and found them to each illuminate different angles, take unique approaches to turn over similar questions. It's nice when a collection of books serve in this way - moving a topic forward in their own way. Like a prism effect.
(And, Leif Enger's book was so charming, so unique. I can always count on his prose to scratch a certain itch. The last two books look intriguing, as well!)
I too am an HIP and read Enger's latest this year! My husband (himself an HIP) bought the book for me as an appreciation gift right before our 5th was born and I saved it for my postpartum read. While nursing my newborn in the hospital at 2am, I realized that his books (at least the three I've read) are subtly laced together. Alas, not something I could share with the night shift nurse!
I definitely don't think it's as incredible as his first (nothing could be- the Lawlers are convinced "Peace Like A River" is The Great American Novel and I have to agree), but I also think it's far better than "Virgil Wander".
I secretly think that "Peace" is Enger's attempt to bring Dante to the American scene. Not the only thing he's doing in the novel, but certainly a big part of it.
You should see the basket under our Christmas tree piled with new reads for the year. Yet you have managed to intrigue me enough to be tempted to buy a couple of books you include on your list (in particular "I Cheerfully Refuse"). Thanks for these recommendations!
I hope you'll enjoy it, Ruth! It's really intriguing.
I have already read the book I got in my stocking...may just start at the beginning and read it again. It is the newest book by Sally Clarkson and it walked all over my heart.
Love this acronym. I suppose I’m a HIP, too!
I enjoyed both Foster and Small Things like These by Claire Keegan. Looking forward to reading more by her in 2025, specifically So Late in the Day.
I haven't read anything else by her. A friend of mine read some of her short stories and really disliked them; I'd be interested to hear your thoughts if you read more!
So Late in the Day is one of hers I've yet to get to, as well. I love how her work is atmospheric and psychological in an earthy way... but some of it might not be for the faint of heart (thinking here especially of the collection Walk the Blue Fields. I enjoyed it but can see why others may not.)
Atmospheric is a great word for it!
I haven't read Walk the Blue Fields yet!
I'm glad you mentioned that the trio of books can and ought to be considered together. I, too, had that thought and found them to each illuminate different angles, take unique approaches to turn over similar questions. It's nice when a collection of books serve in this way - moving a topic forward in their own way. Like a prism effect.
(And, Leif Enger's book was so charming, so unique. I can always count on his prose to scratch a certain itch. The last two books look intriguing, as well!)
Enger's books really are just different, aren't they? You know you're in for something unexpected when you read him.
I would love to see a review essay that is focused on how these three books interact. I wonder if you'd be interested in writing one for somewhere?
I Cheerfully Refuse is on this year's book club list. I loved Small Things Like These but have yet to read Foster.
This year, I most enjoyed Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner.
Oh, that's such a good one. Wallace Stegner is one of my favorite authors!
I too am an HIP and read Enger's latest this year! My husband (himself an HIP) bought the book for me as an appreciation gift right before our 5th was born and I saved it for my postpartum read. While nursing my newborn in the hospital at 2am, I realized that his books (at least the three I've read) are subtly laced together. Alas, not something I could share with the night shift nurse!
I definitely don't think it's as incredible as his first (nothing could be- the Lawlers are convinced "Peace Like A River" is The Great American Novel and I have to agree), but I also think it's far better than "Virgil Wander".
How neat!!
I actually liked it better than Peace Like A River, myself! But I did appreciate that one, too.
I secretly think that "Peace" is Enger's attempt to bring Dante to the American scene. Not the only thing he's doing in the novel, but certainly a big part of it.