The story itself is a well-written period piece. It takes place in Texas during the depression. It is the story of a 15 year old boy and an almost mythical wild boar that threatens his family.

My only regret is that I am reviewing a borrowed copy. Unfortunately, the book is out of print, and I cannot find even a used copy. I intend to contact the publisher and encourage a second printing.

Meanwhile, check you library resources. This book is well worth reading and contemplating.

G. Patrick Martin, Ph. D.

When I read this book on a silent retreat, I found passage after passage that I wanted to hear, to memorize, to enter into my journal.

An example: "Out of the words of his language, a writer forges new words, not neologisms, but words irrigated with his blood. He founds a second language which, to be sure, is rooted in the first with all its fibers, but which henceforth, being his own - O paradox - is nobody's. Because the writer's language wants to be only of the book, of the instant and duration of a liberated word."

If you enjoy the Books of Shares, there are many wonderful volumes of Jabes to follow. If you do not enjoy this, you may safely assume that Jabes is not your reading choice.