"Peace like a River" starts very slowly and then very gradually grows on you. The story is told from the vantage point of Reuben, a young asthmatic in the midwest, who is being raised by his kind, Jesus-like father ( a former med student turned janitor). When Reuben's brother commits a horrible crime (though for semi-justifiable reasons) and breaks out of jail, his family sets out to find him in the Dakotas. Their journey is beautiful and profound. The three main character-Reuben's father, Reuben, his younger sister Swede (a budding writer)-are in many ways reminiscent of characters in great Southern novels. Yet the setting is pure Northern midwest-and that is part of the charm. How often do you read fiction that takes place in the Dakotas?
I would highly recommend this book to individuals who enjoy contemporary fiction, books with religious overtones (though it is not too heavy-handed), rural settings, and/or books in the genre of "To Kill a Mockingbird" or "Huckleberry Finn."
I would caution readers that the book starts slowly (I actually read the first chapter a few times before I got into it, that's why four stars) but it eventually rewards you.

My favorite book of all times is Catcher in the Rye. This book rivaled my enjoyment of Salinger's classic. One of the greatest compliments I can give a book -- is that I miss the characters when I am finished reading it. I have thought about Rube and this story so much that I even listened to the book tape to further study the character development. Leif Enger's Peace Like a River is outstanding.

I LOVE the way Mr. Enger puts words together!! He is not verbose but acquaints one thoroughly with each character and place. It is a thoughtful, beautifully written book. I had no trouble with the miracles because I believe anything is possible--why put a limit on a universal energy we can all tap into? It was spiritually uplifting and Jeremiah Land is someone we would all do well to emulate. I am from North Dakota originally and thoroughly enjoyed the trip across the state to the Badlands. I can't say enough good things about this book. If you want lots of warm fuzzies and sweet, gentle humor, read this one!

This book is loaded with positive, faith-filled statements and then retractions on the same subjects of faith! I couldn't believe some of the hypocrisy and thinly-veiled attempts to 'get back' at two Christian women who suggested that her books read more like liberal manifestos than Christian presentations. She suggests that the bible can become an idol when taken literally. I expect Christians to take the words of Christ to heart if this is their religion, whatever does she mean? I read this entire book and came away more perplexed than inspired. Her vague, abstract notions of the spiritual life are disturbing at the very least. Not what I would consider a positive Christian book, but more of a philosophical treatise on how God "should" be like (which happens to be a God who ultimately forgives Satan in the next life--say what?!). She claims to have read the bible many times in her life, which is very good, but her faith is in a God of her experience rather than the God who reveals himself in the bible as a God of Love but also a God who demands obedience.

I have read nearly all of Madeleine L'Engle's books and while Penguins and Golden Calves is not her best work, it is interesting and well-written. Like most of L'Engle's non-fiction the book combines Christianity, social commentary, personal stories, poetry, and the spark that illuminates so many of L'Engle's books. To L'Engle, Penguins are icons and Golden Calves are idols. Each chapter focuses on a specific subject and ties it to spirituality. One chapter focuses on the importance of words, another on Abba, and another on Amma. Like always, L'Engle is opinionated, but even when I disagreed with her opinions I still enjoyed the book.