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Reader's Paradise

for fans of author Leif Enger

18 years ago

I've just learned that his second book is forthcoming in May: "So Brave, Young and Handsome." It is set in the Western U.S. It has been a long wait for those of us who liked "Peace Like a River" so much....

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Comments (9)

pam53
18 years ago
wonderful! Thanks for the welcome info
thyrkas
18 years ago
Great! Is there anyway to order the book before it gets to the shelves? Thanks for the good news, woodnymph.
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dorieann
18 years ago
Fantastic! I loved his writing in "Peace" and wondered when he'd come out with another. Thanks for posting this.
woodnymph2_gw
Original Author
18 years ago
I've not read Enger's newest novel yet, but I did just read a review of it. The critic called it sophmoric and contrived, in contrast to his first book. He also criticized the use of older language, saying it reminded him of R.L. Stevenson. This one is a picaresque, romantic novel, set in the "Wild West" and Mexico. Again, we are asked to suspend belief, but according to the reviewer, that ploy fails. Well, I will probably look for the book anyway, and give it a try.
bookmom41
18 years ago
While I certainly I hope that I end up disagreeing with the critic, PLaR is a tough act to follow. Charles Frazier comes to my mind; Cold Mountain had me eagerly awaiting his second book but I ended up very disappointed and never finished it. (Thirteen Moons?)
woodnymph2_gw
Original Author
18 years ago
I completely agree about C. Frazier's 2nd lackluster novel, although I did finish it. I've read somewhere that many authors only have one good book inside them.
froniga
18 years ago

Speaking of second book disappointments, The Mermaid's Chair by Kidd comes to mind. A tremendous letdown after The Secret Life of Bees.

In fact, it's difficult to think of a second or third book that was as good or better than an author's first. Well, let's see, maybe Kingsolver's Poisonwood Bible . That wasn't her first was it?

Harper Lee must have known that she'd never match or outdo To Kill a Mockingbird so wisely stopped with that one.
cindydavid4
18 years ago
bookmom, I didn't even finish Fraiser's second book; I was very disappointed and probably will be cautious about his next one.

I tried to read Peace like a River, twice (once for a book group) and jsut could not get passed the writing style. I'm sure its just me, for I know many folk who read like me who loved the book. Wonder if the new book would be more my style?
carolyn_ky
18 years ago
Froniga, I thought Barbara Kingsolver's The Bean Trees and Pigs in Heaven were by far the best of her books. They were her second and third books.

I really liked Peace Like a River and will look for his second book at the library. Thanks for the notice.

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