Book Club...

I'm sure this title looked bizarro to some of my close friends who know that I'm not a "reader". I would usually rather sit and watch a movie about a book or even read the highlights in a magazine or people.com but as one of my goals for 2009 and the future, I've decided to join a book club. Tonight was the first meeting of our club and we met at Alana's apartment to discuss the book she had selected titled "Peace Like A River" by Leif Enger.

This book is set in the Minnesota countryside and North Dakota Badlands of the early 1960s. It's a story about one family's quest to retrieve its most wayward member. Reuben Land, the novel's asthmatic and self-effacing eleven-year-old narrator, recounts an unforgettable journey riddled with outlaw tales, heartfelt insights, and bona fide miracles. Born without air in his lungs, Reuben is keenly aware of the gift of breath—and, by extension, the gift of life. Time and again, both gifts are bestowed on Reuben by his father, a gentlemanly soul who works as a school janitor and has the power—and faith—to bestow true miracles. But when Davy (Reuben's brother) kills two intruders who break into the Land home with evil intent, and then escapes from prison while his trial is in progress, events seem to have worsened beyond the aid of miracles. Or have they? For, once Reuben and his family set out to find Davy, the reader eventually witnesses rivers, plains, and city lights unseen by mortal eyes.

This book has a variety of moods - tragedy, romance, adventure, meditation, and religious faith.

I'm not sure I would have picked this book up if I didn't have to for book club, but am glad I am over the first hurdle - reading an entire book when I say I will. Our next book will be chosen by Jill, as she's our March host. Hopefully I'll keep the same motivation!