One of the gifts I received this Christmas was Leif Enger's new book, "So Brave, Young and Handsome". I had read and enjoyed Enger's first novel, "Peace Like a River", and I was hopeful that I would enjoy this one as well. There's nothing quite like a well-written book. I was reminded of this fact earlier in the year when I read a book that was not written particularly well. The book had a complicated but interesting plot and I really thought it had a chance to be a good read. Unfortunately, the author seemed to have trouble with adjectives and adverbs, especially when trying to describe the actions and emotions of the characters. He was prone to choosing the extreme. His characters never did anything slightly or subtlety. The result was that most of the characters displayed a sort of manic behavior that made them difficult to believe in. I finished the book - the intricacies of the plot made it at least mildly interesting. About midway through the book, I began doing my own "mental edit", substituting my own modifiers when the ones given seemed out of place.
So, I was ready for a cleansing, decent book. As I mentioned, I had read and enjoyed "Peace Like a River". That book is weird for me in that I remember reading it. I remember enjoying it. And I have no recollection as to what it was about. I can't recall the names of the characters, basic plot, anything. Yet, when I see it on the shelf, it evokes fond memories of an enjoyable experience. There's a restaurant in San Francisco where I had a great meal in 1996. I can't recall what I ate, but I remember it being a good experience. "Peace Like a River" is kind of like that for me - I know I liked it, whatever it was.
It took just a few days to read "So Brave, Young and Handsome". When I'm reading something I like, I tend to get pretty wrapped up in it. I think I enjoyed and appreciated the character development all the more after my experience with that "other" book. No mental edits needed. I can't say yet if I liked it more or less than Enger's other book. It would help, I guess, if I remembered what that other book was about. Anyway, I'm sure this one will evoke fond memories from the shelf long after I've forgotten its plot.
1 comment:
Boy, I hear you. I read a ton in Mexico and went through all the books I brought. So, I had to find some there in a read and return pile. I am amazed at what some people are willing to read. There is so much garbage out there. The books I brought were great though and I truly appreciated having so much time to read. One book that I have to recommend to you is "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle." It reminded me of Peace Like a River. I think you'd really enjoy it.
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