an Enger day

Today I finished reading So Brave, Young, and Handsome by Leif Enger for the first time. I also finished Peace like a River by Leif Enger for the millionth time.

My take: So Brave just can't compare to Peace. It really can't.

Some highlights from Peace: "He was like a small, hot, talkative planet."

"Fog inquires first at wrists and ankles."

From So Brave: "In the meantime Siringo was a living hero, rising from the smoke like a leathery old god out of Homer."

It wasn't as bad as reading I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak after reading The Book Thief. That was an all-out let-down, a complete disappointment.

I am not even condemning So Brave, Young, and Handsome. It's just ... those who have read Peace like a River know what Enger is capable of, an envy-inducing piece of literature, glorious imagery, and hilarious characters. While I read So Brave, I missed Swede. :-)

confidence-booster

Yesterday afternoon I started and today I finished
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han.

The best thing about this book is that it reminded me that I am a decent writer. :-)

I am also re-reading Peace like a River by Leif Enger, which is masterful and gorgeous. If you read between its lines, it says, "You will never write something as good as me."

But thankfully I read Summer I Turned Pretty, which shouted, "But you can certainly do better than this!"

I do have to confess though that I am a fan of brooding, moody boys like Conrad in this story. What is wrong with me?

in the works ...

Right now I am listening to Peace like a River by Leif Enger at night before I fall asleep and in the mornings while I get ready for work. I am also listening to So Brave, Young, and Handsome, also by Enger, in my car. It's interesting to switch between two books by the same author. As you know, I adore Peace. It's my first time reading So Brave, though, and I'm not sold yet, but I'll let you know how it goes.

I'm also reading How I Became a Famous Novelist by Steve Hely, who was a writer for David Letterman, so I expect it will be funny.

Just letting you know what pots are on the stove!