Peace Like a River
May 18th, 2003by Leif Enger
ISBN: 0802139256
I decided to read this book based on a comment Steve made when I reviewed The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint.
This is the kind of novel that I think about as a story book for grownups. The narrator — Reuben Land, age approximately eleven during this story– is consciously telling the reader his story. He is a trustworthy kid, even points out his own faults, and I was happy to listen to his tale.
It is an intersting narrative, one that begins, like the Brady Udall’s book about Edgar, with a miracle. A different kind of miracle, but still, it opens with a boy who really shouldn’t have survived and did anyway. There are other miracles in the book; it turns out Reuben’s father Jeremiah is something of a miracle-worker or miracle-magnet. He is a man of deep faith and tries to raise his family that way too, but there are problems that do not seem amenable to spiritual solutions.
After Jeremiah rescues a local girl from a probable rape in the high school lockerroom by the local bully and his dimwit sidekick, there are threats and violence between the Lands and the boys. Reuben’s older brother Davy winds up shooting the two other boys when they appear in his house in the wee hours. He kills them both; he is arrested, put on trial, and escapes before the jury adjourns to render a verdict.
What follows is the story of how Reuben, his western-obsessed poetry-writing younger sister Swede, and their father are led by questions, faith, hope, and longing on a trip to find Davy. The best way I can describe it is as an “unbelievable but believable” story that feels pretty good to read. Describing a book this way makes part of my brain go “ick” and if I anyone else said this about a book, I would most likely roll my eyes before going “ick.” Yet it is true, and I did like it, and I am recommending it.
May 19th, 2003 at 12:11 pm
I’m glad you liked it. I agree entirely about the ‘ick’ factor: it’s not a book I would have expected to like as much as I did. It has no edge to it at all, and is pretty sappy in someways, and yet I really did enjoy it. Go figure.
July 3rd, 2004 at 4:43 pm
I really did enjoy this book. Though it was required reading, for once I didn’t have to make myself read it. The story flowed and was easy to understand.
July 18th, 2004 at 7:07 pm
I, too, REALLY enjoyed this book. The writing is delightful, with the sardonic and innocent thoughts of young Reuben. Would high school kids get into this book, do you think?
August 24th, 2004 at 12:30 am
THIS BOOK SUCKS!!! ITS BOORING AND DEPRESSING! NEVER EVER READ IT
August 24th, 2004 at 12:32 am
YEAH IT DOES ITS A HORRIBLE BOOK! THe whole story could have been summed up in 30 pages not 300!
September 15th, 2004 at 7:22 pm
This Book definitly should have been summed up in 30 pages not 300!! Great Stoyr but you better have a really good atttention span to read the whole friggin thing.
September 19th, 2004 at 7:38 pm
I need to know where to get some good cliff notes for this book cause i got a test on it in two days and i havent been reading it, I’m only on page 160 something.
September 21st, 2004 at 10:03 pm
i thought the writing was great, and the story held my attention. and no, i havent been able to find any book notes anywhere!
September 26th, 2004 at 8:57 pm
I really hated this book! I was forced to read it for 9th grade english. It was totally relious. Arent we supposed to keep church and schools separate?
October 11th, 2004 at 11:19 pm
I just started it and it already seems pretty lame. Nothing special, just some kid who babbles about coincidences and “miracles”.
November 3rd, 2004 at 9:59 pm
i read it for 10th grade english and really liked it, even with the religious aspects…and im completely non religious.
November 11th, 2004 at 7:07 pm
the book was ok the only cool thing about it was DAvy shooting Isreal Finch and Tommy Basca with a gun, Jeremiah Land walking on air, and when Jeremiah and Reuben switched places in the end where Rebuen shouldve died but didnt and Jeremiah should not have died but did. But it was really hard to comprehend cus everything wasnt explained very well. Liek the last chapter where it was talking about a stream. i was like OK what the heck does this have to do with anything. But overall it was an OK book and really made u think.
November 16th, 2004 at 8:17 pm
I haven’t finished reading this book, but so far it has failed to interest me. I’m a freshmen in high school and i was introduced to this book during a book club meeting. I have to finish by it tomorrow….and I don’t think im going to be able to. I’m hoping it gets as good as what I read above.
November 21st, 2004 at 7:48 pm
I read it for honors english. I had to literally force myself to read it. It had some great one liners and the language is beautiful but it’s so boring and the ending is terrible.
December 6th, 2004 at 9:38 pm
I think the younger people are not ready to appreicate well written poetry of this book. I am a senior in college and I have to read this book, and I find it very interesting with the religious and bibilcal annotations.
I like the fact that occasionally, that Reuben’s tendency to address the reader directly draws the reader into the narrative, breaking down some of the traditional distance between narrator and reader, an essential device for substantiating the story’s miracles.
Some of you will learn to open your minds and STOP being to lazy. However, if you don’t like this book try “Monster” or “A Northern Light” or “Troubles with Lemons” I bet your top dollar you will find one of thoes you will like:)
December 12th, 2004 at 5:58 pm
I thought this book was very interesting, I had to read it for gr 12 English. I loved the way Reuben talks about the miracles that happen in his life. The subject matter of the book is much different than any other book that I’ve read. 2 Thumbs up to the author!
Ps. I’m not really into books but I liked this one.
January 9th, 2005 at 9:47 pm
I read this bookfor grade 11 english and I really enjoyed it! I thought it was so intersting and there are so many things that happen in this story that there is no way that you could possibly sum it up in 30 pages. Yes sum part are a little boring i guess but you just have to get into reading. This is one of the best books that I have read.
January 23rd, 2005 at 2:23 pm
I’m a high school student and I LOVED THIS BOOK. It was really good! I appreciated the viewpoint of Reuben which equated with Scout in To Kill A Mockingbird. I read alot…and this book is on my top ten list!
February 8th, 2005 at 12:09 am
I am in 9th grade and i cannot find any book notes on this at ALL!!!
February 22nd, 2005 at 6:21 pm
In response to Judy’s comment I do believe that high school students can really get into this book. I attended a high school where it was part of a book club and loved it. I don’t understand why others didn’t. Being a freshman when I read it and now being a senior and rereading it I realize that the novel is a masterpiece full of amazing lines and true miracles. It may take reading it for fun to actually enjoy it. So to those who hated it read it again and give it another shot.
March 8th, 2005 at 10:26 pm
This book was one of the worst books I have ever read. Not only was it too religious and biased, it had no point, and no real theme. Before any of you refute this statement I think that the theme of loyalty of family and law is a bunch of bull. I agree with those who said that this book could be summarized in 30 pages and yes people like me at a young age may not be able to understand this, but we also have different beliefs than others. For one thing I am not Christian, but more or less an atheist. This book was BULLSHIT I SAY BULLSHIT you fucking religious bastards there is no god and Jeriamah is a retarded idiot. Rueben is slow Swede is a little egotistical prick and Davy is the only sane person there.
:::))))
Thank Yew for your consideration
March 9th, 2005 at 6:55 pm
Oh, I loved Peace Like a River! It had beautiful and descriptive language and Swede’s writings were a source of entertainment throughout the novel. I had to read it for my tenth grade honors english class as well, and though I don’t particuarly consider my self “religious” I think the underlying themes about human nature and morality were well illustrated and thought provoking. We had a great discussion in my english class, socratic style, and it really enriched my view of the book to hear what my peers thought. The best thing about it, I think, is that even in the end Reuben says that this is what happens, make of it what you will. The book doesn’t force religion and miracles on you, it just tells a tale and asks you to draw your own conclusion. The story was realistic yet fantasy at the same time. The ending was wonderful as well! I enjoyed the book and hope I do well on the test I must take tomorrow.
March 10th, 2005 at 12:14 am
i loved this book. i think the way lief enger was able to incorporate mircales into this very realistic book rocked.
March 13th, 2005 at 12:26 am
I am a third year English Student, and i really did appreciate this novel. It has a vast amount of careful thought and descriptions in it. I would also like to respond to the people who think that the book is too religiously based. For one thing, not once does this book insist that anyone else believe in Christianity, and i admire the boldness that the author has to step out and make miracles something worth talking about, something in the everyday. If you have never witnessed a miracle, that is really too bad. I think it is important to open your eyes to the way that other people see things. I enjoy the selflessness of Jeremiah Land, it is a refreshing change from many of the people and characters in novels today! Thank you Leif Enger!
April 5th, 2005 at 12:42 am
Im supposed to be really far in it by now for my AP literature class…i havent bought it yet, but i read the first 2 chapters and really like it… i look at the writing styles of those who hate it and that of those who love it and its quie interessting…i think u have to be intelligent and have an open mind to the beauty of their faith and the miracles and such to appreciate it. and stop using profanity- its mindless, ugly, and out of style. lets just hope i find the time to go and buy it soon so i can catch up with the class!
April 6th, 2005 at 2:57 pm
I read the book for 10th grade lit and hated it. The story just seemed to drag on and whenever it did make a plot twist, it was too religious for me to enjoy. The book was a complete mockery of american literature and anyone comparing this to “To Kill a Mocking Bird” should be shot and left in an allyway. This descriptive writing he uses enforce his idiotic conformist beleifs upon society is simply a disguise to convince those of you with I.Q.s under that of 70 to enjoy it as much as that shining piece of dew dribbling from your face.
April 11th, 2005 at 9:13 pm
I won’t tell you what I think of Peace Like a River, but whoever that “Yeah” kid is sure is an idiot. It’s not because you’re an atheist — be what you want to be — but at least be tolerant of reading FICTION. It seems like we learn about “religious” stuff all the time, but people only complain about the separation of church and state when they disagree with Christian overtones.
May 1st, 2005 at 11:25 am
this book is very good… i hate reading but i enjoyed it. at some points it can lag behind but most of the book is upbeat and hads very descriptive and lovely written passages
May 17th, 2005 at 3:15 am
Yea i just finished the book tonite and i really liked it too. It would be a lot better if i didn’t have to read it all in less than a week and write a report on it thats due in about 6 hours but i really did enjoy this book. I wish people didn’t have to use profanity on these blog websites just for attention or to look intelligent when they have no idea what they are saying. But who cares really there will probably be about 4 people who will ever look at this site anyways so who cares really. Haha well Jesus loves you guys so stay strong!
May 22nd, 2005 at 3:18 pm
SUCKS
hated it, then….hated it some more
July 6th, 2005 at 2:27 pm
I’m to begin sophomore year in a couple of weeks, and by the time that occurs, I’m to have read all books on my summer reading list; One of which is Peace Like A River. Truthfully, the beginning really captured my attention..but now, I’m on pg. 81 and hoping desperately to end with it soon. I hope you guys are right and it ends up being a good book.
July 21st, 2005 at 11:13 pm
I love this book, but I’m a 48 year old mom. I’m reading it to help my rising high school freshman who is not liking it and has to read it for summer reading. I’m glad to see all you older students and honor/ap students reading it. I don’t think it’s appropriate to read earlier or over the summer…it’s quite challenging.
August 21st, 2005 at 3:56 pm
I had to read this book over the summer. It was kind of a drag, and the thought of the reports I have to right now makes me sad, but I really enjoyed the rich characters, religious aspects, and literary elements in this book. I just got a hugge enjoyment out of these things, I cant really explain it.
September 8th, 2005 at 10:31 am
I had to read this book over the summer and i realy didnt want to read it. But im so glad that i did. Though the ending of the book was not how i planned, it deffinatly surrprised me and made me think. i loved how how everything that happend it the story happend for a reason.. and i liked how they explaind the miricles… out of the ordinary
September 10th, 2005 at 1:13 pm
BORING this is a great book other then every little detail they could possibly squeeze into it. One they spend pages talking about secnery and tempature i was about to loose my mind. It would be cool if it was like 100 pages but 300 is just to much detail.
January 8th, 2006 at 2:57 pm
IIICCCKKKK!!!!! a you prompted us to tell you because we read this blog so in closing once again IICCKK!!
January 30th, 2006 at 11:28 pm
I strongly advise any high school teacher thinking about making their class read this book think twice, most highschool students dislike this book, and (to my knowledge) disgusted with the book. This book is very redundent. Please spare your class if you like them, and don’t make them read this book.
February 2nd, 2006 at 8:02 pm
I really did enjoy this book. I read it in my 10th grade english class. sometimes it was a strech to sit there and read for long peroids of time, especaily the chapters that didn’t have much action, but the book made me think about my life and see the other side of things for intinse Davy killing two boys, yes he was a murder, but you didn’t want him to stay in jail and you didnt want him to be caught. It was easy to relate to most the characters in the book and they were all pretty much likeable, even the mean ones.
I thought the chapters even themselves out, we would have a fast paced chapter and then a chapter where the energy would fall to give you a sorta break.
February 2nd, 2006 at 8:18 pm
i go to a catholic high school and we read it in my english class….. its always intresting to incorprate american lititure that have a religous aspect to it into our englsih class. this book really opened my eyes
February 7th, 2006 at 1:48 pm
this book is by far the gayest book ever
March 12th, 2006 at 7:28 pm
never read it.. im supoosed to thou.. owell
June 25th, 2006 at 4:38 pm
this book was cold like the otherside of the pillow
July 14th, 2006 at 3:20 pm
this book is horrible. I read it for 10th grade english and its boring and long. Very religous and spiritual. Which sucks. I would recommend it for old people.
July 29th, 2006 at 1:02 pm
I read a lot, in a wide variety, and have lots of training in what good writing is. There is no doubt in my mind that it deserves its best-seller status. It will be interesting to find out, in ten years or twenty, if this book is still considered deserving of this status.
For the few of you who object to the religious aspects in the book, I think perhaps you need to rethink “Reuben’s” words: Make of it what you will. Don’t impose your biased opinions on others, either.
August 13th, 2006 at 6:35 am
I had to read this book as part of my school’s summer reading list. I was really slow with it at the begining and it took me awhile to actually kind of want to read it. I liked it at some points but I am not a big fan of long, descriptive novels. If you are the you will certainly like it. The descriptions are beautifully written, but like I said, I don’t care for it too much- I’m more of a conversational person. I loved Swede’s role though. She made the book interesting for me. All in all it was a good book but it took me awhile to finsih it.
September 7th, 2006 at 12:08 am
I chose this as my summer reading book, and even though i am not a religious person, i really enjoyed this book. You will not here me say that i like many books and it is difficult to make me really like a book- but this book just had something about it that would just gradually pull the reader in and i have to say i enjoyed reading it.
September 10th, 2006 at 7:57 pm
Where are the notes for this book???
October 17th, 2006 at 9:39 pm
i need notes too what happens in chapter 2, i lost my book!
November 2nd, 2006 at 10:06 am
Does anyone think that the father was an alcoholic?
February 8th, 2007 at 11:19 am
This book is a great book
February 12th, 2007 at 11:15 pm
This book was not very good at all, plus they killed all those trees for no reason!! oh my gosh what are they teaching us?!?!?! Well I’ll half to admit that the part about the tomato pudding was pretty good! yum.
February 12th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
sorry i meant HAVE.
put a smile on your face make the world a better place!! yo mamas a pajama! PEACE BRO
April 3rd, 2007 at 3:28 pm
My teacher made us read this book and i really could not keep my mind on this and ever time she gives us a opened ended question its hard for me to do it because i did not understand it!!!!!!
May 13th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
I read while sleeping, go figure. BORING AS HELL.
May 13th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
what i meant was, the book made me go to sleep
May 14th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
this book is really sasd and depressing and took me forever to read. usually i read books pretty fast …if there good. and this one took me forever and kept dragging on and on
May 23rd, 2007 at 8:28 pm
I’m a freshman and read the book this year; it is very good and I love the themes in it of good vs evil, redemption and faith
July 2nd, 2007 at 3:14 pm
I am going into my senior year of high school and I LOVED this book. I saw above that many people (especially high school students) thought it was boring and impossible to get through, but I COMPLETELY disagree. I loved the way the narrator drew the readers in. And it is a long book, but once I got hooked it only took about 4 days to finish.
Anyone considering reading this book, definitely give it a chance. I think that many of the people who are criticizing it are just immature and upset that they can’t take the easy route and just read the sparknotes (there aren’t any).
July 2nd, 2007 at 3:17 pm
I am going into my senior year of high school and I LOVED this book. I saw above that many people (especially high school students) thought it was boring and impossible to get through, but I COMPLETELY disagree. I loved the way the narrator drew the readers in. And it is a long book, but once I got hooked it only took about 4 days to finish.
Anyone considering reading this book, definitely give it a chance. I think that many of the people who are criticizing it are just immature, not ready for challenging literature, or upset that they can’t take the easy route and just read the sparknotes (there aren’t any).
July 30th, 2007 at 10:42 pm
I liked it. It was slow at first but then it really started to grasp my interest about 50 pages into it
August 6th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
Please someone find notes on this book.I cant find sparknotes or cliffnotes.PLEezzeeeeee
August 16th, 2007 at 8:17 am
I’m only in the beginning of the book… and it already seems so pointless and boring. I mean, who cares about a boy who shoots a goose?
August 23rd, 2007 at 8:34 pm
this book makes me want to punch a baby-seriously
August 25th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
i wish this book was funny or something, or like so stupid that it was unintentionally funny. its just so boring the only part i found entertaining was when jeramiah was flying. im half way through it and theres NOTHING going on
September 9th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
I agree with Yeah about the bias and the religion thing…but as open-minded Americans, we should at least give it a chance whether we’re Christian or not. I honestly really don’t like Christians who are too…Christian. I’m agnostic and somewhat Buddhist. But I’d still give this book a chance. I’m halfway through it and I have to finish by tomorrow for a test…It has a boring feel to it, but I like it…sometimes I can’t focus but it’s a lot more interesting than the last two books I read.
October 14th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
i have to read this book as an esl student!
can someone find the summary for me plz!
Tanks
chuckcheng@hotmail.com
November 14th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
I think it’s very amusing to see the difference between those who post positive and negative comments. It seems as though all of the analytical, in-depth posts are from those who liked it, because you really have to understand it. The people who say things against the book have nothing better to say that “it’s boring” and “it’s biased.” Honestly if you’re too lazy to write the word “you,” you shouldn’t be attempting to read a book like this anyway. And as far as Mr. Yeah (very clever), I find it kind of funny that the main problem he has is that it’s biased and manipulative, when the book openly tells you to draw your own conclusions, while this guy blatantly tells everyone, regardless of their beliefs, that there is no God and calls them all bastards for having that belief… very mature. Because THAT isn’t closed-minded at all…
I suppose I can understand how you wouldn’t enjoy this book if you’re a hypocrit.
Back to the book. I thought it dealt with very realistic themes, regardless of religion. I think the aspect of Christianity is only meant to emphasise the
beliefs of THIS family in particular and what it is that made them perservere. I think it would have been the same effect if they were Buddhist or Jewish or Scientologists. The idea is that faith in ANYTHING that you believe, and holding on to anything that connects a family, keeps them strong and gets them through life. But I found that the overall theme didn’t really have anything to do with religion at all–but more about the struggle between good and evil or right and wrong that everyone encounters in life. It was very cool.
November 14th, 2007 at 11:13 pm
Oh and also, I thought I might add that I am high school-age (I graduated early, which is why I don’t say “high school student”), and I think whether or not high school students will enjoy it depends on that student… I think honors or AP classes should have the book, but I think the….absent…. mentality of the average high school student may not be able to handle the themes and simply resort to calling it “boring.”
January 22nd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
I had to read this book for Honors Gr. 11 English. I loved all the allusions hidden inside. I will agree that some parts the story move rather slowly, but the book itself is beautifully written and its language is poetic. I feel that those who find the entire book “boring” simply did not have the mental capacity to understand and appreciate this novel.
March 29th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I had to read this book for my english class and thought of it as a decent book. Most of my classmates would think otherwise though. I would not recommend this to teens. However, I believe that it is very rich in meaning and good for those who enjoy literature.
April 7th, 2008 at 10:09 am
This book is one of the kind you want to read over and over again i loved this book even though i had to read it for englsh class i would read it again some time maby
May 1st, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I think that this was a wonderful book. The storyline captured my attention right from the beginning and though some parts were difficult I thought the ending brought it back. I am in high school and I really do not think that you have to be a certain age to read this book, it is all about maturity and being willing to listen and learn something through what you are reading.
June 12th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
THis book had tooOOOOoOO many pages that didnt make sence with the overall theme of the novel
LIKE HALF of the book was Rueben in an RV driVING!!!
i agree the only attention grabber was DAVY… the killing and suspence he gave was great…
i admitt the ending was kinda worth reading all the Non scene in the book… but come on >>>much of the stuff in this book could have just been compeletely erased… okay novel but not great
June 12th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
This book was whack…
a bunch of readnecks riding in a tralier…
im surprised there wasnt a scene in the book where they lynched a guy lol
damn Crackers
June 12th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
IF your reading this take this advice
this book sucks… the book is about as boring as the authors life ahaha
the was peaceful alright….too peaceful nothing good ever happend
besides the murders
August 8th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
This book wasnt that bad, but it was a required reading, which always makes things less enjoyable. It had a good plot, but the author was WAAAY too descriptive and i tuned out for like all of the long, non sensible description parts. Many of the metaphors (and there are alot of them) in the book refer to things not previously mentioned in the book, and its confusing, although i did like it, i guess.