I too recently read this book and appreciated the underlying message of refusing to succumb, though after yesterday's showdown in the Oval Office, I'm finding it harder and harder. But we must. Right things are never easy.
PS. It was such an odd feeling to be reading along and say to myself: "She's going to die! Enger is going to kill this character!" And when he did, I was even more gripped by the direction the author was going to take us even though as he led up to it I kept saying, "No, no, no." Still, I couldn't put the book down.
I read this book soon after it was published and was taken by how current and relevant it felt to our times. You have done such a marvelous job of reviewing it.
I, too, have felt how critical it is to find joy especially in times when we feel there seems to be no joy to be found. I'm not saying I'm good at this which is why I need constant reminders to live it, practice it, find it. Thank you.
Thank you, dearest friend. Just what I needed to hear this morning. Its so easy to despair when the news is all slash and burn. Our Scandinavian bent toward melancholy doesn't help much. I love Leif Enger but didn't know that title. You're always a great resource for books. It's on my "read next" list. Thanks too for the Jack Gilbert poem. Brian recommended him to me long ago. Riveting. Reminds me of Wendell Berry's famous "Be joyful though you have considered all the facts." Much love!
Dear Mary, yes, indeed, that Scandinavian bent! Let's consider literature such as this Enger book, the Gilbert poem, and the Berry poem, medicinal in that regard. Much love, back!
Hi JoEllen, such a fun call from the past! Thank you for the note. I hope all is well with you and yours out in Pennsylvania. It's been a long time since we've seen each other!
I too recently read this book and appreciated the underlying message of refusing to succumb, though after yesterday's showdown in the Oval Office, I'm finding it harder and harder. But we must. Right things are never easy.
Lenore, the Oval Office showdown was indeed very concerning. Yes, harder and harder. Thank you for your note.
PS. It was such an odd feeling to be reading along and say to myself: "She's going to die! Enger is going to kill this character!" And when he did, I was even more gripped by the direction the author was going to take us even though as he led up to it I kept saying, "No, no, no." Still, I couldn't put the book down.
I read this book soon after it was published and was taken by how current and relevant it felt to our times. You have done such a marvelous job of reviewing it.
I, too, have felt how critical it is to find joy especially in times when we feel there seems to be no joy to be found. I'm not saying I'm good at this which is why I need constant reminders to live it, practice it, find it. Thank you.
I, too, need reminders "to live it, practice it, find it," Margie. You said it well!
Thank you, dearest friend. Just what I needed to hear this morning. Its so easy to despair when the news is all slash and burn. Our Scandinavian bent toward melancholy doesn't help much. I love Leif Enger but didn't know that title. You're always a great resource for books. It's on my "read next" list. Thanks too for the Jack Gilbert poem. Brian recommended him to me long ago. Riveting. Reminds me of Wendell Berry's famous "Be joyful though you have considered all the facts." Much love!
Dear Mary, yes, indeed, that Scandinavian bent! Let's consider literature such as this Enger book, the Gilbert poem, and the Berry poem, medicinal in that regard. Much love, back!
Oh so beautiful, Nancy! To choose joy in these times is a discipline of sorts. I want to lean into that. XO
Let's lean in together, shall we, dear friend?
Thanks, as always, Nancy, for your rich commentary. I just ordered the novel by Lief Enger you recommend.
Thanks for the note, Ken. I'd be interested to hear what you think of the novel after you've read it!
Hi Nancy, (here’s a call from the past…) I just checked out I Cheerfully Refuse from my (Bethlehem, PA) library!
Hi JoEllen, such a fun call from the past! Thank you for the note. I hope all is well with you and yours out in Pennsylvania. It's been a long time since we've seen each other!