I am a fan when it comes to David Guterson novels. It started with "Snow Falling on Cedars" which I think of as the Northwest's answer to "To Kill a Mockingbird". A worthy runner up in American novels about social justice. Then "East of the Mountains" told of personal explorations of life's important questions. Both thought provoking books. And now his new novel, "The Other", focuses on the common humanity in us all. A book about two teen boys who are so different but, some how find so much in common. John William Barry is the only child of a wealthy Seattle family. Neil Countryman has grown up in an extended family of Irish-American carpenters. Their meeting in the half-mile event at a high school track meet reveals a shared tendency toward earnestness and suffering. The two become friends and eventually blood brothers. But then high school ends and they choose very different paths. Neil a struggling author teaches high school English. John William renounces his wealth and lives a rugged life in the woods. But then John needs Neils help to disappear from his family. This may sound like a small quirky story but, one that questions what would you be willing to do for 'your friend/your blood brother'?
I am a fan when it comes to David Guterson novels. It started with "Snow Falling on Cedars" which I think of as the Northwest's answer to "To Kill a Mockingbird". A worthy runner up in American novels about social justice. Then "East of the Mountains" told of personal explorations of life's important questions. Both thought provoking books. And now his new novel, "The Other", focuses on the common humanity in us all. A book about two teen boys who are so different but, some how find so much in common. John William Barry is the only child of a wealthy Seattle family. Neil Countryman has grown up in an extended family of Irish-American carpenters. Their meeting in the half-mile event at a high school track meet reveals a shared tendency toward earnestness and suffering. The two become friends and eventually blood brothers. But then high school ends and they choose very different paths. Neil a struggling author teaches high school English. John William renounces his wealth and lives a rugged life in the woods. But then John needs Neils help to disappear from his family. This may sound like a small quirky story but, one that questions what would you be willing to do for 'your friend/your blood brother'?
1 comment:
Maybe I should have started with Snow Falling on Cedars. I did not like Our Lady of the Forest at all. I'd be willing to give him another chance with this book. I'll add it to my To-Read pile...
Post a Comment