Peace...

Normally I don't read the other reviews until after I've written mine, but I went ahead and read them first this time around. I appreciated that this book did, indeed, make one ponder about miracles in our own lives (I remember the trip, Katrina! And I hope Pugsley okay) and faith and/or lack thereof.

I really relished the book. I loved the characterization of Reuben, the protagonist and the witness, to these amazing things his father did. I loved that he would briefly step aside and talk to us, the reader, of his own weaknesses and developing faith concerning these miracles (ie: when his father was pacing the truck, when they were driving through "town" after town and never once were seen by the authorities) or his own childishness (the courtroom scene). He seemed very human and real--all the characters did. Jeremiah "Dad" Lands, Swede, Davy...even Mr. Andreeson (okay, I can't remember his name, but he was the fed who met a harsh end). You know who Jeremiah reminded me of? My father-in-law. Talk about someone who endures adversity based on his relationship with the Lord--sometimes to the chagrin of people around him who don't understand why he puts up with such and so, or would call him weak. When Jeremiah gives up his pursuit of a worldly profession to become a "mere" custodian after his experience with the tornado, or later when he was fired but still cured the Principal, I thought of Jerry. Children learn lessons in all different sorts of ways, though we often don't understand them until we are older and my husband has often spoken of how high his father has set the bar for so many things because of his quiet example.

Like I said, this book made me reflect and think. I enjoyed reading it (though, I have to admit, I sometimes skimmed some parts--like some of Swede's poetry verses--so I could get to the "good" stuff, thus exposing my own impatiences with rhymed poetry! lol) and was kinda sad to see it end. Very good book choice! Thanks Karen!!!