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Jessica's Reviews > Gilead
Gilead (Gilead, #1)
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This book is amazing. I can't believe those frikkin twits didn't give Marilynne Robinson the Pulitzer for this..... oh wait, they did. Well, I can't believe they didn't give her two!
Seriously, you are probably thinking, "I've heard this book takes the form of an elderly, angina-stricken preacher in Iowa's long, Lord-laden letter to his young son about how beautiful the world is. I'm sure it's all very nice for some people, but I am way too big of a jerk to enjoy something like that."
Well, let me tell you something, friend: I am a pretty big jerk myself, and I loved it. This is one of the better books I have read. If this novel doesn't make you weep at some point, there is probably something seriously wrong with you.
I'll admit that, like *Valley of the Dolls*, this book is probably not for everyone. But I really do recommend it to people who (like me) are not religious, and find others' faith difficult to understand. If you're able to respond empathically to characters in extremely well-written literature, this might be the best chance you get at entering this kind of experience. That was the way I felt about it, anyway. You only need to suspend some judgment you hold about religion, and take the protagonist's faith the way you would another belief or experience a fictional character might have that's diffferent from your own. I don't want to get carried away characterizing what the result of that was like for me, but I do recommend giving this book a try.
Seriously, you are probably thinking, "I've heard this book takes the form of an elderly, angina-stricken preacher in Iowa's long, Lord-laden letter to his young son about how beautiful the world is. I'm sure it's all very nice for some people, but I am way too big of a jerk to enjoy something like that."
Well, let me tell you something, friend: I am a pretty big jerk myself, and I loved it. This is one of the better books I have read. If this novel doesn't make you weep at some point, there is probably something seriously wrong with you.
I'll admit that, like *Valley of the Dolls*, this book is probably not for everyone. But I really do recommend it to people who (like me) are not religious, and find others' faith difficult to understand. If you're able to respond empathically to characters in extremely well-written literature, this might be the best chance you get at entering this kind of experience. That was the way I felt about it, anyway. You only need to suspend some judgment you hold about religion, and take the protagonist's faith the way you would another belief or experience a fictional character might have that's diffferent from your own. I don't want to get carried away characterizing what the result of that was like for me, but I do recommend giving this book a try.
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
October 1, 2007
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Finished Reading
October 4, 2007
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Rachel
(last edited Aug 25, 2016 12:57PM)
(new)
Oct 05, 2007 06:19PM
This goes with my Calvin.
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that was a great review. i'm just beginning the book. thxs!
I have this book, but I haven't started it, yet. It's very pretty on the outside and I've heard that it's pretty on the inside, too.
I love your comparison to "Valley of the Dolls". ;)
Yes, I loved this book...well done, Jessica.
My posts were bouncing when this first came through. Are there really heathens out there?
I am a Christian, but I'm glad to see a positive review by someone who identifies as non-religious. The book is a human story, about the quiet triumph of love. In my belief system, God is love, so this all makes sense. Either way, the sparse, beautiful language and the quiet dignity of it will move you as a human being.
Wow, excellent review! My sentiments exactly (and so much better-expressed)!
This book is not about religion. It's about a father who wants his son to understand him after he is dead. It is also a man reflecting on his life and the people he loves. Very thought-provoking messages. Loved it...truly.
I wish I'd read your review earlier! I feel exactly the same way about this book.
I wish I'd read your review earlier! I feel exactly the same way about this book.
I am not religious either, and that makes this wonderful book extra fascinating to me. As I see it, it is about the human experience and the things we all share, regardless of faith. I am about a third in and loving it so far. Great review!
Yes, I'm an ardent atheist, but I'm not ashamed to say this book made me cry like a baby when I finished it this morning.
I put this book down because I just couldn鈥檛 relate to the characters at all. Your review has convinced me to try again!
So why only 4 stars? I don't get it.
Oh this book meant so much to me, too. 鉂わ笍
This book is written beautifully, and in the audiobook it truly comes to life. I can鈥檛 imagine not hearing the narration.
Jessica, your review is everything 馃馃徎
Makes me sleep not weep. I consider myself a good Christian but the only weeping I would do about this book is by being bored to tears. I keep reading reviews from people who loved it hoping someone could show me something I didn鈥檛 see. Will be interested in book club tomorrow night to listen to my friends who liked it.
Like Dean, I was curious about the four star rating.
Terry I would love to hear what your bookclub thought. I don鈥檛 think any of mine would countenance this. A friends group did it years ago and none of them remembers it!
Your review is spot on how I felt after reading it鈥o beautifully written, and while I am not religious, the religious aspect was not off-putting, and very soothing.
So, it should have received 鈥渢wo Pulitzers鈥� but not 5 stars from you?
This book is great for a personal meditation or reflection. It belongs bedside so that the reader can read a few pages and reflect on it鈥檚 meaning. Not a good choice for a book club.
