I have an eclectic taste in novels. I am addicted to books on tapes that I can 'read' on my way to work. So besides the Swedish Crime novels I mentioned in a previous blog...I have found another type of book that I like.
I am not sure what to call the genre, they are sort of kind, quirky folks (not in the mainstream) doing service to others. These are feel good stories mostly, clean and positive, yet at times brutally realistic. The theme of these to me is best described as Christian Service to 'do unto' others. Not preachy, more sort of teaching; as in teaching and describing people doing service to need youths. The best ones of this slightly different genre in my opinion are Plainsong and Eventide by Kent Haruf.
Recently, though, I picked up a book on tape version of "Made in the U.S.A." by Billie Letts. Similar to Plainsong...it speaks toward out of control troubled but redeemable youths being helped on the road to stability by the kindness of out of the usual characters. In Plainsong, the unusual characters were the two awkward but kindhearted McPheron brothers, elderly bachelor ranchers. In "Made in the U.S.A", the helpful character is a crippled ex-Circus performer and his unusual family.
If you are interested in reading something different and positive, I would recommend any of these books.
The version of "Made in the U.S.A." I 'read' was read out loud by Cassandra Morris. Part of the joy of books on tapes is experiencing a really good reader. The reader selected has an impact on how the story is internalized, a great reader enhances the reading experience. Cassandra Morris really seemed to be perfect for this particular reading. I really enjoyed the experience.
Cheers, nca
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