Books I Read in 2021, Vol. III

 

ONCE THIS RIVER RAN CLEAR
Peter Martin

"In 1950, as "progress" becomes another name for "greed," a sixteen-year-old boy learns from the people surrounding him. He and Urs, a bear-like man, live in a shabby cabin on the Nawaakamig River, existing happily on other people's trash and on the carp which pollute the water. Urs' land is coveted by a developer, setting off a chain of painful, tragic events, which overtake unlucky people, including the hobos who spend summers with Urs. The boy bounces from the humble cabin to the local elite to an Ojibwa community, using what he learns from each situation to find his self and settle a score."

Having spent over 20 years putting Pete's storytelling to life on the stages of Giant Step (Children's) Theatre and the Dakota Chautauqua, I was excited to read his first novel. The biggest adjustment I had to make was reconciling myself to the decidedly "earthy" language the narrator of this tale uses. But the nature of the tale and the heart of the narrator won me over within two pages. 

This is a satisfying read, and I was glad to have taken the journey. I hope Pete writes a sequel to keep the tale a-spinnin'.

First line: If I knew the misery Laurence Larkin the Third was gonna cause I'da shot him dead the first time he showed up at our cabin.

Page 56/5th sentence: The water was down even more and there were places with carp stranded half outta water.

Last line: I let it take me south toward the train stop at Parker's Crossing, where I hoped to find a helpful man named Eustis, who would show me the train headed for a city with two shelters, three parks, a library, and, hopefully, a man with a long white beard and a hickory walking stick.

Books I Read in 2021, Vol. II

 

WINDS OF HEAVEN, STUFF OF EARTH: Spiritual Conversations Inspired by the Life & Lyrics of Rich Mullins

Andrew Greer and Randy Cox

"Twenty years after his passing, Rich Mullins is remembered as a once-in-a-lifetime singer/songwriter whose impact on Christian music and the church is still being felt. Through his own struggles and pursuits, Rich asked questions and started a dialogue about what it means to hang on to heavenly grace even when the stuff of earth gets in the way.

"Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth continues those conversations with thoughtful essays woven together with reflections, photos, lessons, and the lyrics of four never-before-published songs that Rich left behind. More than two dozen of today's singers, songwriters, producers, and authors share stories and remembrances of Rich that continue to influence their music and ministries today."

I got this book because of my inordinate admiration for Rich Mullins, but the book really is less about Rich than it is about the deep things of God that his "life and lyrics" brought to the surface. It could be read as a daily devotional and in fact, I read a lot of the chapters while enjoying my morning bowl of cereal. I'm sure that I'll pick it up again in a few years to remind myself that God loves me madly, that He is truly awesome, and that I am truly broken...but that doesn't lessen the Lord's love for me.

Page 56/Sentence 5: "Rich was so very relatable, in part because he was open about the pain in his own life."