I have recently discovered my undyling love for David James Duncan based on this book. It is probably the most amazing book I've ever read. I don't want to overstate my excitement and love for the book so as to creative an unattainable level of expectation and possibly shatter the love that you will have for Mr. Duncan, but I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!! Not only is it a great story but Mr. Duncan is an incredible writer. I have noticed with other books that I have read recently that writers are, I don't know, trying to be almost overly creative, or not completely forthright in information so as a reader I am left to put the pieces together or something, I'm not for sure how to describe it. All I know is that a great story doesn't take any writing "tricks", just write the damn story and don't leave me to guess what you're trying to say. In the way of John Steinbeck, Mr. Duncan does exactly this. Both Duncan and Steinbeck write rich and yet simple stories. "Brothers K" is about the complexity and hilarity of family, life, love, religion, success, vocatioin, etc. There were numerous times during this book that I was laughing out loud or putting down the book for fear that I would start bawling. He tugs at your heart strings in such real ways. Reading about this family and their relationships reminds me of my own. No one has a perfect family, but there are strong and deep bonds that stand the test of time and endure the ups and downs of life. I highly recommend everyone read this book. I think I'll read it again.
P.S. Because I have the most amazing husband in the world and he happened to have $3, I am now reading Duncan's "The River Why". Anyone who enjoys fishing would definitely love this book because it's about a family obsessed with fishing. I get a bit confused while reading it sometimes because I am completely ignorant of anything remotely related to fishing, so it's taking me a little longer to love this book. However, it is humorous and clever just like "Brother's K" and so I love it as well.
Kelli - the Brothers K is also probably my absolute favorite book as well. Last summer, a few weeks before liz started work, i convinced her to read it. I called her one afternoon, to see how she was and what she was doing, and revealed to me that she had begun reading the book at 7:30 that morning, and as of 3:30 that afternoon was still reading it, in her pjs, on the couch.
Same day, actually, the book made her bawl her eyes out (this is not condescending, it did the same thing to me) and someone knocked at the door. So, she got to answer the door for a stranger when she crying in hysterics. Good times.