Both completed in September 2006. I enjoyed these books because they gave me insight into the people where I live. The stories take place in central Kentucky. Parchment of Leaves is first chronologically, followed by The Coal Tattoo, and then Clay’s Quilt. I discussed these as part of a book group. It was interesting to hear their perspectives as most of them are from this area, while I am originally from Colorado. Anyone from Kentucky or with roots in Kentucky should read these books. I plan on reading The Coal Tattoo this year or next.
Clay’s Quilt 2001, 292 pp. Parchment of Leaves 2002, 278 pp.
Thomas H. Cook is a favorite author of mine, so I was anxious to read this book. I was a little disappointed, though. This one really doesn’t measure up to Breakheart Hill or Edgar winner The Chatham School Affair. I would start with one of those if you haven’t read Cook before.
Completed in September 2006. Words cannot describe how I hated this book. I wanted to like it–I really, really did. I guess the only reason I did want to like it was because it is set in northeastern Colorado where I grew up. I cannot imagine my grandparents reading this novel; they would be disgusted with it if they did. Haruf may have lived and taught in the area, but he DOES NOT get the people or community right AT ALL. When I think of the place where I was raised, I think of people similar to the characters in Gilead or in Peace Like a River. I get angry just thinking about how much I hated this book. To top it all off, Haruf likes to “be different” and “get creative” by not using any punctuation marks AND by using a multitude of asinine run-on sentences.
Now, I did hear that the Hallmark movie was good. I may actually like it because I suspect they took out the parts I hated. Well, I know this is a scathing review, but it was well-deserved. 1999, 301 pp.
Wow, are these books thought provoking! Missionaries in space! Hard questions for God! Can I use enough exclamation points?! I read these in September and October of 2006. Some parts were VERY difficult for me to read because they were more graphic than what I am used to. Highly recommended, but not for the squeamish. The Sparrow 1996, 408 pp. Children of God 1998, 438 pp.
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. (Jude 1:20-21, ESV)
or Edgar winner 
. I would start with one of those if you haven’t read Cook before.
or in 
I get angry just thinking about how much I hated this book. To top it all off, Haruf likes to “be different” and “get creative” by not using any punctuation marks AND by using a multitude of asinine run-on sentences.
