Loved It!

This is the first in a new series of posts about books that I read in the past that I thought were great. Carole's Chatter hosts a monthly link-up of "Books You Loved" which I wanted to participate in. The problem is that I don't necessarily read a 5-star book every month. My solution is this series in which I will look back at past (pre-blogging) favorites.

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is touching without being sentimental and it is beautifully written. The connections in this family -- going back to their abolitionist grandfather -- are rendered perfectly. To a great extent you are who (and where) you come from. Also, I finally realized why I don't like black walnuts, they taste like furniture.

“Sometimes I have loved the peacefulness of an ordinary Sunday. It is like standing in a newly planted garden after a warm rain. You can feel the silent and invisible life.” 

I have read 2 other books by Robinson--I liked Home and really disliked Housekeeping--but this one is amazing. The voice of the narrator seemed so familiar and comfortable to me that it made reading the book like talking to a friend.

This is my contribution to the July Books You Loved Link Up.