East of the Mountains
4 journalers for this copy...
Book Description
Ben Givens is a retired heart surgeon who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Deciding to take charge of his own demise, Ben travels into the wild country of Washington state with his two dogs and his father's Winchester, to hunt one last time and then to end his life on his own terms. But, as with all quests, the Fates intervene. A car wreck introduces him to various helpers and hindrances, and gradually Ben undertakes a journey back through his own past. As he nears the apple-growing country in which he grew up, he recalls the signal events of his youth and manhood-especially his wartime experiences and his profound love for his wife of fifty years. Ben is transformed into an American Odysseus as he confronts the many sides of his own nature in a novel that radiates with the glories of the natural world and the mysterious permutations of the human heart.
Ben Givens is a retired heart surgeon who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Deciding to take charge of his own demise, Ben travels into the wild country of Washington state with his two dogs and his father's Winchester, to hunt one last time and then to end his life on his own terms. But, as with all quests, the Fates intervene. A car wreck introduces him to various helpers and hindrances, and gradually Ben undertakes a journey back through his own past. As he nears the apple-growing country in which he grew up, he recalls the signal events of his youth and manhood-especially his wartime experiences and his profound love for his wife of fifty years. Ben is transformed into an American Odysseus as he confronts the many sides of his own nature in a novel that radiates with the glories of the natural world and the mysterious permutations of the human heart.
Headed for Caretta, who accepted it on a relay.
This book arrived on Monday - thanks, irishajo!
I read this book during the summer of 2005. I like how David Guterson writes, but thought this story was just okay. Each event that happened to Ben seemed more and more contrived as the story progressed. I think the idea for this book was very interesting, but don't think the story lived up to its potential.
I hope to start bookcrossing again sometime in 2006 and will trade or release this book when I do.
I hope to start bookcrossing again sometime in 2006 and will trade or release this book when I do.
This book is traveling on to lauraloo29 in Edmonton, AB, Canada. Enjoy!
Arrived safe and sound today. Thank you!
I don't know what to make of this book. I hoped for an interesting read. As I started this book there was the news of the women with brain cancer who is choosing to die on November 1/14.
As I finish this book there has been an awful shooting in Ottawa (Canada's capital) and Ben talks about guns being cursed.
I'm still not sure how we go to the ending.
I did love the descriptions and I have added this area to my "must visit" list.
As I finish this book there has been an awful shooting in Ottawa (Canada's capital) and Ben talks about guns being cursed.
I'm still not sure how we go to the ending.
I did love the descriptions and I have added this area to my "must visit" list.
Sending as a RABCK to dark-draco. Enjoy!
Thank you for sending this to me - I look forward to reading it.