jayber crow

My sister-in-law, Sara, has been telling me about a book by Wendell Berry that she really wants me to read. She's been telling me about it since I worked with them, in 2003. It has been socially awkward at times to explain yet again that I haven't read it. Years of, "Becca, you have to read Jayber Crow!" can get a little uncomfortable when you can't really have an excuse that covers that amount of time. You can't say it's just been a real busy 9 years.

So I got the book. And from page one I have been sucked in. I adore the storytelling. I love the character. I love the pace, the lack of suspense, the sweetness of the tale.

Rory read it before me and had a lot of trouble getting into it, waiting for the plot to develop. And I had a cousin come over who said she couldn't get through it because the story just never started for her.

And it made me so curious about our different likes and dislikes in a good book. Because I was sold three sentences in. I remember thinking that actually. I loved the writing. I loved the tone. I loved the voice of the story.

All I want in a book is a good life story. I don't need drama. I don't need unknowns or a mystery to solve. I just like an honest, likable protagonist and will follow them anywhere if I like them that much.

It was interesting to note this about my style of reading material. I don't think I would have known to make this distinction before but it's true. Of my favorite books, I tend to fall for a sweet story, a noble life and a tight, endearing community surrounding that main character.

And you? What kind of book draws you in?