sad past but an uplifting future
352645
I couldn't put this book down. I read it in less than a day; I was so entangled in his story. A heartfelt, honest, sad past but an uplifting future. An American Dream indeed.
1356028
Wonderful story of a man that lost something precious and something precious!
it gives hope for the future
I recommend it!
3090123
An amazing story of how our past affects our future, even when we can't remember it. Beautiful world-building. It'll change how you look at the world.
4277607
A very lovely story filled with sadness and having the courage to strive for a new future filled with love. The story is filled with hardships and greed that has dangerous consequences. But family love is what helps them through all the turmoil.
3263134
Beautiful story about the life of a child growing up in the 1950's, the hardships, innocents, and the beauty of family love and tenderness. As you read, it touches feelings of sorrow, laughter and spirituality. Easy read with short chapters that once you start you cannot put the book down until you finish.&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Shhh/dp/1469162512/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Shhh....!</a>
959466
Lovely story the ups and downs in life are sometimes horrible at other times everything works for the best. This story made me think about my life and others. Thankyou.
2751789
George Orwell's 1984, and Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tail both show the negative side of humanity following the collapse of life as we know it.  Bannerless was a nice departure from that.  This book showed some hope for humanity after "the Fall".  While life is not without its problems in this narrative, survivors have managed to build communities, households, and ways to maintain peace, law and order - for the most part.  The communal nature of society holds those communities or households responsible for the actions of their members, which makes them more likely to oversee them.  The fall has taken people back to a much simpler time - more like Little House on the Prairie than the current day; and few modern conveniences and most modern day infrastructure no longer exists.  Still, the simplicity of life after the fall is starting to sound tempting.  I'm looking forward to the next volume!
3356894
Ouch!  Many pages now have tearstains as this book really hits home to a child who lived through it but now has hope for the future
3244182
We all arrive to adulthood with a wide variety of regrets, disappointments and things we would like to change about how we've gone along the path of life. Robin Hemley has taken a look at the placed along his path he would like to try again at -- moving from early experiences, like kindergarten through prom and frat membership and more. The book is a look into the present and into the past and what makes us who we are -- and how much of that is (or is not) up for change. A thoughtful read that might be great for a bookclub discussion.
373287
We often hear the past does not equal our future. But Joyce shows us how EVERYTHING that happens in our lives works together for our good. That having mastered the joys and sorrows of the past can be an impetus for a rewarding future. Such wonderful storytelling prose with extra doses of inspiration--we couldn't put this down! Thanks for reminding us that we each have a special voice and giving us the inspiration to use it!
2522680
It's a sad story yet it's good to be aware of things that previous to this book I was not aware.
1651139
This book mingles the past with the present and kept me on an emotional roller coaster of heartache and joy
4286176
In a nutshell, this book shows the journey taken by a widow and widower in their "golden years" who embark on a different type of relationship. Addie suggests to Louis that he come to her house to spend the night so she will have someone to talk to.

Their story unfolds gently and beautifully.

After speaking to a younger friend about this book, it struck me that the interpretation of what happened might depend on the age and circumstance of the reader, as well as whether or not the reader has had positive or negative experiences with relationships throughout life.

My friend felt the book's message was one of hope. I have to say that for most of the book, I would agree. However, I felt that the final chapters were sadly realistic, showing how family members may intervene due to their own personal issues and biases, rather than allowing people to have their small piece of happiness.

I am curious to see how others interpret this book. I was unaware of Haruf as an author, and was saddened to learn that he died in November of 2014. His books took place in fictional Holt, Colorado. It is said he would pull a wool cap over his eyes when he typed so he could fully immerse himself in his visions of Holt and of the story he was creating. Part of the development of Our Souls at Night was because of conversations he and his wife would have in bed.

This is a lovely story; however, the ending left me feeling sadness more than hope.
2105780
A copy of this book was provided to me by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.'

3 1/2 STARS

So, this is a slightly depressing but hopeful tale of a boy who is in a path of self destruction. Dustin drinks too much and doesn't seem to care that his life is spiraling out of control. He had a messed up upbringing with his mother so I felt for the poor guy. Sometimes having money doesn't equal instant happiness.

I'm glad he met Nicolae, who isn't rich, but has family, friends and holds so much kindness. That kindness touches Dustin and helps him heal is wicked ways. Nic is also blind, but he has mysterious abilities that is just weird.

I gave this 3 1/2 cause I wasn't quite convinced that Nic and Dustin should have a romantic relationship. Idk, Nic was too perfect, too...idk. I liked the poetic writing style, but sometimes a strong friendship is better than lovers. Nic and Dustin should have been good friends. Friends can help each other heal, right?
4822695
In Preservation and Purpose Demetrius Minor has written a book that is part memoir and part road map for the future.  As a reader, you are made to feel as though you joined him on his journey in life.  I found that I was able to experience the highest of his joys with him.  When he discussed how the death of his grandmother, birth mother, and adopted mother affected him, you could feel his pain with him.

A common theme during the course of his book is that Demetrius is always thankful to God for everything, and he is able to recognize His guiding hand during his life.  Being able to understand that shows true humility, and a recognition that we cant do things on our own.

It can be easy to be pessimistic about the future of this country.  However, knowing that there are people out there like Demetrius should give us all hope for the future.  We are in good hands with people like him.
2788375
It is the story of the coming of age from a position that one feels that one lives like a child and never grows up. The pain of growing up is immense, but the reward reaps in bounds.  The story is really heartrending but has a happy ending too. One can be victorious in the mundane. It tells that we are small and weak in His eyes and it is alright to be small and weak. It is meaningful to be honest about who you really are and where you are now. It is a start on a journey towards the God. It is a lesson to be learned that we can help ourselves in helping others. It is a good read to cleanse your heart anyway.
630391
A touching love story how to get past tragic past to love again