Gilead

Pros: Beautiful. The inner thoughts of a wise, kind old preacher as he ponders the important things in life and appreciates the relationships and nature that he loved. I liked how she captured his honest doubt and anxieties about dying before his son grows up. The writing is clear and simple, almost stark, like Cormac McCarthy. Reminds me a bit of Will Campbell's memoir “Brother to a Dragonfly” since it's a thoughtful, measured reflection on life and religion. It also made me think of the more recent “Between the World and Me,” since it's written for the life benefit of a son from his father.

Cons: a little slow, and it's very hard to read quickly.