Oh my!

I'm alternating between three books right now.

Primary Colors by Anonymous Okay novelized 'history' of the democratic primary process in late 80s, early 90s...

Peace like a River by Leif Enger Novel set in 1960s -- how a family was effected when one member uses violence to stop criminals who were targetting them. I love the language in the book, it's hypnotic and poetic... the characters are fascinating, but the story line is troubling me.

The Rosewood Casket by Sharyn McCrumb This is either the third or fourth in her 'ballad' murder mystery series: they are set in Appalachian mountain country Tennessee, the main characters are the Sheriff and his crew. Each book reflects a folk ballad in the theme/crime/ or one or more of the characters. Hmmm. I love the ways that the various themes play together in each book, that the sheriff and crew are good and earnest people, and learning more about environmental issues (a frequent subtopic)... Her books are well researched. In general, I really like them... but! I usually wind up depressed at the end of each of these books. I guess it's more real life to have the plot ends left frayed and unsolved ... but I'd like to believe that the pain(s) that they've gone through were 'for' something. I particularly love the character of the psychic woman on the hill, and try to learn from her philosophy. (Okay, a mixed review here.)