I have completely fallen for Wallace Stegner's writing. His works have a unique charm that keeps pulling me in. Even though at times his writing appears to be overly detailed, I have gradually grown to appreciate and enjoy his distinct style. The stories he weaves are captivating, filled with rich emotions and complex plotlines. Each character he creates is vivid and lifelike, as if they step right out of the pages and into my imagination. Once I start reading his books, I just can't help but get deeply involved in the narrative. I find myself craving more, eager to know what will happen next, how the characters will develop, and how the story will ultimately conclude. Wallace Stegner's writing is truly a treasure, and I am constantly in awe of his talent and creativity.

I have an intense love for Wallace Stegner!

This is the second book of his that I have delved into, following "The Angle of Repose."

His writing style is truly captivating, and the settings of Pioneer America he creates are simply enchanting.

What makes his works absolute must-reads is not only his extremely accurate historical details but also his focus on female characters and love stories.

Stegner has this remarkable ability to bring the past to life, making the reader feel as if they are right there in that era, experiencing all the joys and sorrows along with the characters.

The way he weaves together the historical context with the personal lives and emotions of the characters is nothing short of masterful.

I can't wait to explore more of his works and continue to be immersed in the wonderful worlds he creates.

Excellent writing by a master American West regionalist novelist. The author's words paint vivid pictures of the American West, transporting the reader to a bygone era. However, the plot of the story has its drawbacks. It often drags, causing the reader to lose interest at times. The slow pace can be quite frustrating, especially for those who prefer a more fast-paced narrative. Additionally, the overall tone of the story is often depressing. The characters face numerous hardships and challenges, and there are few moments of hope or joy. Despite these flaws, it must be said that the writing itself is excellent. The author's use of language, description, and dialogue is top-notch. It is this excellent writing that keeps the reader engaged, even when the plot and tone are less than ideal.

My favorite Stegner book so far, by a long shot, is truly remarkable.

It presents vivid fiction that not only engages the reader but also incidentally offers a completely accurate depiction. In today's jargon, it describes a narcissistic parent and the codependent or enabling parent with great precision.

The book provides a great depiction of a specific time and place, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in that particular era and setting.

Unfortunately, it also explores a timeless family dynamic that is all too familiar.

This exploration of family relationships adds depth and authenticity to the story, making it a truly engaging and thought-provoking read.

Overall, this Stegner book is a must-read for anyone interested in great literature and the complex dynamics of family life.

This could be my favorite book.

It takes the reader on an incredible journey through the complex web of family dynamics.

The story is so engaging and relatable that it can resonate with anyone on a deep level.

We see the joys and sorrows, the love and conflicts that exist within a family.

The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and flaws.

As we follow their lives, we gain a better understanding of the importance of family and the challenges that come with it.

This book is not just a story, but a reflection of our own lives and relationships.

It makes us think about how we interact with our family members and how we can work to improve those relationships.

Overall, it is a must-read for anyone who wants to explore the beautiful and sometimes messy world of family.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotional read.

We encounter countless manifestations of the protagonist Bo in our lives. I firmly believe that Wallace Stegner serves as a powerful testament to the remarkable resilience of humanity. The character Bo, who is inspired by his own father, stands in stark contrast to the kind of man Stegner ultimately became. He was an environmentalist, a dedicated teacher, and a loving husband.

This book is certain to remain with me for many years to come. I made the discovery approximately halfway through that it is autobiographical in nature. The unadorned beauty of the prose, the incessant twists and turns of the plot, and his palpable love for the land all had a profound impact on me.

Stegner is truly at his finest in this work. His ability to bring the story to life and engage the reader on multiple levels is nothing short of extraordinary. It is a literary masterpiece that will continue to be cherished and studied for generations to come.

My gnat-length attention span made this a bit of a long march. However, it was truly worth every single second.

This remarkable book stands as one of the very best I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It delves deep into the ever-elusive national dream that our baby boomer parents so often regale us with.

Not only does it offer profound insights into this dream, but it also has an unexpected practical use. You could even use it to weigh down a pie crust (although perhaps it's best not to tell the library about this particular application).

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the national dream and the experiences of our parents' generation. It combines engaging storytelling with thought-provoking analysis, making it a truly captivating read from start to finish.

Wow! What an incredible journey it has been, following the love, struggles, the ups and downs, the family dynamics, and the true nature of Bo and Elsa as time unfolds.

It was truly an amazing experience to read this book. From the very moment I picked it up, I was effortlessly slipped into their lives, completely immersed in their story.

The way Wallace Stegner has crafted this narrative is simply masterful. His ability to bring the characters to life and make the reader feel every emotion they experience is truly remarkable.

I can't wait to explore more of his work. I'm definitely going to read Wallace Stegner's other books again. His writing has left such a profound impact on me that I'm eager to see what other wonderful stories he has to offer.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good, engaging, and thought-provoking read. It's a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

This is such a raw, truth-telling, gut-wrenching read.

If this is, as I have read it was, crafted to be loosely and liberally based around the story of the author and his father, then what a childhood he must have had! It's truly remarkable that he grew to overcome those childhood experiences with such deep insight into the human psyche as he displays in his books.

This is the third Stegner novel that I have read, and all are deep, thought-provoking books. They fully develop the characters and show them from every angle. These characters are flawed and vulnerable, yet simultaneously weak and strong.

This particular story takes place from shortly after the turn of the century into the 1930s when the depression is gripping the nation. It is the story of a man who is forever grasping at achieving the American dream. However, he is always looking for the quick and easy way to do so, even if it means operating outside of the law. And yet, he is always falling short.

It is also fully the story of his wife, who is tender, nurturing, but also enabling. She doesn't care about the ultimate success of her husband. Instead, she simply wants to have her dream, which is all about home, hearth, and family.

It is also the story of their two sons, who are worlds apart in personality and success. It shows how they react to the fury of their father, the constant uprooting, and the shame of their father's choices for acquaintances, business ventures, and ways to make a living.

Overall, this is a powerful and engaging novel that offers a deep exploration of the human condition.

Review from my grandma:

“I finished your book “Big Rock Candy Mountain” just a few minutes ago. I had no idea that such a place actually existed. It was an interesting read, yet quite sad at the same time. It really brought back my early childhood memories.

My father was a coal miner. My sister and I were born in one of the nicest and most up-to-date coal camps in West Virginia. It had all the conveniences one could ask for - churches, movie theaters, a company store, doctors. The big entertainment there was their baseball team, which traveled all around the coalfields. We moved to “town” when I was probably about 3 years old.

This book reminds me of those hard times during the depression. We were fortunate. My family always got along well, and we were never exposed to some of the harsher aspects. Even though prohibition ended in 1933, West Virginia was still a “dry state”. I remember as a kid, people could get whiskey at a roadside bar, always keeping an eye out for a police raid. Those were wild days indeed.

It's a phenomenal book. I highly recommend it to both Steinbeck lovers and those who enjoy childhood stories like the Little House books.

You can sum up this book with one word...struggle.

In a "Grapes of Wrath" kind of way, this book is all about making it. After being introduced to Bo and his radiant energy and ambition, it initially feels promising. However, about fifty pages in, you realize that the book is solely about struggle and that Bo is truly searching for the elusive big rock candy mountain, which always seems to lie just beyond the family's fingertips.

Although the novel is set back in the day, it's a telltale story of the never-ending pursuit of keeping up with the Joneses. In essence, if you are never satisfied with what you have, you will never experience true happiness. I've witnessed this dissatisfaction far more in California than I ever did in Texas, and it's truly a sad state of affairs. When you can align your expectations with reality, it transforms the way you view your life.

The best aspect of Stegner's writing is that it transports you directly into each scene. You find yourself present during those uncomfortable family fights, the brief but precious moments of joy and happiness, and within the mindset of each family member. The character development is truly excellent. I read this book during the summer, but given its somber subject matter, I would recommend it as a fall or winter read instead.

2.5 stars.

This is a book that is more character-driven rather than plot-driven. It chronicles a family's journey over the decades as they search for the "good life." At certain moments, it was truly captivating and engaging, drawing the reader in and making them eager to know more about the characters and their experiences. However, at other times, it really dragged, and the story seemed to lose its momentum.

I wasn't entirely convinced that I would be able to finish it until I was approximately half way through. I have to admit that I like Stegner's "Crossing to Safety" and "Angle of Repose" much better.

8/21/2017 Even though I didn't have a favorable impression of this book the first time I read it, I was resolute in my decision to read it again. This is because I am reading all of Stegner's works in order, and this particular novel is semi-autobiographical. But unfortunately, I just couldn't bring myself to finish it. I find the character of Bo to be so incredibly infuriating that spending time reading this book feels almost like forcing myself to spend time with someone I really can't stand.

It's a shame because I wanted to like this book, especially considering Stegner's reputation as a great writer. But sometimes, no matter how hard you try, a book just doesn't click with you.