From the Bookshelf of Ask Josh Ritter - March 11, 2013…
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What Members Thought
If you love Josh Ritter's songs you won't be surprised that he could also write a lyrical balad in the form of a novel like this one. For a first attempt at writing prose Josh has made nearly a home run. A few of his sentences seemed a bit flowery or too self conscious but I loved the story of Bright's passage through the trials of growing up dirt poor, surviving a horrendous war and especially his sassy angel. Josh says he was influenced by reading Flannery O'Connor and I sensed that. I also se
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I picked up this book because I am a fan of Ritter's songwriting, and judging by his literate lyrics I figured he would be a natural at writing a novel. I was right. This story of a returning world warI soldier who is on a journey with his infant son and an angel, took me awhile to get into but once I did I was hooked. The chapters that focus on the characters experience during the war are particularly riveting. Through the character of Henry Bright, Ritter shows us how the horrors of war effec ...more
Astride an Angel
Bias alert! Josh Ritter is one of my favorite new singer/song writers. Since discovering him a few years back I've soaked in all of his songs, attended his concerts & marveled all the while at his ability to move me with his music & lyrics. So, when I read that he had written a novel I jumped on line to peruse the reviews & was sufficiently persuaded that I must read his book. And, now that I have, all I can say is: "Damn, not fair at all that any single person can be so incredib ...more
Bias alert! Josh Ritter is one of my favorite new singer/song writers. Since discovering him a few years back I've soaked in all of his songs, attended his concerts & marveled all the while at his ability to move me with his music & lyrics. So, when I read that he had written a novel I jumped on line to peruse the reviews & was sufficiently persuaded that I must read his book. And, now that I have, all I can say is: "Damn, not fair at all that any single person can be so incredib ...more
A beautiful compelling debut novel. Concise and incisive writing makes this thought provoking story a pleasure to read and doesn't over dramatise dramatic events. Really enjoyed this first fiction read in a long time.
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A fine adventure that feels more like a glorified short story than a novel. While reading you get the sense that this is his first book, but not because of the way he writes. He's vivid and detailed, much like his songwriting. Often humorous and enjoyable on all fronts.
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Love his music and lyrics. This is just a beautifully written book.
Great, beautiful book!
Sep 26, 2011
Leah
marked it as to-read
Jan 08, 2012
Maureen
marked it as to-read
Mar 08, 2012
Liza
marked it as to-read
Apr 19, 2012
Courtney
marked it as to-read
Aug 14, 2012
Caroline Duke
marked it as to-read
