Status Updates From Mink River

Having read it quite some time ago, I'd forgotten how Cedar and Worried Man decided to trek up Fire mountain to find the mechanism of time and alter it to save lives. In addition, how Brian raises the topic of the river having a mind of its own. Moses a talking crow, Irish folklore and love in all its forms makes for a fascinating story!

Put simply, Brian understands that story heals, humors and educates. He demonstrates knowledge of the human spirit, Irish heritage and the way of Native Americans. He pays no attention to traditional narrative nor character names. It's a story song about life, love and humanity.

If you have read and enjoyed Theo of Golden or Remarkably Bright Creatures this will make you cooh with joy much as they did. The narrative speaks to our hearts and souls with lyrics and tunes of love. No words can describe its beauty

You can't have stories that lack the duality of life and this one is no different. But Brian finds ways to lighten the darkness through his unusual approach and for that I am deeply grateful

Brian pays homage to the importance of stories along with love, family and nature's beauty. Whether Irish, Native American or other, stories are the glue. Even the talking crow Moses has them though his are unique unto themselves

Probably the shortest chapters of any book written, yet every word is connected to themes of love, joy, nature and connection. Storytelling at its very best

Another unique attribute is how Brian weaves a litany of Irish stories into the plot and I can't help but think he'd heard bits and pieces of them from his family. This not only broadens the scope but adds another touch of family, the overriding theme of Mink River

I know this is a broken record, but it's hard not to fall in love when reading this story. I've yet to read any other author whose stories are like love songs: it's unique characters take us into our hearts. Moses the talking crow wondering. I suspect I will read this book a hundred times and never grow bored

I’m officially DNFing cause I’m not smart enough for this book lol

Brian's non linear, uber creative approach is akin to poets, sculptors and musicians as he weaves the art of words in the loom of stories. Once I finish this one I plan second readings of the Plover and Martin Marten as well. It saddens me greatly we lost him years ago though

Another beautiful element is love in all its forms. Love between husband and wife, son, grandchildren, the moment, the town and nature's wonder. This is the art of storytelling at its creative best though his narrative is an acquired taste and one I relish with every word

Had forgotten that Brian adds short quotes of William Blake in nearly every chapter. To say the second time around is a joy would be a vast understatement

It's not often I read books a second time but when the author is as creative as this, it reminds you that storytelling is an art form and artists as a whole understand there are no rules guidelines or otherwise. While reading you smile, wonder and snort with each tiny chapter looking forward to what happens next. I'm in love for the second time around

I'm enjoying the author's writing style. My brain can relate. Sometimes it's on full blown sprint with no pauses. Sometimes it just tinkers.

Not sure if I'm going to be able to finish this one, the stream-of-consciousness writing style is really not working for me.