Status Updates From Mink River

Having reviewed it the first time, I don't see a need to write another except to say it's worthy of 10 stars!

At its core Brian pays homage to the joy of living, the story's characters the vehicle. I'm finding the second reading of this book raising my spirits in ways I hadn't imagined. I'd forgotten how Moses the crow risks his life to save Michael the cop. How Cedar rescues his close friend Billy after having a stroke. How Declan takes the man with three hours to live out to sea. Beauty in all its forms

I can't think of another author whose books are worth reading repeatedly. It saddens me Brian passed away at such an early age. As the song goes, only the good die young. Bless you for leaving us with such breath taking works of art.

I'm speechless. I pray someday another author will surface who's creative storytelling rivals Brian's. His ability to see life through the eyes of people, animals, the ocean and rivers while he sings the story of a small town in Oregon perched on the shores of the Mink River

You won't find a community as close with one another as the people of Neawanaka. The doctor who names his cigarettes after apostles, the man with three days to live, Cedar, Worried Man, No Horses, Daniel Cooney, Declan and his sister Grace, Micheal the cop who sings Tosca and his family.. Remarkable, loving people who in spite of poverty love without limits

"There's a story in everything and the more stories I hear the less sad I am.." says Cedar to his niece when asked how he deals with life.

Where under the radar authors are concerned, there is no doubt in my mind that Brian Doyle deserves accolades for his ability to sing a story filled with themes of love, nature, family and spirit like no other. It's difficult to describe this astounding work whose plot, characters and premise are akin to a symphony of words

While some may feel Brian's use of paragraph long sentences defy grammar, they're his way of singing the story. The same holds true when he switches POV and uses them to illuminate what's going on in a characters thoughts. This is what creative writing is about. As with all arts, there are no rules. Brilliant to say the least

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