Crossing to Safety
by Wallace Stegner
Copyright 2002
What Amazon Says
Called a “magnificently crafted story . . . brimming with wisdom” by Howard Frank Mosher in The Washington Post Book World, Crossing to Safety has, since its publication in 1987, established itself as one of the greatest and most cherished American novels of the twentieth century. Tracing the lives, loves, and aspirations of two couples who move between Vermont and Wisconsin, it is a work of quiet majesty, deep compassion, and powerful insight into the alchemy of friendship and marriage.
My Thoughts
The introduction by Terry Tempest Williams is too long and drawn out and contains unnecessary spoilers. Since there’s plenty of foreshadowing of what’s to come at the beginning, these didn’t need to be included. But Williams explains how she knew Wallace Stegner, which adds a nice touch.
I like the way these four friends stick together for four decades, supporting each other through good times and bad. The plot and believable characters held my interest throughout the book.
The afterward by T. H. Watkins provides some interesting insights into Stegner’s life and the inspiration behind this, his last novel. If you’re looking for a heartwarming story about friendship that endures, Crossing to Safety is for you.
New! Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me
Copyright 2021 by Abbie Johnson Taylor.
Independently published with the help of DLD Books.
Sixteen-year-old Natalie’s grandmother, suffering from dementia and confined to a wheelchair, lives in a nursing home and rarely recognizes Natalie. But one Halloween night, she tells her a shocking secret that only she and Natalie’s mother know. Natalie is the product of a one-night stand between her mother, who is a college English teacher, and another professor.
After some research, Natalie learns that people with dementia often have vivid memories of past events. Still not wanting to believe what her grandmother has told her, she finds her biological father online. The resemblance between them is undeniable. Not knowing what else to do, she shows his photo and website to her parents.
Natalie realizes she has some growing up to do. Scared and confused, she reaches out to her biological father, and they start corresponding.
Her younger sister, Sarah, senses their parents’ marital difficulties. At Thanksgiving, when she has an opportunity to see Santa Claus, she asks him to bring them together again. Can the jolly old elf grant her request?
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My Corner 