Peace Like a River

Leif Enger's debut novel, Peace Like A River, was launched to critical acclaim in 2001 and went on to sell over one million copies. Now a perennial, best-selling American classic, it is at once a heroic quest, a tragedy, and a love story, in which "there is magic... none more potent that Leif Enger's prose" (Newsday). Enger brings us eleven-year-old Reuben Land, an asthmatic boy in the Midwest who has reason to believe in miracles. Along with his sister and father, Reuben finds himself on a cross-country search for his outlaw older brother who has been charged with murder. Their journey unfolds like a revelation, and its conclusion shows how family, love, and faith can stand up to the most terrifying of enemies, and the most tragic of fates.

BUY THE BOOK

Published Oct 4, 2018

Average rating: 7.66

121 RATINGS

|

These clubs recently read this book...

Ventura Women's Book Club

The Ventura Women’s Book Club started in 2009. We meet on the 4th Saturday of each month from 11 AM to 12:30 PM at the residence of one of our members. 

We are currently at capacity and not inviting new members.

Raleigh Women 30+

This is a book club for women in their 30's and up. We read a variety of fiction and non-fiction.

Community Reviews

thenextgoodbook
Sep 04, 2025
8/10 stars
thenextgoodbook.com
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
311 pages

What’s it about?
Reuben Land is an asthmatic 11 year-old boy living in the Midwest. When Reuben's older brother Davy kills two intruders the whole family must come to terms with it.

What did it make me think about?
Faith, family, miracles, and who we choose to rely on.

Should I read it?
I revisited this book after 10 years and enjoyed it again a second time.

Quote-
"Fair is whatever God wants to do."

If you liked this try-
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
Virgil Wander by Leif Enger
​The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman
​Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig
Yogimamacita
Sep 08, 2024
9/10 stars
An unforgettable story of family, loyalty, values and redemption. Heartwarming in the best way.
Khris Sellin
Jul 05, 2024
8/10 stars
Great adventure story

One star off for senseless killing of animals.
Janet Blanchard
Jan 18, 2026
8/10 stars
This book is beautifully written. The author has a brilliant way of describing people, events and emotions. However, it gets off to a good start and then slows down to a crawl in the middle. At about the 60% point, it picks up again and then it’s great. I love a book that ends in an unexpected way and this provided that.
Ann Bredemeier
Oct 18, 2025
8/10 stars
Well written book set in MN and ND so extra interesting for me. The story and characters were great and kept my interest. I didn't especially like the ending but I do see that it is the ending that was best.

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.