NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERWINNER OF THE 2014 EDGAR AWARD FOR BEST NOVELWINNER OF THE 2014 DILYS AWARDA SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF 2013 “That was it. That was all of it. A grace so ordinary there was no reason at all to remember it. Yet I have never across the forty years since it was spoken forgotten a single word.” New Bremen, Minnesota, 1961. The Twins were playing their debut season, … Minnesota, 1961. The Twins were playing their debut season, ice-cold root beers were selling out at the soda counter of Halderson’s Drugstore, and Hot Stuff comic books were a mainstay on every barbershop magazine rack. It was a time of innocence and hope for a country with a new, young president. But for thirteen-year-old Frank Drum it was a grim summer in which death visited frequently and assumed many forms. Accident. Nature. Suicide. Murder.
Frank begins the season preoccupied with the concerns of any teenage boy, but when tragedy unexpectedly strikes his family–which includes his Methodist minister father; his passionate, artistic mother; Juilliard-bound older sister; and wise-beyond-his-years kid brother–he finds himself thrust into an adult world full of secrets, lies, adultery, and betrayal, suddenly called upon to demonstrate a maturity and gumption beyond his years.
Told from Frank’s perspective forty years after that fateful summer, Ordinary Grace is a brilliantly moving account of a boy standing at the door of his young manhood, trying to understand a world that seems to be falling apart around him. It is an unforgettable novel about discovering the terrible price of wisdom and the enduring grace of God.more
The prose is simple but deep and it’s expertly paced. The characters as richly drawn as any real person you know. Sad, but insightful. And life-affirming in the end.
This is simply the best book I’ve ever read. And I’ve read a lot of books. I was so moved by how these characters were portrayed and how respectful Mr. Krueger was about one of the character’s faith life. The characters are intriguing and interesting and the story pulls you along in a caring yet suspenseful way. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
This book has so many levels of greatness. Fiction written in memoir style, wrapped in a mystery. The blurb may give you a hint at what is in the book, but really, this is one you have to read for yourself. The prose is excellent. I listened to it on Audible and the narration is excellent, as well. Don’t miss this one!
This book was so good so well written hated to see it end. Set in the 60’s which brought back memories. Two brothers grow up very fast in one summer. Loved,loved the book.
A beautifully written coming-of-age story about family, secrets, and murder in small-town Minnesota in the 1960’s. A book I could say I wish I’d written.
This is part murder mystery, part coming-of age, and part family story. It’s a wonderful stand-alone book. Krueger also writes detective series that are good reads.
This was an absolutely fabulous book, really one of the best I’ve read in a long time. It’s a ‘coming of age’ story so if you like movies like Stand By Me, this one will be perfect for you. Maybe a little bit of a slow read, but absolutely beautiful, wonderful character development, good plot. Yeah, I liked it.
Very pleasant read that made me want to take my time and soak it all in. Wonderful connection from the beginning to the end. Everything ties together beautifully. Well-developed characters that you fall in love with or feel true disdain for. Loved this book!
Very moving and thought provoking coming-of-age story that also manages to provide a suspenseful feel throughout the novel.
A captivating and moving story that is equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming. I was transported to the 1961 small town of New Bremen, Minnesota and was absolutley immersed until the final page. A touching novel that is sure to stay with me for years to come.
Ordinary Grace explores the growing up of a small town boy during the summer of 1961 and the tragedies that transformed him and his family. Secrets and faith and forgiveness are some of the main themes, but these characters become very real as they are just broken imperfect people. I would definitely recommend this book. The author brings the story to life and you become invested in this family and their struggles.
THE FEELS PEOPLE. THE FREAKING FEELS.
Holy catamongous. This book just wrecked me. By the end I had guessed several things and wished I had not. Because they made me sadder about what happens in the story.
THIS is not a lighthearted book. This is a book of pain, and sorrow and grief and family and love. And it is truly about ordinary grace in extraordinary times.
I will never be the same.
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger is always the type of book I’m attracted to. It’s as if the author is sitting in his chair, a rocker, I think, maybe picking out his favorite pipe and reaching into his pouch of tobacco, spending some time filling the bowl, tamping it down, putting a match to it, while I impatiently wait for him to speak. And once he has a good draw, he begins.
His words come, and before I know it, I am sucked into the grim summer of forty years ago when there were too many deaths and just a few miracles.
This is the first novel I’d read by this author, and I must say I was tremendously impressed. It’s unusual that a writer beautifully expresses the inner workings of thr main character, who is both a thoughtful man of the cloth and a person who solves mysteries and investigates possible crimes in such an insightful and careful manner. He is ultra sensitive to the emotional needs of his family, especially his kids. It’s an unusual coupling of the two talents of this main character (sorry, i’ve forgtten the character’s name), but I’ll never forgotten the impression he had on me. Though the character of Atticus Finch surprisingly comes to mind, when I consider the great models of fatherhood and ethical manner of living their lives, the two fictional role models seem very close.
I absolutely loved this novel. I haven’t even mentioned the plot, but it weaves throughout the book extremely successfully. I must read more from Kruger!
Fantastic book, fantastic writing, it is definitely one of those books that will stay with your permanently. William is right up there with John Hart’s “The last child” in my opinion.
This is a coming of age story for all ages. Beautifully written, with a compelling story and strong, complex characters. Highly recommended.
Normally not a fan of mystery books but this is outstanding and a look at small town America . Strong characters and a very excellent reAd.
The characters were warm and real and the book did an excellent job of revealing them to the reader. The love and understanding that the father, a minister, showed to his family and neighbors was admirable but not sappy.
“That was it. That was all of it. A grace so ordinary there was no reason at all to remember it. Yet I have never across the forty years since it was spoken forgotten a single word.”
This book was one of the best books I have read. I loved all the characters in this story of love, faith, death, heartbreak, healing, and forgiveness. This book has it all. A lesson in faith and love that you won’t soon forget.
The story is told by Frank, forty years after the events of one unforgettable summer. A boy, who is becoming a man trying to understand the world and why everything he loves is slipping away. He learns many things this one summer that will carry on with him all through his life.
I recommend everyone read this book and tell everyone you know! 5 stars!!
My favorite book this year!