Leif Enger featured guest at CSB "Book Lovers' Night"

The College of Saint Benedict Bookstore and Clemens Library are co-sponsoring a “Book Lovers’ Night” from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 16, in Clemens Library, CSB. Leif Enger, author of So Brave, Young, and Handsome and Peace Like A River, is the featured guest.

Enger released his most recent novel, So Brave, Young, and Handsome, in 2008. The book is described as a “stunning successor— a touching, nimble, and rugged story of an aging train robber on a quest to reconcile the claims of love and judgment on his life, and the failed writer who goes with him,” according to the Atlantic Monthly Press, publisher of the book.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune called this book “a superbly written, utterly compelling story of self-discovery and redemption disguised as a cracking good adventure tale.”  

Enger’s 2001 debut release, Peace Like A River, was named one of the top five novels of the year by Time magazine, selected as one of the best books of 2001 by nearly all major newspapers and designated book of the year by Book Sense, the organization of independent booksellers. Peace Like A River captured hearts throughout the nation as Enger takes his readers on a heroic quest filled with adventure, tragedy and affection.

“Peace Like a River serves as a reminder of why we read fiction to begin with: to commune with a vividly, lovingly rendered world, to lose ourselves in a story and language and beauty, to savor what we don’t want to end yet know must,” wrote reviewer Andrew Roe in the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper.

Enger was raised in Osakis, Minn., and worked for Minnesota Public Radio as a reporter and producer for almost 20 years. Enger resides in Minnesota on a farm with his wife and two sons.

A light meal consisting of croissant sandwiches will be optional for $7 from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in Clemens Library. Beverages including beer and wine can also be purchased throughout the night. Community Readers Kathy Parker and Kathy Matthew will offer book recommendations following the optional dinner. Enger will speak at 7 p.m. 

Book browsing and a book signing will take place in Clemens Library after Enger’s presentation. Enger’s books will be available to purchase throughout the night and are also found at the CSB/SJU bookstores. The books will be 20 percent off at Book Lover’s Night.

For more information, contact Clemens Library at 320-363-2119 or email [email protected].