For the first time, I think I can say that I liked a book better because I listened to the audio version instead of reading it. The reader, Frank Muller, was so so good. Every time he said "make meat" or "give death" I got shivers.

About the book itself: I can see how a lot of readers would not be so into it. There's zero humor and not much action. But if you're compelled by the craft of writing, this little book is riveting. The boy at the center of it (John, who I think was a teenager) doesn't look at the world the way most kids I know do. He's grave and takes his responsibilities to his family very seriously. His grandfather is terminally ill, so John has to go hunt deer alone in the Minnesota wilderness. He finds a doe, but then something strange happens. To describe the plot any further would make it sound ridiculous, I think. You just have to read it. ( )

John is 13, raised by his grandparents since he was orphaned. But now his grandfather is dying. John is struggling with the unfairness of it all when a beautiful doe seems to beckon him to follow her.

Intriguing look at how a family faces impending death, and not depressing at all. ( )

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