
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Astonishing clarity on the value of fathers and a life of purpose
While this book lacks the plot and historical analysis of the outstanding Snow Falling on Cedars, it has something much more powerful: a clear case for the value of ordinary, loving parents--fathers in particular--and a sense of purpose in living one's life. I may be responding to this work through the prism of my own struggles: like Neil Countryman I am the child of a blue-collar father and a resident of the Pacific Northwest. I identify with his work ethic because in the same era I waited tables and sold clothes for tuition money while kids with financial aid packages bought stereos and lots of the aforementioned clothes. And much like Neil Countryman, I learned that those advantages meant little when compared to the advantages of strong parents and determination.Neil's obsession with great literature and poetry fills for him the role of a spiritual center while John William's fascination with the Gnostics does little to address the gaping holes in his soul. Their mutual love for the wilderness gives them a way to connect, but their obvious love for one another provides them both with anchors that don't quite keep them moored to satisfaction. It's easy to wonder what could have soothed the frantic colic of the adult John William, what could have answered the perpetual questions of Neil Countryman after John William's death.My one quibble with the book was the gross "Whole-Foods-ization" of Neil in the form of precious foodstuffs. I'd have appreciated seeing Neil saunter down to Ivar's, order a 4-piece, and toss the fries to the seagulls. Had Neil remained a bit truer to his roots when living in the city, I'd have probably liked this even more than Snow Falling on Cedars.
4.0 out of 5 stars Rich and sumptuous
I just finished David Guterson's novel "The Other". The book is set in the Northwest; on the Olympic Peninsula, in Oregon and Seattle. I thought it was a wonderful book. In the Sunday NY Times Book Review, Bruce Barcott wrote, "...his recollections of life in Seattle have a wonderful richness and texture." I'd say the same about Guterson's descriptions of the Hoh River Valley. Some sentences are long and some paragraphs go on for a page or more, but like the beauty of the Hoh Rainforest itself, Guterson's writing is quiet and timeless. This novel is a sumptuous character study of two boys on the edge of manhood and the differences of their youthful dreams. And it's also reminder of how beautiful is our corner of the world.
3.0 out of 5 stars Not the best of Guterson's otherwise excellent books
I first came across David Guterson's works, like so many, by reading "Snow Failling on Cedars". I've lived in the Seattle area since 1992, and particularly enjoy novels set in places that I know that envelope the scenery, culture and history into the story. My other favorite books are "East of the Mountains", "Ed King" and "Our Lady of the Forest". I've read all of his other published works as well, but I don't particularly find this book engaging. Well-written, yes.The theme is the question between living a life of purity and one of compromise, but the life of purity has a shadow of selfishness and worthlessness, while the life of compromise offers a richer and more meaningful existence on a human level, let alone a material one. And so the book poses this question, and never quite works it out, but shows many sides to the choice. It is an interesting philosophical question that many people grapple with in their late teens and early 20's, and the interesting way in which Guterson explores the question through the novel is, well, novel. Well written, interesting question, written in a place that I love that is evocatively brought to life; why, then, did it leave me unsatisfied? I don't really know. I've asked myself, and my best explanation is that I have already faced and answered the question long ago, and so it doesn't personally connect with me as the theme in "East of the Mountains" does now that I am growing much older. If you have not thought much about this question, you may find this novel to be one of your favorites, but for me, in the end, it did not grab my heart or my mind.
5.0 out of 5 stars So Authentic
I kept checking to see if this was an autobiography. Incredible detailed writing. David pulls you in and you don't even know until your world falls away and you beside the characters in his book.
Five Stars
Always enjoy this author. Great stuff
Wer "Into the Wild" von J. Krakauer mochte, wird auch diesen Roman mögen
Die Geschichte einer Freundschaft zwischen zwei sehr ungleichen Männern, von denen der eine sich zunehmend aus dem alltäglichen Leben und der Realität verabschiedet.Sehr gut beobachtet und - wie alles von David Guterson - wunderbar geschrieben.
Four Stars
Classic Guterson! After a fairly slow start,I very soon became engrossed. One not to be missed!
Complicated
I loved Snow falling over cedar springs so decided to try more of David guterson's books but this one seemed just so complicated. I will persevere with this author as his research is so good
Ein Buch das man nicht vergisst
Eine sehr besondere Geschichte, toll geschrieben und berührend
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The Other
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Visit the Knopf Store
The Other

AED7549
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Astonishing clarity on the value of fathers and a life of purpose
While this book lacks the plot and historical analysis of the outstanding Snow Falling on Cedars, it has something much more powerful: a clear case for the value of ordinary, loving parents--fathers in particular--and a sense of purpose in living one's life. I may be responding to this work through the prism of my own struggles: like Neil Countryman I am the child of a blue-collar father and a resident of the Pacific Northwest. I identify with his work ethic because in the same era I waited tables and sold clothes for tuition money while kids with financial aid packages bought stereos and lots of the aforementioned clothes. And much like Neil Countryman, I learned that those advantages meant little when compared to the advantages of strong parents and determination.Neil's obsession with great literature and poetry fills for him the role of a spiritual center while John William's fascination with the Gnostics does little to address the gaping holes in his soul. Their mutual love for the wilderness gives them a way to connect, but their obvious love for one another provides them both with anchors that don't quite keep them moored to satisfaction. It's easy to wonder what could have soothed the frantic colic of the adult John William, what could have answered the perpetual questions of Neil Countryman after John William's death.My one quibble with the book was the gross "Whole-Foods-ization" of Neil in the form of precious foodstuffs. I'd have appreciated seeing Neil saunter down to Ivar's, order a 4-piece, and toss the fries to the seagulls. Had Neil remained a bit truer to his roots when living in the city, I'd have probably liked this even more than Snow Falling on Cedars.
4.0 out of 5 stars Rich and sumptuous
I just finished David Guterson's novel "The Other". The book is set in the Northwest; on the Olympic Peninsula, in Oregon and Seattle. I thought it was a wonderful book. In the Sunday NY Times Book Review, Bruce Barcott wrote, "...his recollections of life in Seattle have a wonderful richness and texture." I'd say the same about Guterson's descriptions of the Hoh River Valley. Some sentences are long and some paragraphs go on for a page or more, but like the beauty of the Hoh Rainforest itself, Guterson's writing is quiet and timeless. This novel is a sumptuous character study of two boys on the edge of manhood and the differences of their youthful dreams. And it's also reminder of how beautiful is our corner of the world.
3.0 out of 5 stars Not the best of Guterson's otherwise excellent books
I first came across David Guterson's works, like so many, by reading "Snow Failling on Cedars". I've lived in the Seattle area since 1992, and particularly enjoy novels set in places that I know that envelope the scenery, culture and history into the story. My other favorite books are "East of the Mountains", "Ed King" and "Our Lady of the Forest". I've read all of his other published works as well, but I don't particularly find this book engaging. Well-written, yes.The theme is the question between living a life of purity and one of compromise, but the life of purity has a shadow of selfishness and worthlessness, while the life of compromise offers a richer and more meaningful existence on a human level, let alone a material one. And so the book poses this question, and never quite works it out, but shows many sides to the choice. It is an interesting philosophical question that many people grapple with in their late teens and early 20's, and the interesting way in which Guterson explores the question through the novel is, well, novel. Well written, interesting question, written in a place that I love that is evocatively brought to life; why, then, did it leave me unsatisfied? I don't really know. I've asked myself, and my best explanation is that I have already faced and answered the question long ago, and so it doesn't personally connect with me as the theme in "East of the Mountains" does now that I am growing much older. If you have not thought much about this question, you may find this novel to be one of your favorites, but for me, in the end, it did not grab my heart or my mind.
5.0 out of 5 stars So Authentic
I kept checking to see if this was an autobiography. Incredible detailed writing. David pulls you in and you don't even know until your world falls away and you beside the characters in his book.
Five Stars
Always enjoy this author. Great stuff
Wer "Into the Wild" von J. Krakauer mochte, wird auch diesen Roman mögen
Die Geschichte einer Freundschaft zwischen zwei sehr ungleichen Männern, von denen der eine sich zunehmend aus dem alltäglichen Leben und der Realität verabschiedet.Sehr gut beobachtet und - wie alles von David Guterson - wunderbar geschrieben.
Four Stars
Classic Guterson! After a fairly slow start,I very soon became engrossed. One not to be missed!
Complicated
I loved Snow falling over cedar springs so decided to try more of David guterson's books but this one seemed just so complicated. I will persevere with this author as his research is so good
Ein Buch das man nicht vergisst
Eine sehr besondere Geschichte, toll geschrieben und berührend
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Similar items from “Metaphysical & Visionary”
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Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U0307263150