Valet Reader

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

It never would have occurred to me that one of the books on my all time greatest books list would be a science fiction novel. Up until reading this book, the idea was simply unfathomable. That’s not to say I don’t like science fiction but it just hasn’t always been on the top of my list.

Sure I love Bradbury, Vonnegut and Orson Scott Card but enough to put them at the top? I just don’t know. That said, if there is one book you read this year or in your entire life, let it be The Sparrow.

It’s pretty tough for me to explain why this book is so amazing. Perhaps I feel this way because the story is simply astounding, fantastic, moving, fast and full of life. Maybe it’s because of the way that Russell writes, providing incredible character development and detail. Or maybe it’s just as simple as getting pleasure from reading something so unlike anything I’ve ever read before. Ah, there is just so much to it. Issues such as politics, slavery, social interaction, the environment and the idea that the smallest simplest things can have a profound affect on everything and anything.

Typically, I am not a repeat reader, meaning once I’ve read a book, odds are I won’t read it again. In fact, I can’t actually think of another book that I’ve read twice, no less twice within a six month period (Waiting for Godot doesn’t count but I do plan on reading Replay by Ken Grimwood again shortly). That said, The Sparrow just does it for me and I will likely be reading it again and again until I can no longer read.

It’s pretty awesome when you’re standing in line for coffee and a woman comes up to you and starts ranting and raving about a book you’re reading. And when you feel the same way about that book it’s great. And then, out of nowhere the people around you in the coffee shop start asking what you’re reading and you get them excited about it too. It’s just an easy thing to do with this book.

Yesterday, on my way home on the cable car, I was trying to explain something about this book to a girl sitting next to me. Ok, it was a feeble attempt at flirtation and it may not have gone so well, but I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why the book is actually titled The Sparrow. Perhaps the first time through the book I missed it. But, on page 401 Matthew 10:29 is quoted “Not one sparrow can fall to the ground without your father knowing about it.” I’m not going to delve into the contextual significance of this line in terms of the book, but to me it’s a pretty incredible statement and summation.

I know I haven’t really provided you, the reader, with much of the story or exactly spelled out why you should read this book. Perhaps it’s because to say anything would take something away from your experience. Or maybe it’s because I want to keep the rest of my thoughts to myself, it’s rare that a book would do that to me, so when it does I’m a little selfish. All I can and will say is, please read this book.

Note: Not surprisingly I’ve just discovered that Warner Brothers has bought the rights to the book for Plan B. Looks like Michael Seitzman is adapting the novel and Brad Pitt is slated to play the leading role (Sandoz). Not too sure how I feel about this, but whenever a book like this gets turned into a movie, the book inevitably ends up in more peoples hands which makes me happy. The potential for a good movie is there, but there is no doubt in my mind that it will have nothing on the book.