The Language Of Trees
Ilie Ruby
August 2010
339 pages
Published by Avon
********************
FTC disclosure: I received this book from the publisher, as I’m participating in a TLC book tour.
********************
Blurb from the back of the ARC:
Ilie Ruby’s debut novel opens as Grant Shongo has returned home to Canandaigua Lake, a little community where everyone knows everyone’s business – though they may pretend not to. Devastated and living in isolation after the breakup of his marriage, Grant is drawn back into the world when a young man, Lion, pleas for his help in finding his missing wife, Melanie. Tongues are wagging about Melanie’s disappearance, being a recovering addict, could she have had a relapse? Was she abducted? What, if anything, does it have to do with the death of her little brother all those years ago?
Sparks fly when Grant’s first love returns to town, but can it be trusted this time? And with the chance at enjoying life again, will Grant’s promise to Lion fall by the wayside – possibly endangering countless lives?
I confess…I was intrigued by the title of this book. And it ended up being as magical as the title suggests. Laura asked me if I found “that the use of language in The Language Of Trees enhanced the story or got in its way?” I don’t think it got in the way at all. I think the language is an integral part of what makes the story unique. There were times that I thought it felt a bit too self-aware (does that even make sense?), but those were few and far between, and this is a debut novel.
However, there were two things that bothered me. Early in the book, Grant sets off for what I believe is a seven mile run into town. Then later in the book, Echo mentions she is walking from town to Grant’s cabin for dinner. She’s walking seven miles to a dinner date? Really? And then she makes a few stops and shows up with her hair still wet. Also, Charlie Cooke. Call me cold-hearted, but I’d rather he didn’t have the ending he had.
Despite those two minor quibbles, I enjoyed the story. In particular, I loved the small town setting. I think I mention this a lot, but I love small town settings. I like reading about the sense of community and the home town businesses and the characters that always pop up in small towns, and all of those things really came through for me in this book.
And finally, a few more questions that people asked:
Dreamybee: “Does The Language Of Trees compare tree song to whale song? ’Cuz I have a theory about that…” Nope, sorry, no whale song. But there is a ghost, and a little bit of mysticism.
gautami tripathy: “I received The Language of Trees yesterday. Do you think I should jump the gun for it?” There are very few books that I would recommend dropping everything for, but I will say you should read this one sooner rather than later.
Other TLC tour stops for The Language of Trees:
- Tuesday, July 20th: I’m Booking It
- Wednesday, July 21st: Café of Dreams
- Monday, July 26th: Library Queue
- Wednesday, July 28th: Fizzy Thoughts
- Thursday, July 29th: Alison’s Book Marks
- Monday, August 2nd: Chaotic Compendiums
- Wednesday, August 4th: Take Me Away
- Thursday, August 5th: Booksie’s Blog
- Monday, August 9th: Jenny Loves to Read
- Tuesday, August 10th: Chefdruck Musings
- Thursday, August 12th: Books Like Breathing
For more info, check out the TLC tour page for The Language of Trees. And many thanks to TLC and Avon!
I have been curious about this book and am so glad to hear that you liked it!! It does sound like it’s quite a bit different than most that are out there today. Great review, I will be looking for it!
I loved your observations Jill in inconsistent plot elements. I think that would stick right out for me as well. I do want to read this book in August.
The title is nice but the cover is really catching as well. And I also love the idea of small towns (although unfortunately not the reality) and ghosts and mysticism! Oh la la!
I’m terrible at noticing inconsistencies in the text–like her walking seven miles to the date. I can’t imagine walking seven miles ANYWHERE!
I am all about a small town setting, and if you throw a ghost or two into it? Even better! Good catch on the seven mile walk point, too!
“And it ended up being as magical as the title suggests.” yay! I’m so glad to hear this is good since I’m reading it for the tour as well. Always good to look forward to reading a book I’ve commited to, lol. But sounds like something I would maybe want to read anyway. Great review!
I wish I had done this tour. This book really does sound good. A ghost and mysticism – what could be better.
This book sounds wonderful and now I can’t wait to read it!
I know exactly what you mean by too self-aware. Well, at least I know exactly what I mean by a book that is too self-aware.
It’s not quite pretentious but still can feel a bit stylistically contrived.
It sounds rather lovely. (and I like when a blogger posts the random quibbles.)
Hello all, I’m the author and thank you for your interesting observations about my book. Ask me questions, anything, I’m all ears and love to talk. And in the spirit of self-disclosure, I will tell you that I have walked 7 miles for a date with my hair soaking wet. But I’m just that kind of girl! Also, it’s May, rainy, drizzly, changing weather, parting skies, etc.
Ilie
I wonder if she is just a fast walker…but I would wonder about that 7 miles, too.
Ooh, ghosts and mysticism and stuff. This one sounds delicious.
Oh yes, I love a small town setting too and this does sound like a good one!
My hair takes a long time to dry…but not the time it takes to walk 7 miles!
I love books that take place in small town settings. I always consider myself more of a big city girl, but there is something about small towns that always pulls me in (especially in books!). This sounds like a really good one. I’ll have to pick it up sometime.
Hmm..well, at least we know she’s dedicated if she’s willing to walk that far for the guy!
The title and cover of this one grabbed me right from the start. I’m glad to hear that you liked it.
I also like small towns but that’s because I live in a fairly large one and like to think about escape every now and then.
I really want to read this one … something about the Native American mysticism part of the story really grabs me. Glad to know you enjoyed it – thanks for being a part of the tour!
The title alone had me at hello. I also love your review. I never really thought of this before until you brought it up, but I think I also read more books that cover small town’s. They are almost a character themselves in a way. I also am loving the characters names in the book and this book just screams strong, unique story all around. Will for sure pick this one up.
Bad copyeditor …. (but who doesn’t make a mistake?)
Not convinced this is for me but since Mr. BFR was a forestry major, I kind of feel compelled to buy and read books that are even remotely concerned with trees.
I walk 5 miles almost every morning, for my health, but 7 miles for a dinner date? And, presumably, 7 miles back? I think I’d stay home and make a sandwich, LOL.
I love the sound of this book, though.
I love how you got hung up on things like the length of the walk.
Your “ask me a question” technique for writing this review was brilliant! Sounds like you got a lot (of reading) done on your vacation
Seven miles is a long way to walk, especially on a date. How fast can you get home if you get angry and leave in a huff?