Kilbourn Public Library Book Club

The Library Book Club selection for September is So Brave, Young, and Handsome by Leif Enger. This is the story of outlaw Glendon Hale's quest to right his past, as seen through the eyes of his unlikely companion Monte Becket. In 1915 Minnesota, novelist Monte Becket has lost his sense of purpose. His only success long behind him, Monte lives simply with his wife and son. But when he befriends outlaw Glendon Hale, a new world of opportunity and experience presents itself. Glendon has spent years in obscurity, but the guilt he harbors for abandoning his wife, Blue, over two decades ago, has lured him from hiding.

As the modern age marches swiftly forward, Glendon aims to travel back to his past to seek Blue's forgiveness. Beguiled and inspired, Monte soon finds himself leaving behind his own family to embark for the unruly West with his fugitive guide. As they desperately flee from the relentless Charles Siringo, an ex-Pinkerton who's been hunting Glendon for years, Monte falls ever furthur from his family and the law, to be tempered by a fiery adventure from which he may never get home.

What did you think about Monte's decision to leave his family to go with Glendon? Why do you think he felt the need to do this? Who was your favorite character in this story and why? Let us know what you think!