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"Mother, Nature" by Jedidiah Jenkins

book review by Riley Burnham 3/23/2024

i so thoroughly enjoyed this book(!)

a fan of Jenkins's other work, i downloaded this audiobook when it popped up on newly available [Libby]

huge surpise when it delivers so much more than a first-glance would dictate

​​​​​​​we're taken across the country [+ some backstory] w/ Barbara & Jedidiah, mother & son, as they retrace the path she took earlier [4 years in the 70s] w/ her then husband [Jed's father], who hoofed the journey [this story they're driving it]

the best parts of the story [actually, there're a lot] are the dialogues between the positive(!) wise, Christian/faithful mother & her liberal, gay, thoughtful son -- i see her wisdom through his recollection, knowing god = good

their friendship & mutual experience blossoms wholesomely, w/ them meeting grace & serendipity throughout the journey as she counts her blessings 😊

a big part of the growth tension focuses around his homosexuality & her faith repelling it -- they have heartfelt conversations which are a treat to hear

make me want to go for a drive(!)