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Praise for So Brave, Young, and Handsome…

“After writing an adventure tale that was a surprise bestseller, Monte’s efforts to produce another have all failed. So when an old-time Western outlaw (who is now just plain old) floats by, Monte is swept down the river and into the past of someone who might have walked out of the pages of a Western novel. The two encounter ragtime remnants of the old west and a plot to match in a novel that is at once an elegy to a vanished past, a kindly-intended satire of the western genre, and a great story with a big heart.”—Betsy Burton, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

"In this book Enger again explores the often transparent line between good and bad, focusing his story on characters who fall in the grey in-between. Failed novelist Monte Becket accompanies his friend,former outlaw Glendon Hale, to Mexico to find Hale's estranged wife. Their adventures along the way, and the surprising end of their journey, make for an exciting and thought-provoking read." — Erica Caldwell, Present Tense, Batavia, NY

“Set in the early nineteen hundreds, Monte Becket, writer of one very successful novel, is at odds with his inability to find a story for his second book. A chance meeting with a colorful character from the Old West sets Monte one the road to his adventure and quest. Enger takes us for a wonderful ride in a time gone by, where cowboys roam, Pinkerton men track their prey, and Wild West shows abound. The story is enhanced with Enger's ability to evoke time, place and setting as he did so well in Peace Like a River.”—Jane Dawson, Porter Square Books, Cambridge, MA

“Captivating cast of characters, (Monte, Glendon,Hood Charles Siringo) and a wonderful sense of place,(the American West of 1911). Leif Enger captures our interest again. Could he write faster?”—Suzanne Droppert, Liberty Bay Books, Poulsbo, WA

“I am just back from a bookselling conference called Midwinter Institute, hosted by the American Booksellers Association. The highlight of the weekend for me was meeting Leif Enger, author of Peace Like a River. On the plane ride, I brought along a review copy of Enger’s new book that will be released in May, titled So Brave, Young, and Handsome. While I was pulling out my copy of the book, I noticed another bookseller across the aisle from me also pulling out the same book. We chuckled over this and plunged into our respective copies. At the conference, we attended an author reception one night, a room with 40 authors, 500 booksellers, wine, and cheese—it’ s awesome to say the least. We, of course, patiently waited in line to meet Leif Enger. When we reached the author, I told him about reading his book on the plane, and he told me, somewhat shyly, “I know, I was sitting behind you.” Furthermore, he visited Sister Wolf Books last summer, but didn’t identify himself to staff! You have a treat in store for you when Enger’s new book arrives in stores.”— Jennifer Geraedts, Beagle Books, Park Rapids, MN

“Enger treats us to a wild ride as we accompany the main character along on an adventure which not only cures his writer's block, but also permits him and his young family a chance to find a new life and home far from the one they have become accustomed to.”— Betsy Goree, The Book Shelf, Tryon, NC

“A riveting story that keeps taking unexpected turns. I was so involved with the characters; I didn't want it to end.”—Jennifer Hall, Partners Village Store, Westport, MA

“Leif Enger's long-awaited second novel is a joyride, deserving of a wide audience. With subtle artistry, it flows like the breeze over a rag-top dashboard. Stymied by writer's block, Monte is drawn inexplicably to leave his family and accompany his enigmatic neighbor on a quest to find the woman he left in California while running from the law a lifetime ago. Quickly, the pair becomes fugitives on the lam, among a cast of scalawags and outlaws in an old-fashioned road novel rivaling tales of Bonnie and Clyde. So Brave shines with the gritty romance and adventure of Water for Elephants, and Enger's own Peace Like a River.”—Sara Hinckley, The Hudson Group

“This wonderful novel written by a delightfully naive narrator recalls Mark Twain in its adventurous tale. When Monte Beckett, an author of a successful children's action novel, finds himself on his own Western odyssey, we find ourselves in the world of cowboys, outlaws and Pinktertons. A delight!!”—Meaghan Leenaarts, Island Bookstore, Duck, NC

“A charming and delightful read about the adventures of an ‘accidental outlaw’ and the Western Romance writer with writer's block who accompanies him on his quest for forgiveness from the young wife he abandoned. A very satisfying ending.”—Andy Lillich, University of Oregon Bookstore, Eugene, OR

“Leif Enger has done it again: a novel that reads like a modern fable, with characters to cheer for and despise. A reformed bank robber begins a journey to reconcile with a long lost love. He is accompanied on this journey by a has-been author and chased by an obsessed ex-Pinkerton agent. What more can you ask for? Circus freaks? O.K. It has those too. For those of you who loved Peace Like a River, So Brave will not disappoint.”—Chris Livingston, The Book Shelf, Winona, MN

“Enger’s second novel is another rousing good yarn. A cast of varied, colorful characters weave among well-defined landscapes in a plot that defies re-telling or summation. You had to be there. I especially appreciated the first and last sentences of the chapters; it required discipline not to go on for just one more, as Enger teased us into the next adventure. While this reads like a transcription of a good storyteller’s oral entertainment, it is a finely-crafted work and exquisitely written.”—Cheryl McKeon, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park WA

“Talk about living through the curse of the second book! I loved Peace Like a River madly and admit that I had trepidations starting So Brave, Young, and Handsome. What if it stank? What if he was a one hit wonder? But I loved it, LOVED it from the first paragraph on. Leif Enger is such a talented writer and this second book was as much of a treat as his first, and completely different. It is very Mark Twain and I can’t wait to recommend it.”—Holly Myers, The Elliot Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA

“Leif Enger has again successfully blended family, friendship and adventure set in the early Twentieth century west. It all adds up to a moving and satisfying page-turner.”—Nancy Olson, Quail Ridge Books & Music, Raleigh, NC

“This picaresque novel features rogues you might not mind having dinner with, heroes who appear in unexpected places, and atypical chases featuring handcrafted boats. This is storytelling at its best from a writer many already love.”—Linda Ramsdell, The Galaxy Bookshop, Hardwick, VT

“Just finished reading Leif Enger's new book, So Brave, Young, and Handsome. Actually, the book won't even be published until May, 2008. One of the advantages of being a bookseller, and there are many, is having access to books before they are born. Another advantage is that we often get to meet authors, as I met Leif last week in Louisville. I attended the American Booksellers Association Winter Institute (and believe me, it was WINTER in Louisville) where I was delighted to find that my favorite author finally had produced his second novel and he was in attendance, signing his book. I was delighted to meet him and report that our store had sold hundreds of his first book, Peace Like a River. That book, one of my most recommended for years, is referre