If I were stranded on an island and could only take 5 bks with me, this would be one. This is an incredibly real saga of a troubled young man, injured in the civl war and dis-owned by his "father" who heads west to prove himself. He meets an unwed mother traumatized by a rape that resulted in her beautiful son. On this short wagon train ride they fall in love. The book continues from then until years later when they are grandparents. It includes all the trials and tribulations of their relationship, their hardships, the children and the pioneering people in the west. This would be a better movie than "giant" (the liz taylor/james dean/rock hudson movie of this ilk). You have to fall in love with the whole family....and
while there is sadness and angst there is also enormous joy, humor, love and delightfulness. If u read one book this month, make it this one........Lettie's love of her family and faith will stay in your heart for a long time.