Fall Book Discussion: Peace Like a River

  ROUTE 66 – AMERICAN HIGHWAYS is the theme for the fall book discussion series at the Niobrara County Library. Route 66 is one of the first national highways for motor vehicles in the United States and one that became an icon in American popular culture. In November of 2026 the route celebrates its 100thanniversary. The discussion series includes books that celebrate not only Route 66 but American Highways. Tina Kitras-Seaman returns to facilitate the series. Stop by the library to register and pick up the first book in the series.

“Peace Like A River,” is Leif Enger’s debut novel. It is at once a heroic quest, a tragedy, and a love story. Raised on tales of cowboys and pirates, eleven-year-old asthmatic Reuben Land has little doubt that miracles happen all around us, and that it’s up to us to “make of it what we will.” Their  quiet Midwestern life is upended when Davy, the oldest son, kills two marauders who have come to harm the family. The morning of his sentencing, he escapes from his cell, and the Lands set out in search of him. The family covers territory—far more extraordinary than even the Badlands—where they search for Davy from their Airstream trailer across the Midwest. “Peace Like A River” will be discussed on Monday, October 6 at 6 p.m.