Sometimes heroism is nothing more than patience, curiosity, and a refusal to panic

I finished Leif Enger's most recent book, "So Brave, Young, and Handsome" in just under 72 hours.

It took me a little longer to get into than "Peace Like a River," but it was well worth it once I was sucked in.

Something about this man's words just get me. I feel so much when I read his books. It's like he takes my thoughts and weaves them into a story about bandits and outlaws, hunting, or just plain youth.

To illustrate my point, here is the "Acknowledgments" from SBYH. Mind you, this is normally the dullest part of an entire novel. But again, Leif Enger wrote it in a way that touched me. His words are so precise and gentle. It's as simple as that.

I think you'll understand why.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

"I am surrounded by friends, kept safe by generous people. So it has been for as long as I can remember. Maybe being the youngest of four acclimated me early to a pattern of kindness; whatever the reasons, a surprising number of people have given me the benefit of the doubt.

"Therefore let me thank E., who saw instantly to the soul of this story, and whose questions, confidence, and wit helped me do the same; and M., who welcomed an outlaw tale and saved a spot for me in the lineup. Thanks also to P. and M., whose counsel is reliably clear-eyed and practical.

"Mom and Dad used to put me to bed accompanied by an album called Songs of the West, a loving thing to do. There is no sweeter sorrow that "The Cowboy's Lament." Moreover, Dad's friend Hood Roberts allowed me to borrow his name; I wish he was here to judge the result.

"T. and J. spent hundreds of hours in my writing loft, talking, listening, making me laugh--without their vigorous distraction, I might never have finished.

"Finally, thanks to Robin, for hearing my pages with persistent grace. Sometimes heroism is nothing more than patience, curiosity, and a refusal to panic."