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Critics' Opinion:
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First Published:
May 2002, 382 pages
Paperback:
May 2003, 400 pages
Father Tim takes on a unique and difficult ministry, when an unexpected event propels him on a painful journey that shakes his faith, his marriage, and the whole town of Mitford.
In This Mountain finds Father Tim and Cynthia again living in Mitford, following their stint on Whitecap Island a couple of years ago. In the little town that's become America's favorite home-away-from-home, life hums along. Dooley looks toward his career as a vet. Joe Ivey and Fancy Skinner fight a haircut price war that takes no prisoners. Percy steps out on a limb with a risky new menu item at the Grill. Uncle Billy feels new pressure to produce a sure-fire joke, and the Man in the Attic returns to Mitford as the town holds its breath to see what happens.
Though Father Tim dislikes change, he dislikes retirement even more. His wife wins awards, receives bouquets, gets invited to tour the country. What's he doing? Staring at a blank page in a proposed book of essays, waging a losing battle against moles, and filling an occasional pulpit. Thus, when he decides to take on a unique and difficult ministry, he feels newly energized. He even begins to think he likes change--until an unexpected event propels him on a painful journey that shakes his faith, his marriage, and the whole town of Mitford.
Once again, Jan Karon proves she's "a writer who reflects contemporary culture more fully than almost any living novelist" (Los Angeles Times). As always, she transports us with characters who step off the page and into our hearts, and cheers us with her great sense of fun and magnificent storytelling.
By the last page of In This Mountain, you may have become so absorbed you'll have missed the sound of the timer going off-again. So, come home to Mitford. And treat yourself to a rare commodity in this world: Complete satisfaction.
"I got to do somethin' to rake in business."
Percy slid into the booth, looking...Father Tim pondered what Percy was looking...Percy was looking old, that's what; about like the rest of the crowd in the rear booth. He sucked up his double chin.
"Maybe I ought t' mess around with th' menu," said Percy, "an' come up with a special I could run th' same day ever' week."
"Gizzards!" said Mule.
"What about gizzards?"
"I've told you for years that gizzards is th' answer to linin' your pockets."
"Don't talk to me about gizzards, dadgummit! They're in th' same category as what goes over th' fence last. You'll never see me sellin' gizzards."
"To make it in th' restaurant business," said Mule, "you got to set your personal preferences aside. Gizzards are a big draw."
"He's right," said J.C. "You can sell gizzards in this town. This is a gizzard kind of town."
Mule swigged his coffee. "All ...
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