Angle of Repose

Save A Tree - Buy Used at Second Sale Books

By Wallace Stegner

Like last year with the inclusion of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, I have decided to put on the list a classic that everyone should have the pleasure of experiencing. This year I choose possibly my favorite book ever. Stegner is a master of stories about the American west and this one is his crown jewel. In the second half of the 19th century, Susan is a New York upper class socialite type who meets and falls in love with quiet Oliver. She relocates out west thinking it is a temporary thing. The story explores her frustration and disappointment at times but also her resilience and ability to create in the rugged, wild American west a sophistication that she so desires and misses. It is not only a wonderful story in and of itself but also a great trip into a very accurate account of the American west. Stegner has been criticized for using too closely Mary Foote’s papers and letters which inspired the story, so one can read with the enjoyment of a novel but know that it is all quite real. A big part of the story takes place in New Almaden, which is just minutes from Los Gatos and was a field trip destination for all the boys in 4th grade. Knowing how much of the story was inspired by the true letters of Mary Foote made my visits to New Almaden very interesting since I had a vivid picture of the people who had walked the streets and worked the mines. This story does an excellent job at describing how the adventurous, daring character so prevalent in California culture came to be. Love it or hate it, California marches to its own drum and encourages people to take chances, try new things, not be afraid of failure…in fact, to embrace, celebrate, and always learn from failure. As you read about Oliver and Susan and their friends, you understand how and why such a spirit developed. Like The Orchardist, you realize that settling the west…venturing into and settling any unknown, uncharted area…is not for the weak or timid.