This is a wonderful soul searching book. This is written in the form of a letter from a dying man to his son. John Ames is a Congregationalist preacher who had a son late in life, and he has just learned that he has a heart condition that will soon claim his life. So, he writes this letter to his 6 year old son so that his son will know something of his father's character.

Along the way, we read a very genuine account of John Ames's personal philosophy, thoughts about the people in his charge, and his experience with God. We see the lives of the people in Gilead through the eyes of their preacher, and so we see them in their best and worst moments. The net picture is quite beautiful.

The author definitely made the characters come alive, and she had me convinced that this was written by a Congregationalist preacher. This is a book for quiet contemplation, and one that will leave you deeply satisfied.