A Step from Death
A Step from Death
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1978
Book Brief
272
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
North Dakota • Contemporary
1978
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Step from Death is a 2008 memoir by Larry Woiwode, addressed to his son Joseph, who was serving in Iraq at the time. The memoir weaves reflections on survival and mortality with the story of Woiwode’s life as a young writer in New York and his subsequent move to North Dakota to farm horses. Throughout, Woiwode ponders his literary journey, his family's influence, and the choices that shaped his life and career.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
46 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Larry Woiwode's memoir, A Step from Death, is lauded for its lyrical prose and deep introspection, revealing a poignant exploration of mortality and family. Critics appreciate Woiwode's vivid storytelling and emotional depth. However, some find the narrative occasionally disjointed and overly introspective. Overall, it's a compelling, contemplative read that resonates emotionally.
Who Should Read A Step from Death?
A reader who would enjoy A Step from Death by Larry Woiwode is likely an introspective individual with an appreciation for literary memoirs that explore themes of mortality, family, and the human condition. Similar readers might enjoy Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking or Tobias Wolff's This Boy’s Life.
46 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
272
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
North Dakota • Contemporary
1978
Adult
18+ years
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