In Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver, Cosima “Codi” Noline returns to her hometown of Grace, Arizona to care for her father Homer, who has Alzheimer's. She rekindles connections with her old friend Emelina, begins teaching biology, and forms a relationship with Lloyd Peregrina. As Grace faces ecological threats, Codi becomes involved in the community’s efforts, all while uncovering truths about her family history. Sensitive topics include grief and loss related to the death of a loved one, and the impact of Alzheimer's disease.

Barbara Kingsolver's Animal Dreams has been praised for its compelling storytelling, rich characters, and environmental themes. The novel’s exploration of identity and family connections has resonated with many readers. However, some critiques mention the pacing is slow at times and the narrative can feel heavy-handed with its themes. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read.

Readers who enjoy The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver or The Poisonwood Bible will likely appreciate Animal Dreams. This novel appeals to those who favor character-driven stories exploring themes of family, identity, and environmental issues within a vividly depicted Southwestern landscape.

Contemplative / Nostalgic / Melancholic / Emotional / Bittersweet

- Animal Dreams is one of Barbara Kingsolver's earlier novels, published in 1990, and has been praised for its intricate exploration of themes such as environmentalism, cultural identity, and personal growth.
- The characterization and setting in Animal Dreams were influenced by Kingsolver's own experiences growing up in rural Kentucky and her background in biology, which contributes to the novel's rich and realistic depiction of small-town life and ecological issues.
- The novel was chosen as a Book of the Month Club selection shortly after its release, which helped it gain a wide readership and increased Barbara Kingsolver's prominence as an author.

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