Book Review: The Poisonwood Bible

I saw this Barbara Kingsolver tome first on my parents' shelves and then on a list of notable books. Only after I began did I learn that Mom found it too depressing to finish and Dad never tried. But by that time, I was too hooked to back out.

( Cut for length )

And who's cleansing my palate now? Why, the late Beverly Cleary. I found an old copy of Runaway Ralph. It's rather different from the realistic fare I've associated with Cleary, and I'm curious to see how she handles talking animals. But I don't think I'll review it here.