Before I forget and move on to other books, I just wanted to say that I really, really enjoyed David James Duncan’s book of short stories entitled River Teeth.  I knew I would enjoy it because Duncan’s novels, The River Why and The Brother’s K, are two of my all-time favorites, but I liked his short-story form just as much.  Not being a fishermen myself (or naturalist really) it’s surprising how Duncan continues to draw me in and make me interested in (perhaps in love with) his world of rivers, birds, and fish.  But ultimately he uses words to artfully express human relationships with one another and the world around them–touching on and exploring spirituality more often than not.

And even though Donald Miller (another one of my favorites) gives Duncan, his "Trendy Writer", some serious flak in Blue Like Jazz, I still think Duncan’s writing is some of the best around.  I just wish he wrote a little more regularly.  If you haven’t had the pleasure, and you enjoy contemporary literature for the writing’s sake, you should pick up one of Duncan’s novels or this collection of short stories.

Footnote: I also have really enjoyed the writing of Dave Eggers lately.  His content is not always my cup of tea (he can be a bit depressing at times) but the way he writes so fluidly and creatively you can’t help but keep reading.