One of the finest American authors of the 20th century, Wallace Stegner compiled an impressive collection of accolades during his lifetime, including a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, a National Book Award, and three O. Henry Awards. His final novel, Crossing to Safety is the quiet yet stirring tale of two couples that meet during the Great Depression and form a lifelong bond. "This is a wonderfully rich, warm, and affecting book."-Library Journal
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"My book club determined that none of us had read any Wallace Stegner and decided it was past time we did. All of us loved "Crossing to Safety" - the lyricism of the prose, the realism of the characters, the deep exploration of the nature of friendship. I would tend to agree with Sherry Thurner, though, that it's a book probably best appreciated by those who have been around for a few decades. I look forward to reading Stegner's Pulitzer-winning "Angle of Repose.""
— mampdx (4 out of 5 stars)
" one of my favorite books ever "
— Ellen, 2/16/2014" I read this based on the references to it in The End of Your Life Book Club. It was beautifully written and quite poetic. I had a very hard time accepting a major choice made by Charity. "
— Julie, 2/13/2014" an ageless story...so beautifully written that you feel smarter and more well traveled for having read it. "
— Paula, 2/13/2014" An interesting book about 3 different friendships with 2 couples. The wives friendship, the husbands friendship and then the friendship of the 2 couples. "
— Christina, 2/5/2014" I did not enjoy this book for the portrayal of friendship as much as for the psychology of the characters. The selfishness of a controlling personality and yet the good that can come from it. The co-dependence, etc. The beginning, while beautifully written, seemed shallow. I thoroughly enjoyed the last half of the book. "
— Jan, 1/27/2014" Terrific character study. "
— Julie, 1/21/2014" My second Wallace Stegner book and as enthralling as the first, this time with 2 couples over time. "
— Dean, 1/19/2014" A little slow but a wonderful book on friendship. "
— Atomicpower, 1/15/2014" This book was slow reading for me but I stayed up half the night paralyzed by it. It puts life into a perspective I'd not thought before. Liked it. "
— JaNae, 1/13/2014" Still reflecting on this one. Very well done, but maybe too long and melancholic for my current mood... "
— Andrew, 12/18/2013" Beautifully written story of friendship between 2 couples starting in 1938. Both husbands are English professors. The narrator is a successful novelist. The couple who are his dear friends are very wealthy and the relationship is complicated. "
— Liz, 12/17/2013" I LOVED reading this with Spencer. I'm not sure I would have liked it as much reading it on its own. And I don't think anyone who isn't married should read it...it just wouldn't mean very much. "
— Anna, 11/30/2013" Well written, but the characters lacked depth. "
— Judy, 11/21/2013" I gave this 5 stars I think it is a must read on the power and importance of friendships. "
— Lana, 11/19/2013" Initially fascinating, then difficult for me to get into, and then I couldn't stop reading. A truly DIFFERENT kind of novel/story, at least for me. Very richly detailed, imaginative, and yet somehow so ordinary...... yet, not. It was worth reading. "
— Avi, 11/14/2013" A moving story about friendship, marriage and life. Truly one of the best books I have read in a long time. "
— Christina, 6/1/2013" So beautifully conceived and written. So thoughtful. So full of feeling. I'll need some time to savor this one before saying anything more. "
— Kim, 5/4/2013" Beautiful story of lifetime friendships and the meaning of marriage set against the beautiful backdrop of a Vermont lake. I read this while I was at Lake George so it was very easy to imagine many of the scenes. Enjoyed it. "
— Frmaselli, 3/15/2013" Richly written story of two married couples. The writing really made this book. "
— Erinkeller33, 12/10/2012" This is a book I would like to read again. I read it so long ago and loved it. "
— Natalia, 11/18/2012" Just finished this and loved it. I want to read it again and again. "
— Joelle, 9/12/2012" Another one of my most favorite books. I can't count how many times I've read it and it never fails to move me. "
— Jean-marie, 7/28/2012" Owner or worker - Larry or Sid? Perhaps there are many right ways and what would bother us would not bother another. Charity represents much. She remained true to the end- I trusted her. I knew her heart was pure. I love Sally. "
— Matthew, 4/18/2012" I loved the descriptive writing. You felt like you were walking in the woods. Wish I had life long friends like these two couples had. Nice read, but definitly not in my top 5 or 10 books ever. "
— Kym, 10/6/2011" This is a beautifully written book where you don't want the story to end. You want more of all of the characters who are all so complex and well-developed in the story. One of the most in-depth conversations our book club has ever had. "
— Stacey, 5/15/2011" great narrative 85% of the way through. Weak finish. "
— Colin, 5/14/2011" My rating is really 4 1/2 stars. This is the best book I have read in a long time. Fantastic writing with amazing insight into human relationships. Thanks for the recommendation Kris! "
— Gina, 5/12/2011" Loved loved this story, writing, characters. "
— Sarah, 4/27/2011" One of my all-time favorites. Just a beautiful story about friendship. "
— Barbara, 4/26/2011" I actually liked this book more after discussing it at book club. It was slow at times, and I felt that he brushed over some fairly important events. Overall, the story of the friendships was true-to-life but not overly profound. "
— Steph0517, 4/19/2011" This is a magnificent book. Full of ordinary suffering, rich with the concrete and protean time of a long marriage and a long friendship. "
— Chris, 4/14/2011" One of the most beautifully written books. Transporting. "
— Asproreps, 4/14/2011" I have read this book six times. Each time I come away with a different feeling. I love Wallace Stegner's writing style. Everyone I know who has read Crossing to Safety has read it multiple times. "
— E., 4/13/2011" Now this is one of my favorite books. Quiet. Beautiful. Moving. "
— Lonni, 4/12/2011" Angle of Repose is one of my top few favorite books of all time. But I'd forgotten how much I enjoy this one too (something of a companion piece, in its depiction of the central relationships). What a lovely gem of a book! "
— Maria, 4/9/2011" Liked it but didn't love it. I enjoyed the characters and the writing more at the beginning than the last one third or so of the book. I may consider reading his "Angle of Repose". "
— Kit, 4/7/2011" I just finished this book and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. The characters are interesting and the portrayal of academia was pretty spot on. I also loved that the book was written in the 40s. "
— Frances, 4/4/2011Wallace Stegner (1909–1993) wrote many books of fiction and nonfiction, including Crossing to Safety and the National Book Award–winning The Spectator Bird. Angle of Repose won the Pulitzer Prize in 1972. An American historian, novelist, short story writer, and environmentalist, Stegner was often called the “dean of Western writers” and has left a lasting legacy in the literary community.
Richard Poe, a professional actor for more than thirty years, has appeared in numerous Broadway shows, including 1776 and M. Butterfly. On television he has had recurring roles on Star Trek and Frasier. His films include Born on the Fourth of July and Presumed Innocent. Poe is a well-known and prolific audiobook performer and the winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards.