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CHRIS CANDER

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April 23, 2012 By chriscander 57 Comments

Peace Like A River

To Donny, with peace.

Today is World Book Night 2012, and I am one of 25,000 “givers” who will personally distribute half a million free books today. As part of the campaign to change lives through literacy, volunteers will be sharing copies of their favorite books at VA hospitals, nursing homes, ball parks, mass transit, diners and other places where would-be readers are underserved. To give away twenty copies of PEACE LIKE A RIVER by Leif Enger, I chose the Covenant House, a shelter for homeless, throwaway and runaway teens.

It was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.

I introduced myself to a staff member, and told her why I was there. “Do you think there are any residents here that would like to have a copy of this book?” I asked.

“I think so,” she said as she read the back cover. Then she looked up at me. “And you’re just giving them away?”

“For free, to anyone who wants one.”

In the adjacent lunchroom, two dozen or so teenagers—many of them scarred, tattooed, broken-looking—talked and ate in small groups. Rose announced me and my intentions, and the kids looked at me somewhat suspiciously. As I told them why I loved this incredible story of a young boy’s journey across the frozen Badlands of the Dakotas in search of his fugitive older brother, it occurred to me that I might not be able to give away any books at all.

Then one tall, thin boy raised his track-marked arm and said, “I’d like a copy.”

“You would?” I said, relieved. “What’s your name?”

“Donny. I never had my own book before.”

Oh.

“Me too. Can I have one?”

“And me.” They came one by one, and I pressed a brand-new copy into each of their hands. To a one, they thanked me with such sincerity I didn’t think I could bear it.

“Yes, please. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did,” I said, and this went on until I had only one copy left.

Then a heavy-set boy came up and said, “Can I have that last one?”

“Yes, of course.”

“My name is Voltaire,” he said. “Like the philosopher. Did you write this book?”

“I wish I had.”

“Can I show you my poem? I don’t know anybody I can show it to.” He unfolded a typewritten page from his back pocket. “My mom taught me a lot of vocabulary,” he said, “before she kicked me out.”

He bent down to my ear so that he could whisper it aloud, even though I could read along with him. It was filled with spelling mistakes and grammar errors and despair and pain and beauty and also hope, because he’s still alive. “This was going to be my suicide note. But I decided to make it into a poem instead.” I wish I could post it for you to read, but I promised him I would keep it private.

“Thank you for sharing it with me,” I said. “I hope when you feel that pain again in your life, you’ll keep trying to find the poem inside it. You’re a good writer. You should keep writing. And keep reading.”

“I will,” he said, folding the poem back along its worn creases. “Starting with this.” He pressed the cut edge of the book to his nose and took a deep breath and he said, “This smells so good.”

I looked around the room at these drug users and abuse victims—these beautiful souls with their own stories whose lives were changed by their circumstances. I told them that I would come back in a month, and we could have a discussion of the book. They were all so unexpectedly enthusiastic about the idea of a Covenant House book club, even though some of them will have moved on by then. By discovering the freedom and self-reliance and majesty and bravery within this book, perhaps these kids will be better able to find it within themselves.

World Book Night is about hoping that through an introduction to the love of reading, people can change their lives for the better. And I think that because of today and Voltaire and the other eager, grateful receivers of the books that I was able to share, that my life may be forever changed, too.

Peace Like a River.
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Comments

  1. Lee says

    April 23, 2012 at 1:53 PM

    tears…

    Reply
  2. Tobey says

    April 23, 2012 at 1:58 PM

    Oh, you are a beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing. This belongs on the World Book Night website.

    Reply
  3. BF3 says

    April 23, 2012 at 2:14 PM

    Simply sensational.
    Thank you for sharing your magnificent experience with us.

    Reply
  4. Suzanne says

    April 23, 2012 at 2:28 PM

    This is what World Book Night is all about. A wonderful story.

    Reply
  5. kath says

    April 23, 2012 at 2:32 PM

    I am a giver, too. I gave a few copies to a local drug rehab treatment center.. gave others
    to senior apartments and Concordia nurses to give to shut ins. It made me very happy..
    I have read several stories… I like yours the most. *tears*

    Reply
  6. Andrea Lee says

    April 23, 2012 at 2:44 PM

    Peace to you. I also gave, and decided to distribute The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks to a soup kitchen in Albany. The folks who wanted them would surprise you. One woman said she hadn’t read a book in over 30 yrs. Another said she wanted one for her daughter, to give her a better life. One man asked for two, because he would drop one for his best friend who is housebound. He brings him food from the soup kitchen too. Not one of them forgot to say please, or thank you. 😀

    Reply
  7. Kizz says

    April 23, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    You are amazing.

    Reply
  8. Polyhymnia says

    April 23, 2012 at 3:00 PM

    Pitch-perfect post.

    Reply
  9. Nancy says

    April 23, 2012 at 3:20 PM

    You described a moment so beautiful that I am reminded again how lucky I am to not only have books, but people with whom I can share them and my life. Thank you.

    Reply
  10. Kasey says

    April 23, 2012 at 3:43 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing this experience, for sharing this gorgeous, bittersweet, pain-full, hope-full time with us. THIS is exactly why World Book Night exists.

    Reply
  11. Sarah says

    April 23, 2012 at 6:00 PM

    Love your beautiful story.
    I had the privilege of giving away Peace Like A River today at the high school where I work.

    Reply
  12. Larry Pullen says

    April 23, 2012 at 6:32 PM

    Chris, this is so moving. I can imagine how you felt after doing something so right.
    I love you.
    Daddy

    Reply
  13. Meg says

    April 23, 2012 at 7:48 PM

    Whew — tears in my eyes! You did a lovely thing. Books change — and save — lives. Thanks for sharing your story.

    Reply
  14. Rose Ann says

    April 23, 2012 at 8:10 PM

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful story.
    This is what this day/night is all about!
    And thank you to World Book Night for giving us this amazing opportunity!

    Reply
  15. Stacey Maisch says

    April 23, 2012 at 8:16 PM

    This is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. My day as a giver was more lighthearted today, but still enjoyable. I’m just blown away by the emotion in this, though. Thank you. Just, thank you.

    Reply
  16. Angel says

    April 23, 2012 at 8:22 PM

    Lovely story. It just goes to show, you really can’t judge a book by its cover. That’s all any of us are really. Stories in different jackets. Thank you.

    Reply
  17. Joanne says

    April 23, 2012 at 8:26 PM

    Beautiful…

    Reply
  18. fran duchamp says

    April 23, 2012 at 8:28 PM

    what a wonderful story!!!!!! ..I am in Pollock Pines California, in a small town (in the woods)– I am just taking my time, talking with people-and having a blast!!!! Went to the hair salon, Senior Lunch at the community center. Walked around parking lots-found a young mother in the market-another young parent at the burger place, and two young parents walking their children down the main road here (I am finding young parents very receptive 🙂 still 10 to go…my friend and I split our books. I have…Because of Winn Dixie and My Sisters Keeper…great books–great fun.

    Reply
  19. Mike Hays says

    April 23, 2012 at 8:29 PM

    Wow.
    Hope and potential. In a book.

    Reply
  20. thedoseofreality says

    April 23, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    Absolutely stunning and amazing. I am blown away. If I am so fortunate as to ever have the opportunity to participate in this program, I can certainly tell you where I will be distributing my books. Thank you.

    Reply
  21. Kat says

    April 23, 2012 at 10:26 PM

    I love this.
    Xo

    Reply
  22. Nat says

    April 23, 2012 at 10:47 PM

    I found you blog through Zite. This post is the surprise of my day. You did an amazing thing, opening worlds and futures to those that need it the most.

    I mediately added your blog to my feed reader.

    Reply
  23. amy says

    April 23, 2012 at 10:47 PM

    I gave out The Things They Carried on skid row in down town LA. All 20 copies in a heartbeat. Wish I’d had more. Isn’t this a fabulous event????

    Reply
  24. Audrey says

    April 23, 2012 at 11:38 PM

    Very cool experience. You should help them get a book club going! That would be so great! I took the approach of passing out books to strangers on the street. It was so much fun! http://www.delcoclipper.com/2012/04/23/world-book-night-2012/

    Reply
  25. Auntie Di says

    April 24, 2012 at 5:30 AM

    Absolutely beautiful!!! Thank you , Chris…we can make this world a better place just one simple act of caring at a time. Love you

    Reply
  26. bermudaonion (Kathy) says

    April 24, 2012 at 6:06 AM

    This is what World Book Night is all about. I have tears in my eyes after reading your post.

    Reply
  27. Sheila (Book Journey) says

    April 24, 2012 at 7:29 AM

    Holy cow… you made me cry. That is an incredible experience. I have a link on my blog for people to link up there stories of World Book Night, I would be honored if you would add yours. Your post is not to be missed.

    Reply
    • chriscander says

      April 24, 2012 at 8:16 AM

      I’d be honored, Sheila. Thank you. 🙂

      Reply
  28. Stacey Mason says

    April 24, 2012 at 7:43 AM

    “Sometimes we need books. And sometimes books need us.” A beautifully written story about the power of human connection…..

    Reply
  29. Beth Quinlan says

    April 24, 2012 at 12:35 PM

    Love, love, love. Will check back in a month. Thank you for sharing. Powerful.

    Reply
  30. Hanna Kjeldbjerg says

    April 24, 2012 at 12:35 PM

    This was absolutely beautiful, Chris. Thank you so much for sharing, it was honestly inspirational. I had a box of books for World Book Day and completely spaced and forgot to pick them up in time… and now I’m glad I waited, because I will go to a local homeless shelter with my belated World Book Day books too 🙂

    Reply
  31. Emily says

    April 24, 2012 at 12:54 PM

    What an inspiring story. It made me cry.
    World book day is truly a brilliant thing!
    I am very proud to be a giver x

    Reply
  32. Jody Neil Ruth says

    April 24, 2012 at 12:57 PM

    Epic, man. Absolutely epic.

    Smashes anything I’ve ever written into the ground.

    You got yourself a new fan.

    (Spreading all over FB right now)

    Reply
  33. Alison's Book Marks says

    April 24, 2012 at 1:10 PM

    Thank you for sharing this story. The power of words. You never know what secrets another person might be holding onto, especially those hidden in their back pocket.

    Reply
  34. Jan Washburn says

    April 24, 2012 at 1:26 PM

    Awesome! What a difference you and World Book Night USA have made! I was a giver too and just loved giving the books away to readers. A night to remember. Thanks for sharing your experience. Well done.

    Reply
  35. Janet says

    April 24, 2012 at 1:28 PM

    visiting via Kizz…wow! Just…wow!!!

    Reply
  36. Andrew says

    April 24, 2012 at 1:32 PM

    An amazing story. Congrats.

    Reply
  37. Kiana says

    April 24, 2012 at 3:08 PM

    Beautiful story! Peace Like a River is one of my favorite books as well. When I saw WBN was offering it among its choices, I signed up to be an Ambassador. And that was just be beginning of another beautiful story…. 🙂

    Reply
  38. Sandy says

    April 24, 2012 at 3:15 PM

    What an awesome story! You touched so many peoples lives with the gift of a book. I love the idea of a book club there. Maybe you can get authors to donate books for the occasion. I’ll be joining this next year, I just heard about it.

    Reply
  39. chriscander says

    April 24, 2012 at 5:45 PM

    Thank you all for your beautiful comments. I’m excited to share that we’ve confirmed May 16 for the inaugural Covenant House book club meeting to discuss PEACE LIKE A RIVER. What an amazing turn of events.

    Reply
  40. Brandi H. says

    April 24, 2012 at 6:22 PM

    What an amazing experience!

    World Book Night seems like it has reached so many people and has deeply affected many of them. I know I enjoyed giving Junot Diaz’s The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and seeing the curiosity and delight on the faces of those who received a copy.

    I wish you the best of luck with the book club and hope that Voltaire and all the others at Covenant find something to connect with in Peace Like a River.

    Reply
  41. Kelly Gartner says

    April 24, 2012 at 6:26 PM

    What a powerful story, Chris. I know the book club will be a success. I hope you will write a post about it after it happens.

    Reply
  42. Smallgood says

    April 24, 2012 at 7:59 PM

    Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for sharing the world of books to these kids who were so desperate for this. It’s tough to work with that kind of population. They are so hurt by people and needing so much. Thank you for giving some healing to them by just being there, to listen and to care and to be interested and to be thinking of them, to give them something of their own.

    Reply
  43. Sue says

    April 25, 2012 at 1:39 AM

    Beautiful, tear jerking, heart wrenching, moving account. I am so glad for WBN
    so people can share their stories. Thank you. I “shared” this on my
    wall so others would understand the power of a book.
    Thank you for sharing your story- and for being a bright star in the life of those kids.
    You are a hero.

    Reply
  44. Ola says

    April 25, 2012 at 6:25 AM

    wonderful.

    Reply
  45. Chandrika says

    April 25, 2012 at 7:10 AM

    An amazing, heart-warming and sincere article. I have reblogged this on my blog, the link is http://keyfyapmak.tumblr.com. Are you only based in America? And do you do any work in the UK?

    Reply
  46. Shirley says

    April 25, 2012 at 8:29 AM

    what a lovely story you have given people something to look foward to

    Reply
  47. Amy says

    April 25, 2012 at 10:44 AM

    Oh my, Chris… I’m humbled by your beautiful story. Covenant House was such a great place to choose to give out a book. And going back to discuss the book is an inspired and wonderfully giving idea. It certainly sounds like you touched many of the teens at Covenant House. Voltaire’s story brings tears to my eyes. I hope he continues to write and read.

    Reply
  48. Patti says

    April 25, 2012 at 12:09 PM

    Thank you for sharing your story, I did want to cry. I was a giver also and I am so touched by your experience.

    Reply
  49. Kerry Shamblin says

    April 25, 2012 at 2:32 PM

    Thank you for the reminder of how sweetly and deeply words can touch the heart.

    Reply
  50. melissa says

    April 25, 2012 at 9:50 PM

    I loved peace like a river- a gripping story.
    Beautiful stories you have to tell, sweet Chris.

    Reply
  51. Tom M. Franklin says

    April 26, 2012 at 11:45 AM

    I’m stunned, awed, and humbled by this.

    Thanks for sharing it. I’m going to try and do something similar next year.

    Reply
  52. Emma Kate Tsai says

    May 4, 2012 at 9:38 AM

    That brought tears to my eyes. You should make this a personal essay. I could see the boy through your words. You’ve touched people, remember that.

    Reply
  53. Kim says

    February 20, 2013 at 10:56 AM

    This is a beautiful post. Did you go back?

    Reply
    • chriscander says

      February 20, 2013 at 1:10 PM

      Thank you, Kim. I did go back–but the kids had all moved on. Please stay tuned, though; I’m working on a special project there that I’ll talk about in the next few months. 🙂

      Reply
  54. Mel Moran says

    February 20, 2013 at 1:58 PM

    I should not have read this at work. Now I am sitting at my desk trying to hold back tears. I hope my experience this year will be great, though it will be tough to match such an incredible day as this.

    Reply
  55. Franky2step says

    November 24, 2014 at 12:03 PM

    Such a beautiful story and a beautiful gift you gave those teens. Voltaire’s story is so special. I am reminded of a Zen saying “sometimes even in the driest hole you can find water”. Very moved.

    Reply

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