⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I went into Life, and Death, and Giants not quite sure what to expect, and came out completely smitten. This is one of those books that doesn’t shout for attention. It just sits down beside you, tells its story, and somehow makes itself at home in your heart.
Gabriel Fisher is born different—startlingly so—and the small town of Lakota, Wisconsin, has no idea what to make of him. After a devastating loss, he’s taken in by his devout Amish grandparents, who believe the safest path is a hidden one. But some things can’t stay tucked away forever, especially in a place where everyone knows everyone else.
Ron Rindo writes about grief, love, memory, and the strange ways people keep going after loss with a light touch and a lot of heart. The premise feels a little off-kilter at first (in the best way), but it never slips into gimmick territory. Instead, it becomes a tender, thoughtful exploration of what it means to live with absence and still find moments of wonder.
The characters feel deeply human—flawed, searching, and quietly brave. There’s a softness to the storytelling that lets big themes land without force. I found myself slowing down as I read, savoring lines, and thinking about the story long after I’d finished. The audio version is beautifully narrated by Christina Moore; Johnny Heller; Roger Wayne and Will Damron.
A full five stars from me—and an easy recommendation for readers who like their fiction thoughtful, moving, and just a little bit magical.
** Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for copies of the eBook and audiobook.