Best Books of 2011, #13: ‘Caleb’s Crossing’ by Geraldine Brooks

Posted on 7 December 2011 by Trisha, Managing Editor

As part of our Best Books of 2011 coverage, our editors weigh in on some of their personal favorites from the list.

Geraldine Brooks has a genius for finding history’s most fascinating stories. In Caleb’s Crossing, she turns to the early days of American history to craft an intensely smart and vibrant story. Her hero, Caleb, was the first Native American to graduate from Harvard—in the 1660s. Brooks portrays him through the eyes of Bethia, a Puritan minister’s daughter who strikes up an unlikely childhood friendship with Caleb that their society makes it difficult to sustain. Moving and memorable, this is a tale of crossing boundaries and quiet strength.

Read our interview with Brooks about Caleb’s Crossing, or visit her author page. Our entire “Best of 2011″ list will be revealed in our December issue.

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About Trisha, Managing Editor

Trisha likes European vacations and novels by and biographies of smart women. She often starts home improvement projects at inopportune times.
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3 Responses to Best Books of 2011, #13: ‘Caleb’s Crossing’ by Geraldine Brooks

  1. Debbie says:
    7 December 2011 at 3:48 pm

    I agree that this is a top reader and audiobook for 2011.

  2. Carin Siegfried says:
    7 December 2011 at 4:29 pm

    I am really looking forward to this one! It vaulted to the top of my TBR list when I saw a documentary last month on PBS about the Wampanaug Indians on Martha’s Vineyard recovering their language that had died out. It was pretty cool.