By Kathryn Reed

It took me a few tries to get into “The Days are Gods” by Liz Stephens. Normally this is not a good sign. But something kept the book on the nightstand instead of the give-away pile.

That was a good decision.

This memoir of Stephens was published this year. It takes the reader on a journey from her life in Los Angeles to a remote town in Utah where she earns her master’s degree to the day she leaves to begin her doctorate.

Her life isn’t extraordinary. But the way she describes the events and the emotions associated with them are compelling. Her words contain a certain raw honesty that isn’t off-putting.

It’s not just about her, though. It’s about the animals and the people in her life. It’s about how the world changes even when you don’t want it to. It’s simply about life.

Anyone who has made a significant geographical move, who knows what it is like to be an outsider, will be able to relate to some of her anxiety, the challenges and eventually heartache in leaving.

The biggest complaint is the title. I think she would sell more books if it weren’t called “The Days are Gods”.