Set in modern day small town Wisconsin, "Life, and Death, and Giants" is a moving novel about community, faith, and family (both biological and chosen).

While Gabriel is the "Giant" and arguably the main character, the book is told from the perspectives of several people in his life, including his Amish grandmother, the local veterinarian who mentors and cares for Gabriel, Gabriel's high school football coach, and the owner of the town's bar.
So while the book centers around Gabriel, the reader sees more of how his existence changes those around him.

This was a beautiful book and I can't wait to share it with friends.

ETA: my one issue with this book is the possible misrepresentation of Amish culture when it comes to animals. The Amish run some of America's biggest puppy mills. They believe God gave them dominion over the animals and often do not treat them with much compassion.

Wow, I don't know that I've ever read a book like this. Both tragic and beautiful, the story of Gabriel is one that is ultimately very human. This book is separated into 4 different POVs that come together to tell their sides of Gabriel's upbringing. Oh boy did I cry and I recommend this to anyone who also needs a good cry. I do wish we would have gotten Gabriel's perspective.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC of this book. I ended up really enjoying this story, but I very nearly quit reading early on because of the heavy does of religion in the early chapters. Of course, it makes sense because many of the characters are Amish with deeply held beliefs. So expect lots of quotations from the Bible. Beyond that, loved the story and characters. Rindo is especially good at creating interesting and believable characters, although you may have to stretch your limits of to accept Gabriel as real. But he becomes more and more real as you read. II enjoyed Rindo's prose as well. So many just gorgeous passages, particularly when characters were in nature. This book and particularly, these characters will stay with me a long time.

I will look for more by this author!

Life and Death and Giants by Ron Rindo is a beautifully written story of how a boy, born a giant, changes the lives of the people in a small town. The story is told through alternating points of view, allowing the reader to enter multiple lives and perspectives. Lakota, Wisconsin, is a place where the Amish choose to live and where people from the outside go to take refuge from whatever they might be running from. This book explores the succor found in small and quiet places, in strong beliefs, in friendships, and in connection and love. There are magical elements to this book and yet much of it explores the everyday emotions and workings of people who live in quiet places. This is a book about what it means to be human and the gifts available within our connections. It is a book about the big meanings that are available in small things. No wonder it begins with a poem by Emily Dickinson.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Publishing Group for access to this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

LIFE, AND DEATH AND GIANTS BY RON PINTO is a giant of a book. It will stay with you for a long time. The characters a so real that you feel their pain and joys.
it is the story of a family with terrible secrets ad startling revelations some so painful it is hard to understand how they carry on. Some have great faith ,some are just good should, but all are touched by sadness and faith
It is story of Gabriel Fisher and his extended Amish family. Gabriel is truly a giant in stature as he is nearly 8 feet tall. His mother died when he was born-father unknown. He is cared for by his older brother who dies young. His Amish grandparents take him in and raise him.
I read this book way into the night and couldn't put it down. I didn't guess the most explosive secret. It was shocking. If I could give this book a higher score than 5 I would. A must read

This one is a prize!!! Be prepared with a tissue, a heartbreaker it is. I didn’t know what to expect but whatever I had, this little book surpassed them all. All of these characters had been hurt in some way, and we were so fortunate to be invited along for the ride on their healing.

The author has a wonderful style of character development and Gabriel’s story overcoming his tragedies affecting his life grabbed me at hello. This book is multi layered, the writing brought out so many deep emotions for all of the characters. Dr. Kennedy, Hannah, Gabriel, Jasper, Billy, Trey, they all have a story to tell. So many touching heartfelt moments. I hope this book receives all the accolades it deserves.

The writing is stellar; this is one I will not forget anytime soon. It is filled with love, family love, (birth and extended), even unforgiveable hidden secrets, and more. Well worth the read, the highest 5 stars I can give!!

This is my own opinion expressed in this review. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for providing the copy of Life, and Death, and Giants by Ron Rindo. I’m not sure what drew me to this book, but I’m glad it did. The prologue intrigued me, and I wasn’t sure where the story was going to go. The book description didn’t give much away, and after reading it I understand why, so my review won’t give spoilers either. I loved how the chapters were divided into POVs of different characters. Some of the characters were more memorable than others, but I liked learning about their relationships with Gabriel and with each other. This is an immersive book with shocking reveals and events. It was impossible to put it down the closer I got to the conclusion! 4 stars

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book had me feeling all different emotions as Gabriel’s story unfolded. The character development was so good and made me really get to know everyone. This is one of those books that as I read it, it almost played out in front of my eyes like a movie. I was captivated by the ups and downs of Gabriel’s life and I loved the Amish references.

A heart-tugging and thoughtful look at love, loneliness, and searching — for answers to the secrets that all humans yearn to untangle — What makes a life “good”, and what, in the end, is it all “for”?

Told in the voices of multiple characters, between these pages we will meet several people who live, love, and center their lives around Gabriel Fisher, an eighteen-pound baby who grows up to become a giant — the tallest man on earth — laying claim to a life that is unquestionably unique.

Our story is revealed by each of the following:

Hannah Fisher, grandmother to Gabriel, a devout Amish woman, and yet a lover of Emily Dickinson, who identifies with the existential questions raised by the poet, and struggles with what this means to her lifelong convictions.

Dr Thomas Kennedy, a “soft spoken, veterinarian haunted by his past, who only wanted to live a quiet life someplace the modern world had left behind”. Thomas befriends the child Gabriel, who, from a very young age, has an immediate and special bond with all creatures Dr Kennedy may minister to.

Billy Walton and Trey Beathard — a tavern owner and a high school basketball coach, respectively — each man finding something in Gabriel to wonder at, to cherish, and to desperately need to be a part of.

As Gabriel grows into the extravagance of his extraordinary life, his story is complex and woven loosely with equal parts hero’s journey, small-town rite of passage, Amish community insights, and an unmistakable undercurrent of a deeply mystical force, perhaps even best described as magical.

I found myself captured by this book, with its graceful charm, and its unique, compassionate take on the pains and joys of boundaries, once released.

A great big thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.

Let me just put it this way: I teared up probably 8 times while reading this book., and I can say unequivocally that this is the best book I've read in a long, long time. It moved me and made me feel. I felt the humanity on every page, and the sincerity in the way it was written was striking and heartfelt.

The author has a new fan, and I won't forget this one for a long time.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

I honestly don’t know where to begin—this book was a beautifully layered experience. It moved me deeply with its blend of beauty, tragedy, inspiration, and sorrow. Growing up near Alton, where the “Alton Giant” statue stands, I’ve always been drawn to stories like this—ones that explore the lives of those who are “giant”, how they were treated, how they lived, and how they endured.

Gabriel’s story begins with incredible hardship: the loss of his mother during childbirth and the tragic death of his older brother, who had cared for him. Despite such heartbreak, Gabriel is portrayed with such compassion—his heart, in many ways, is the soul of this novel. When he is taken in by his Amish grandparents, the clash between strict religious beliefs and his athletic talents adds another layer of complexity to his journey.

The book is told from multiple points of view—Hannah (his grandmother), Doc Thomas (a veterinarian and friend), and Billy (his childhood baseball coach). I loved this structure; it offered such a rich, multidimensional perspective on Gabriel’s life and the impact he had on others.

This novel is so thoughtfully written, and I cherished every moment of it. It made me feel deeply—and yes, I cried.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Ron Rindo for the e-ARC. This story will stay with me for a long time.

What a story! I requested this book because it took place in an area where I used to live, Wisconsin. I'm so glad I did. It's a story about a boy, Gabriel who came into this world so large his mother could not survive delivery. He was so much bigger than other kids and grew at an incredible rate.. He had exceptional sports ability that gained him incredible fame. This story is about his incredible life which had many ups and downs. You will not go wrong getting this book! Its conception was from a real boy from Michigan who was unusually tall.
This book is heartwarming and will bring you to tears and even anger. I highly recommend this book. Thank you NetGalley and publishers St Martin's Press for the eARC This is my voluntary honest opinion. You will remember this book long after you have finished.

First, I am so grateful to the publisher, St. Martin's Press, and the author, Ron Rindo, for the privilege to read this advanced copy through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Second, I'll state right up front that I LOVED this book. I loved the story, the characters, and the author's writing style. It is definitely one of the best books I'll read in 2025. It is a wonderful, wholesome story that captured my attention right from the start. Not very many books get 5 stars from me, but this book definitely deserves a 5-star rating.

The book is set in Wisconsin and primarily in an Amish community. It "captured the depth and breadth of Amish faith and honored ... their difficult but beautiful way of life." This is what the author noted, and I believe he was successful in this effort. It provides great insight into the Amish people in a respectful way. "The locals of the town wanted to grant anyone who came to town the one freedom Americans typically refused to honor: the freedom to fail without punishment or censure."

The characters in this book are flawed individuals who come together at times of need and support. Gabriel Fisher was a giant. This is a story about his life and people in his life. Throughout the book, there is a strong connection with nature and animals. Gabriel's love for people and animals should inspire all of us. Very heartwarming!

With character names such as Josiah, Rachel, Hannah, Gabriel, and Raphael, the book is grounded in good people. I did not miss the Biblical inferences. References to the Bible were an ongoing undercurrent.

This is a story of love, hope, and faith. It touches on grief and processing its pain. I love how this book is sad at times, but yet it still made me smile. Humor is interjected into the story while your heart strings are tugged.

It is all about life. A quote from the story sums up the book: "The world is your oyster, and it's pearls are in your hands. But live wisely. Choose wisely. Love wisely. And never quit." Amen!

Read this book. You won't regret it!

This is a book about Gabriel Fisher a boy who was born an orphan. The events surrounding his birth are scary, and it is mystery who his father is. He is lovingly cared for by his older brother and the town vet. He has a way with animals and is growing at an alarming rate. He is clearly a unique child. He grows up alongside the Amish community that shunned his mother and brother. His mother was put under the ban for not disclosing who the father of her children is.
While this story is about Gabriel's life, it is also about the family that you choose and the family that you're born into. It is about community, love, loss, and as the description says, everyday miracles.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though it made me cry.

Trigger warnings- Sexual asault, self harm, addiction.

Description
A heart too big for this world. A life that changes everyone.

"Life, and Death, and Giants is an intriguing and alluring novel from beginning to end. The events are startling, sad, amusing, invigorating, and informative. Reading it is like meeting a family that you never knew existed and becoming close friends in a few weeks. Highly recommended." --Jane Smiley, author of Lucky and A Thousand Acres

Gabriel Fisher was born an orphan, weighing eighteen pounds and measuring twenty-seven inches long. No one in Lakota, Wisconsin, knows what to make of him. He walks at eight months, communicates with animals, and seems to possess extraordinary athletic talent. But when the older brother who has been caring for him dies, Gabriel is taken in by his devout Amish grandparents who disapprove of all the attention and hide him away from the English world.

But it’s hard to hide forever when you’re nearly eight feet tall. At seventeen, Gabriel is spotted working in a hay field by the local football coach. What happens next transforms not only Gabriel’s life but the lives of everyone he meets.

Life, and Death, and Giants is a moving story of faith, family, buried secrets, and everyday miracles.

I received this egalley from NetGalley and St. Martin's press. I was under no obligation to give a review. All opinions are my own.

This was a little gem of a book. It wasn't maybe a book I would have sought out on my own, but I am so grateful to have read it. The story was captivating and intriguing. The story of Gabriel Fisher is not one I will soon forget.

Gabriel came into the world as his mother left it. He was raised by his older brother for the first 10 years of his life before his Amish Grandparents took over. Gabriel was not an ordinary child, he weighted 18 pounds at birth and as 27 inched long. His growth continued to be off the charts and his ability to play sports and lift was extraordinary too. Gabriel's life didn't follow a normal path. He become a defenseman in football and went to Wisconsin on scholarship. His football and college career were cut short with game ending injury. Gabriel overcame yet again and found a new passion in wrestling. Gabe's short life was filled with adventure and his gentle nature lead to being loved by people and animals.

I loved this book. I finished it with tears in my eyes. It hits so many hard topics and give you a look at redemption throughout life. I highly recommend this book

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this ebook. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a gorgeous novel about a dysfunctional Amish family, and the tender child with giantism they produce.

When an unmarried Amish woman is experiencing a difficult birth, a local veterinarian is prevailed upon to help deliver the baby. Gabriel Fisher is a huge baby at birth and keeps growing at an astonishing rate. At age 17 when over 8 feet tall, Gabriel is drafted during his Rumspringa (the time when Amish teens explore the outside world) by a local coach to play football. He leaves the Amish fold and becomes a star athlete, much to the dismay of his devout grandparents,

This story by Ron Rindo is so engaging and so beautifully written, I was thoroughly entranced. Though I am not a sports fan, even the descriptions of sports events kept me up well past my bedtime; Gabriel's character is so fascinating and so lovable, you can't help but root for him at every challenge. The veterinarian Doc Kennedy with his complicated life history and his heart on his sleeve, is a great foil for the seemingly severe grandparents who, by their faith, must break off relations with Gabriel.

This is my novel of the year; I doubt in the months left in 2025 I will read a book that exceeds Life, and Death, and Giants in heart and soul. I would recommend it to both men and women for its unique plot and well-developed characters.

I had no idea what to expect when I started Life, and Death, and Giants by Ron Rindo. It started out with some baseball, and then took a quick turn into a very difficult labor by a former Amish woman and the veterinarian that delivered the baby. The veterinarian becomes quite close with the baby as he grows into a young man. An Amish grandmother shares her family history, her love of family, and her questions about her faith. The baby grows up to become an amazing athlete, playing baseball, then football, and then turning to wrestling. This book is unlike anything I have ever read before. It is surprising, it is sad, it is astonishing, and it is so good. It publishes in September 2025, so keep a look out for it.

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the complementary advanced readers copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own. #bookreview #LifeandDeathandGiants #ronrindo #stmartinspress #netgalley #book #ebook #arc #amish #giants #athletes #baseball #football #wrestling #bookstagram #read #reader #reading

Thank you to St Martins Press for the free electronic copy. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars rounded up
The title caught my eye but the story of Gabriel kept me hooked from the beginning. Born out of wedlock to a Amish woman, Gabriel was a giant from birth. Raised by his brother and longed for by his Amish Grandmother, Gabriel is raised away from the faith of his mother who passed upon his birth.

At times this tale was fantastical but in the most delightful way. I was as invested into Gabriel's life as those characters that surrounded him throughout his youth and early 20's. The lonely veterinarian, local bar owner, high school football coach, and his Amish Grandmother.

A gentle (mostly) story of a gentle giant who's life touched many around him in ways not to be forgotten. The sins are too egregious for the reader to find this a light book, but as in life, there is joy, laughter, love, and forgiveness all lived out in the life of Gabriel. I highly recommend this book.

While this book started out slow, it did pick up toward the middle. I enjoyed the characters, but I wanted more from the plot.

The synopsis gave a retelling of Simon Birch for me. Sadly I didn’t like it as much because the story kept jumping around. My neurodivergent brain can’t focus when it jumps a lot. I would recommend to readers that like stories that do.