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tanya_the_spack's review against another edition
3.0
There were quite a few pieces of the story that I really liked, but the story as a whole just didn't quite work for me. The quirky townsfolk were the best part, but they're definitely best in small doses. Also, I find myself wanting to eat huckleberries.
littleobsidian's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
jenae's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
1717evelyn1717's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
blrosene's review against another edition
A little YA for my tastes but an enjoyable read. Very joyful, gave me strong Northern Exposure vibes.
pappas's review against another edition
5.0
Such a charming read. I savored every moment of the book.
larryerick's review against another edition
4.0
There is a great deal to recommend this book. In fact, I feel this particular author has it within to eventually come up with a Great American Novel. His best is really that good. However, there is a bit of roughness around the edges with this one -- in my opinion -- that suggests his publisher may have pushed him to get something ready for print before he was ready to do so. So, what do we have here. The title of the book suggests this is about a woodland animal, and, indeed, there is much about the book, especially in the beginning, that reminds me pleasantly of the direct non-human perspective of Garth Stein's The Art of Racing on the Rain. But even then, the book immediately shares its billing with a young boy in a small, rustic Oregon town, who has his own life to live beyond that of a marten named Martin. His life touches in a very entertaining way with his family, including a very exceptional younger sister. The family, in turn, weaves in and out with many varied members of this little community, a community both diverse and richly appealing. For those acquainted with the TV show, Northern Exposures, and the Port William community of Wendell Berry, this is not quite as quirky (or sometimes ill-intended) as the Cicely, Alaska crowd could get, but is often much more humorous than the kind folks of Port William. In any event, this is not a children's book. In the end, it is a celebration of people interacting with each other and with the wilderness around them in a most touching and fun way.
arielamandah's review against another edition
5.0
This BOOK. So unlike the majority of other books I’ve read recently. It felt tender and kind. Not saccharine, and not twee, but a sweet story of a place and people that we all should aspire to (well, in ways). There is something deep about this book (and maybe unwritten?) that gets to the values I want my life to revolve around. I will say it was a slow burn for me in the beginning, but by the end, I was all hearts-for-eyes. Let’s build this. Big hat tip to Stasia for her review and recommendation... as she put it: this book is about all the right things.
shiloniz's review against another edition
5.0
You ever get teary-eyed on the last couple pages of a book, simply because you know it's the last pages you will take on this journey, at least for the first time? That is what happened here, just now, before logging onto my goodreads account and wishing I had never finished this dang book. Thanks Brian Doyle, as always, visiting with you is a true pleasure.