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rebesaurusrex's review
3.0
I have feelings about this book but think I may need to mull it over a bit. The chapters were meandering vignettes of life. Place played a big role. I loved the writing. I struggled to get in to it but by the end, the last chapter felt abrupt.
book_concierge's review
4.0
Michael Perry is a good writer with a gift for metaphor and descriptions so vivid you can hear the roar of the fire and smell the freshly mown hay fields. BUT ... the book is somewhat disjointed and I had trouble getting into it. Still, his ability to describe small-town life and the interactions of characters is nothing short of charming and engaging. The last chapter is exceptional - worth the wait and earning the 4th star.
abaugher's review
5.0
beautiful writing, very touching, interesting, and funny in turns. another World Book Night US 2013 choice.
tessa_krause's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.75
Very witty author, but he does use bigger paragraphs and more challenging words. I love that it's non-fiction about a small town in Wisconsin!
kolhan07's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book mostly because I vacation in the area that this takes place so I can relate to the descriptions.
vonwortchiller's review
4.0
After serving as a volunteer firefighter on two small town departments, this book really hit home for me. Even the author's family I've somewhat adopted as my own. In chapter he refers to his uncle saying "My uncle Shotsy was a UPS driver. He used to tell me that you could take any corner at exactly twice its posted speed. The second time he rolled his big brown van, UPS let him go." When wife encourages me to slow down, I'll refer to good old Uncle Shotsy. Of course, she's read this book to, so she encourages me not to roll the "UPS van" and get fired. There are a lot of more memorable, and tearful sequences in this book, but I'm not going to spoil the reading of this book for you.
I heartily recommend this book. Don't pass it up. There is also a theatrical performance that is touring, if you get the chance, see it as well. AWESOME!!
I heartily recommend this book. Don't pass it up. There is also a theatrical performance that is touring, if you get the chance, see it as well. AWESOME!!
heidisreads's review
3.0
Read for book club at the library. The way the author breathed life into the small town characters had me reading many sections out loud to whoever would listen. I was a tiny bit distracted by the EMT jargon but it wasn't a deal-breaker. I think I will read Truck later this winter.
nuthatch's review
4.0
Readers who grew up in small towns in the Midwest will identify with this book. It may help city folk understand why we still live here.