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quiltmom14's review
4.0
What a wonderful character book. Very slow burn....nothing much happens - but that’s like saying nothing happens in Moscow Gentleman. Everything happens. Life happens. This is such a lyrical book (I listened to it) and if you like descriptive , almost poetic language, this book is for you. I am definitely going to read the rest of this 10 book series.
schray32's review
3.0
I read Jayber Crow and loved it. Starting the whole series. This one was slower but I appreciate that in a way.
vcarman13's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
amdawson's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I enjoy Port Williams and the rural life Wendell Berry portrays so well. This is a short read that focuses on young Nathan Coulter and adds depth to other characters you might know from other books on the series.
brb_reads's review
4.0
4.5 stars. If it’s not obvious, I can’t get enough of Port William and the residents who live there. After researching this book some I learned that this was the first one of his books set in Port William (very similar to his own hometown of Port Royal in Kentucky). I also learned that he received the National Humanities Medal in 2010. Will not be my last.
coinchantal's review
2.0
I couldn't get into the story because it was long winded and boring. Although this could be a good story, it just wasn't my liking.
readsewknit's review against another edition
4.0
Wendell Berry contains multitudes, delving into essays, fiction, and poetry, all with his steady view of the world on display.
NATHAN COULTER begins the Port William series, and Nathan is a teenager who comes of age and must make sense of the world, taking in the disparate examples of various family members around him. What is worth pursuing?
NATHAN COULTER begins the Port William series, and Nathan is a teenager who comes of age and must make sense of the world, taking in the disparate examples of various family members around him. What is worth pursuing?
sharon_b's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
nrt43's review
4.0
This, I believe, was the first book set in Port William. A delightful coming of age for Nathan and tons about Uncle Burly. It's about place and community and work and land. It's about the regrets we make and the wounds we suffer as children and how they shape us.
katie_berry's review
4.0
I wish I could give this 4 1/2 stars. This is a such a good depiction of rural farm life in Kentucky. You can almost feel the heat of summer when reading it. I feel like the story only gives a small snippet of Nathan’s life and I want more! I didn’t like all the animal cruelty in the story but I know it’s part of the narrative for life back then. Speaking of that, I wish I knew when the story takes place. There is mention of lanterns being used and a mule team with buggies going places. I’m suspecting early 1900s? Can’t be sure.