I grew up in the same area of Wisconsin that the author writes about in this book. I've been gone from there for the last 40 years, but retain the memories and lessons learned from there. The author, through a series of essays, describes some of the wonders and the disasters of living there. It is not an easy place to farm or homestead in. If the bugs don't get you, and the cold doesn't crush your spirit, there's still a dozen more ways that nature can upset plans. But the good points.....the wildlife, the natural beauty of the land, the way your neighbors help you when you need it, are what can make it worthwhile to live there.
Dean manages to express the ups and downs in a very beautiful writing style. She drew out memories and emotions that I didn't remember I had,
An excellent writer, she manages to do just that, time after time.
Now the problem with the book: Dean has succeeded in waking up the life I enjoyed back there, and left me with a bad case of home sickness! Not a bad problem to have, it just makes me appreciate the life I have had, and the hope for it in my future.
Excellent book!

What a thoughtful collection of essays!
Ms Dean is a gifted storyteller. This is a tribute to the sustainable way of living, climate change awareness, and the sensitivity to and unity with nature at its finest.