Welcome to Litsy!

This is the second book that I‘ve read in Berry‘s Port William series and I don‘t know why it‘s taken me so long to get to it after loving Jayber Crow so much. Hannah Coulter‘s reminiscences of her life and the life of the community, or “membership” as they call it were just lovely. Wendell Berry brings so much warmth and grace to this town and its inhabitants. I need to not let so much time pass before picking up another in this series.

Thank you, Wendell Berry. Spending time with the folks of Port William, KY this past year has been a gift. Hannah Coulter was my first and favorite, but they are all worth a read. Not pictured: Jayber Crow

This book is written through the perspective of a widow in her late seventies, reflecting on her life, memories, family, war, and the work of her farm. While I thought the overall sentiment was endearing, I did not ever fully engage with the characters or the plot. I found myself zoning out on a frequent basis (while listening to the audiobook) because it was slow and somewhat boring.

Thanks to those that recommended Wendell Berry as an author writing about Kentucky. This was available through my library and was fairly entertaining. It made me think of my grandparents farm, which was a good thing. Now still looking for something interesting for #Arkansas. #ReadingUSA2019 #Kentucky

The previous two times I read this book, I listened to it. I read it in print this time (along with #closereads podcast) because I wanted to take it in at a slower pace, with pen and commonplace book in hand. ❤️

Notes: book club read
Pairs well with: front/sleeping porch, a pitcher of something cold and homemade, a hard or restless season of life

Slow and steady, healing stuff. A reflection and meditation on farming life, marriage, and community in a small town. Brought my own life and troubles into perspective. I'm planning to collect the rest in the series, although this book stands alone.

My TBR and Read planner bookshelf for March

I don't even remember liking one of Sara's recent posts about this book, but I have wanted to try Berry's stuff for a long, long time. My taste in fiction is so attuned to hers that I just know I'm going to love this! Thank you soooo much, @saresmoore !! 😘😘😘😘

I didn't hesitate for a second in deciding who I would feature for @Liberty 's #KostovaGiveaway prompt.

Wendell Berry's life, stories, essays—his tender words that stem from an enduring strength & compassion—mean the world to me. He's a human I'd love to spend time with, even if we were just silently tending a garden together.

Finally the right time to start my first Wendell Berry today. I'm chapter 2 and I'm already really loving it. It feels immersive and so thoughtful.

I forgot to post this bittersweet photo. The Morris Book Shop, my favorite booktopia outside St. Louis, is closing its doors at the end of the month. If you happen to get to the Lexington area before then, please show them some love. 💔

I just want to hug this book. Wendell Berry is a treasure.

..how's that for a review?

"I'll build you a house," he said.

Hannah Coulter is a quiet novel, but so lovely.

My house is overflowing with #inspiring books, but this happy group can always be found in a prominent shelf placement (when I'm not re-reading them, of course). It's hard to choose a favorite. Lucy and Great Aunt Maddie are my lifelong companions, but Wendell Berry never ceases to challenge, inspire, and fill my soul. #photoadaynov16

Hmmmm... Sounds like Wendell read the Bhagavad Gita. Very Yoga.

Berry's writing of the love of place and community are lovely...

So many great passages in this book. (Un?)Luckily Litsy's character limit keeps me from posting son of my favorites...