Population: 485 (Abridged) Audiobook

" Not exactly what I expected. I thought there would be more stories of meeting your neighbors. "

" This book was absolutely horrible! The title no way represents what the book is about. The book should be called "Misery". If you are in to Death, blood and dismemberment, its up your alley! So glad I have finished it to get onto something decent! "

" This is a great book, you feel like you have gone on all the adventures with the author. "

" Wisconsin smart. "

" Author Michael Perry tells about his small-town experience of working on the fire/EMS department. "

" Well written book - but unlike any others I've read before. Honest, funny and full of heart - it made me laugh and cry :) It's the author's memoir about being a volunteer fire fighter in a small town - full of off-beat characters that at the end of the day would help anyone in need. Good read :) "

" Michael Perry paints a vivid portrait of life in a small Wisconsin town. I found the ending haunting. "

" A great set of stories about small town life told by someone who has returned home and joined the volunteer fire department. Really, quite fine. "

" Michael Perry makes me long for small town WI and my childhood home. His writing is endearing and heart warming. "

" This is a great book. I can relate to much of the humor being a Wisconsinite myself. "

" About rural small town Wisconsin life and his experiences as a first responder on the volunteer fire dept. Loved the EMT stories and tight knit community. "

" I love author Michael Perry! When I read Perry I am completely wrapped up in his words. I love his style. "

" A look at small town life through the eyes of a volunteer fireman "

" Was on a Perry reading rampage when I added this one to the mix. Enjoyed it immensely. "

" Finally, I engaged with a current story-telling author, although this book is non-fiction, so I can't quite seem to break with my anti-fiction bias as of late. "

" Re-read. Even better than I remembered, and I loved it the first time. Mostly, it's about everything that matters. "

" It reminded me of the small towns I knew as a child. "

" One of my all-time favorite books. Michael Perry is a wonderful author. His prose is pure poetry. His stories Are complex. Some laugh-out-loud funny. Others bring me to my knees sad. This book reminds me of my family, it takes me back home. It is a book that I pick up again and again and again. "

" Michael Perry can fall a little bit too in love with his metaphors, but this book is still makes me cry. "

" Perry's writing style is warm and familiar. Humourous stories mixed in with reflections and some tragedy. Though it should've served as a warning more than inspiration, the book made me want to raise chickens. "

" A warm, funny, realistic view of rural life in northern Wisconsin. I laughed out loud and cried through sections of this story. I already have other books by Michael Perry on hold at the library. "

" A little too much baby and a few too many lengthy descriptions of farm chores. But those parts about his nephew were . . . wow. "

" Absolutely not what I imagined. Brought back lots of memories of growing up on a farm. "

" Fabulous, quick read! This is a non-fiction written by an author about his own experience. I truly appreciated his honest ability to look at himself and share his truthful observations. "

" A little heavy on the childhood memoir (which feels nontopical and slightly irrelevant in parts). A little light on the ins and outs of modern farmkeep. Although, I guess I had expectations a la Farm City by Novella Carpenter, who so far has got my vote for best modern agri-memoir. "

" Another great book. Perry is entertaining, thought provoking and just plain enjoyable to read. I felt I was there with him during his year onthe farm. I recomend his books always! "

" Love this book. Was written from a very "real" perspective! Can't wait to read more of Michael Perry's writing! "

" Perry, with a genuine and rural flair, mixes anecdotes of his rural life with philosophy, a bit of introspective religion and surprising humor into an autobiography that is entertaining, funny at times and easy to read. I will look forward to reading his "Truck: A Love Story." "

" I was hoping this book would have more farming and less family. But the stories told are thoughtful and sometimes touching. The writing style is playful and manages to tie together the wild leaps between past and present in the storyline. Definitely a worth while read. "

" Michael is a talented writer but the subject of this book seemed lacking in interest. It had a few high points between stretches of tedium. "

" I will read anything he writes...forever. And any time you get a chance to go to reading, treat yourself to a great nice of laughter and reflection. "