Book Banter -- Coop

Title: Coop: A Year of Poultry, Pigs, and Parenting

Author: Michael Perry

Length: ~300 pages

Genre: nonfiction/memoir

Where Word Nerd's Copy Came From: Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library

Plot Basics: Perry continues to entertain with his life story. After Population 485 and Truck, Perry is now taking on family duties. He's married, gained a daughter and has a new baby on the way. Perry decided to take up some simple farming -- including getting pigs and chickens to help feed his growing family. As Perry shares, his plans for building things -- in this case, a grand chicken coop -- often exceed his abilities. Perry's story of the chickens is interwoven with humorous insights into life and poignant stories.

Banter Points: Word Nerd thorougly enjoyed Perry's latest book, taking her back to her few years in Wisconsin. While she never lived as far north as Perry, some of the general culture was the same and it was fun to reminisce while reading. As always, he had some absolutely phenomenal catch-your-breath sentences. More than once, Word Nerd either laughed aloud or reached for her Kleenex box, because it's that kind of book. Even though Word Nerd is not a father, not a farmer, never been an EMT, doesn't have foster siblings and so much else that Perry talks about, the book is accessible to all kinds of readers.

Bummer Points: It'll be a few more years before Perry has another book.

Word Nerd Recommendation: Anyone who wants a good glimpse at life in rural Midwest needs to read Perry.