There were too many grammar and punctuation mistakes to be ignored and a lot of times I didn't care for the author's attitude. That being said, I related to his observations MANY times having moved from a large city to the rural Oregon coast. It is quite an adjustment and I appreciated his struggle. I wholeheartedly agreed with one of the letters that observed he wasn't the best of writers, but he was clearly an AMAZING teacher. I also contemplated many times what it must be like to yearn for greatness when you're not so great. His single mindedness was a bit frustrating, but his frustration with the teaching system was relatable. I'm glad that I read this, it was worth the time. ( )

Love writes from his heart, and it shows. This book is sometimes uneven but always passionate and intense. I thought what I was getting was a chronicle of his time spent as caretaker of a wildlife refuge, and what I got instead was a love song to teaching. Love's affair with teaching is plenty tempestuous, they fight, they break up, there's sulking and stomping and fuming, but ultimately it's the most meaningful relationship he has. Beating back Himalayan blackberries is a worthwhile stress-reducer, but it's teaching that owns his soul.

Well worth reading, especially if you're involved with students, wildlife or Oregon. ( )

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Laughed my ass off for a good 20 minutes after reading about his first walk through the refuge house where he was moving; continued to laugh for a couple of days afterwards every time I thought of this description. Well written and an enjoyable read. ( )