A fantastic book, funny, poignant, and even if over 50 years old, of high relevance. It describes the life on a small Kentucky foothills farm for a year, and addresses issues of social justice, religion, work ethic, and humor and history. A great read, and I think a lot of people ought to read this book, especially if you are not from this area. ( )

From Amazon: In the late 1940s, Janice and Henry Giles moved from Louisville, Kentucky, back to the Appalachian hill country where Henry had grown up and where his family had lived since the time of the Revolution. With their savings, the couple bought a ramshackle house and forty acres of land on a ridge top and set out to be farmers like Henry's forebears.
To this personal account of the trials of a city woman trying to learn the ways of the country and of her neighbors, Janice Holt Giles brings the same warmth, humor, and powers of observation that characterize her novels. Enlightening and evocative, personal and universally pertinent, this description of a year of "backaches, fun, low ebbs, and high tides, and above all a year of eminent satisfaction" will be welcomed by Janice Holt Giles's many readers, old and new.
My thoughts: This is my new favorite book!! I love her description of the area, the people, how they lived, and her love and respect for the people of the area. I highly recommend this book to everyone!! ( )

"40 Acres and No Mule" is the non-fiction complement to Giles' novel "The Enduring Hills." It is the true story of Janice Holt Giles' move from the big city -- Louisville -- to live with her husband and his family in rural Appalachia.

Her account of their life on a hard-scrabble, but ultimately successful, farm is evocative and highly entertaining. The descriptions of how to cut tobacco, strip and grade the leaves, and hang them to dry makes your back and hands ache -- and your heart sing with as much satisfaction as if you'd done the work yourself.

Highly recommended for everyone who would like a break from urban life, without actually having to give up the comforts and convenience we take for granted. ( )

A fabulous book written by the great Janice Holt Giles. Ms Giles' descriptions of life in rural Kentucky following WWII are vivid and delightful. She paints great pictures with her words! ( )