Hit by a Farm

March 26, 2012
In Catherine Friend’s memoir, she and life partner Melissa Peteler decide to live out the latter’s longtime dream and become farmers in Minnesota. While Peteler has some experience with animals, Friend has almost none. Nevertheless, the pair buys a farm, a pickup truck, and more than 50 lambs for breeding. And as they attempt to “get back to the land,” their often hilarious trails and tribulations begin. Friend’s narration is entertaining and workmanlike, but at times she sounds as if she’s reading to a group of school children. And this solemn but upbeat delivery isn’t always appropriate. Nonetheless, Friend’s enunciation is crystal clear and her pacing is perfect. A De Capo paperback.

Starred review from May 1, 2012

The average person usually acquires most of their knowledge about farms from singing "Old McDonald" or reading Charlotte's Web. Friend's experience was not that much different when she agreed to start a small farm with her partner Melissa. The former city dweller and self-proclaimed bookworm quickly discovered she was out of her element when having to deal with the hard, messy, backbreaking--and sometimes heartbreaking--work that accompanied her new way of life. The author narrates in her strong accent, adding some Minnesota flavor to her honest and touching story about trying to support her partner's dream without sacrificing her own. VERDICT This behind-the-scenes look at the real work farmers do will have listeners simultaneously grossed out, hysterical, and fascinated. Friend's story will appeal to city slickers and country folks alike. [Not quite so enthralled was the review of the Marlowe: Avalon pb, LJ 4/1/06: "Although some books...can transform the woes of farming and rural life into entertaining, sparkling tales, this one lacks such charm." --Theresa Horn, St. Joseph Cty. P.L., South Bend, IN

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