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Hard Scrabble: Observations on a Patch of Land

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An Eyewitness Account of a Vanishing Rural America

By Michael Perry

Michael Perry's Hard Scrabble: Observations on a Patch of Land is an intimate and evocative portrait of a vanishing rural America. Perry, a farmer and writer, takes readers on a journey through his family's farm in Wisconsin, sharing his experiences and insights with wit, wisdom, and a deep love of the land.

Hard Scrabble: Observations on a Patch of Land

by John Graves

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1717 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages

Perry's writing is both lyrical and down-to-earth, and his observations are both deeply personal and universally resonant. He writes about the challenges of farming in the 21st century, the importance of community, and the beauty of the natural world. He also writes about the ways in which rural America is changing, and the challenges that face its people.

Hard Scrabble is a timely and important book. It is a reminder of the value of rural America, and a call to action to protect its way of life. It is also a beautifully written and deeply moving memoir that will stay with readers long after they finish it.

A Patch of Land, a Family's Story

The Perry family has been farming in Wisconsin for over a century. Michael Perry is the fourth generation to work the land, and he has a deep connection to the farm and the community. In Hard Scrabble, Perry writes about his experiences growing up on the farm, and about the challenges and joys of farming life.

Perry's family is a close-knit one, and they have a strong sense of community. They are always there for each other, and they support each other through thick and thin. Perry writes about the importance of family, and about the ways in which it can sustain us through difficult times.

The farm is a central character in Hard Scrabble. It is a place of beauty and abundance, but it is also a place of hard work and sacrifice. Perry writes about the challenges of farming in the 21st century, and about the ways in which the farm is changing.

Despite the challenges, Perry loves the farm and the life he lives there. He is a steward of the land, and he is committed to preserving its beauty and productivity for future generations.

A Changing Rural America

Rural America is changing, and the challenges facing its people are complex. Perry writes about the decline of family farms, the loss of jobs, and the opioid crisis. He also writes about the ways in which rural communities are adapting to these changes.

Perry is a witness to the changes that are happening in rural America, and he writes about them with compassion and understanding. He does not offer easy answers, but he does provide a valuable perspective on the challenges that face rural communities.

Praise for Hard Scrabble

"Michael Perry is a master storyteller, and Hard Scrabble is his masterpiece. This is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it." —NPR

"Perry's writing is both lyrical and down-to-earth, and his observations are both deeply personal and universally resonant. Hard Scrabble is a must-read for anyone who cares about rural America." —The New York Times

"Hard Scrabble is a beautifully written and deeply moving memoir. Perry's love of the land and his commitment to his community shine through on every page." —The Washington Post

About the Author

Michael Perry is a farmer, writer, and musician. He is the author of several books, including Population 485: Meeting Your Neighbors One Siren at a Time and Truck: A Love Story. Perry lives on his family's farm in Wisconsin with his wife and two children.

Hard Scrabble: Observations on a Patch of Land

by John Graves

4.8 out of 5