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A Carpenter's Life as Told by Houses: A Memoir of Craftsmanship, Community, and the Changing Shape of the American Home
“… Larry Haun is as much a historian and philosopher as he is a 60-year veteran carpenter. Larry’s memoir would be equally at home on the bookshelves of home building and architecture enthusiasts as anyone on a spiritual journey.”
- Brian Pontolilo, Editor, Fine Homebuilding Magazine The unforgettable memoir of a legendary builder. You don’t have to be a carpenter to appreciate this fascinating book that Publishers Weekly calls, “a first person timeline of 20th century American residential architecture… combining …two literary the memoir and the how-to book.” A moving story of that place we call home. An early advocate for building lean and green and an avid blogger, Larry Haun tells his unique story in terms of twelve homes – built over the last 100 years. These are homes he knows intimately, drawing the reader in with detailed descriptions and thoughtful observations. “Just like any good carpenter, Haun brings his own artistic flourishes to the job of storytelling…. But where Haun’s true personality comes across is when he describes the construction process for the many houses he has lived in and built―from his parent’s 1,000-sq. ft. wood-frame house and the adobe and cob structures of the Southwest to the mid-century pre-fabricated and tract houses, and the more recent Habitat for Humanity homes he has donated his time to help erect.”
Publishers Weekly , 6/13/2011 A delight to read. A great gift. This engaging memoir will appeal to anyone who appreciates a well-told story. A Carpenter’s Life As Told in Houses explores our love of home – feelings so deeply rooted that they go far beyond wood and plaster and shingles. Share the author’s deep connection to the natural world, his yearning for simplicity, and respect for humanity – and see why he believes that less is more.
- Brian Pontolilo, Editor, Fine Homebuilding Magazine The unforgettable memoir of a legendary builder. You don’t have to be a carpenter to appreciate this fascinating book that Publishers Weekly calls, “a first person timeline of 20th century American residential architecture… combining …two literary the memoir and the how-to book.” A moving story of that place we call home. An early advocate for building lean and green and an avid blogger, Larry Haun tells his unique story in terms of twelve homes – built over the last 100 years. These are homes he knows intimately, drawing the reader in with detailed descriptions and thoughtful observations. “Just like any good carpenter, Haun brings his own artistic flourishes to the job of storytelling…. But where Haun’s true personality comes across is when he describes the construction process for the many houses he has lived in and built―from his parent’s 1,000-sq. ft. wood-frame house and the adobe and cob structures of the Southwest to the mid-century pre-fabricated and tract houses, and the more recent Habitat for Humanity homes he has donated his time to help erect.”
Publishers Weekly , 6/13/2011 A delight to read. A great gift. This engaging memoir will appeal to anyone who appreciates a well-told story. A Carpenter’s Life As Told in Houses explores our love of home – feelings so deeply rooted that they go far beyond wood and plaster and shingles. Share the author’s deep connection to the natural world, his yearning for simplicity, and respect for humanity – and see why he believes that less is more.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2011
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304 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 8, 2020
Half of this book was LOVELY and beautiful and I drank-it-up, the other half was preachy and self-righteous and I loathed it. With better editing, this book could have been profound and important.
Larry writes an almost literal version of “back in my day, I walked uphill, both ways in the snow, in my daddy’s pajamas.” He created a perfect caricature of the old person who doesn’t understand “the world today”. I think that at a certain age, a person is allowed to talk this kind of shit...
However, I really disliked his proselytizing about how fucked the world is. I EVEN AGREE with him on most of the points, but the way he communicated them didn't sit well with me.
That being said, the parts about housing history and living in the great depression I thoroughly enjoyed! I was hoping for more of that in the book.
Side note: make a drinking game of every time he mentions an “iPod” as a way to degrade youth of today.
Larry writes an almost literal version of “back in my day, I walked uphill, both ways in the snow, in my daddy’s pajamas.” He created a perfect caricature of the old person who doesn’t understand “the world today”. I think that at a certain age, a person is allowed to talk this kind of shit...
However, I really disliked his proselytizing about how fucked the world is. I EVEN AGREE with him on most of the points, but the way he communicated them didn't sit well with me.
That being said, the parts about housing history and living in the great depression I thoroughly enjoyed! I was hoping for more of that in the book.
Side note: make a drinking game of every time he mentions an “iPod” as a way to degrade youth of today.
August 25, 2014
I wish I’d known Larry Haun. From his writing he comes across as one of those spry, sometimes cranky, remarkably ageless carpenters you meet from time to time who love their work and understand the deeper meaning of their craft. Best of all, his passion was for creating durable, practical housing. Not McMansions. Not ego-castles. Just shelter, a basic human need.
Here’s the purpose of the book in Larry’s own words:
His knowledge of practical housing came first hand. In western Nebraska his mother grew up in a sod house and later taught in a straw bale school. Larry worked as a production framer in the 1950’s tract housing boom in Los Angeles at a time when production framing was just being invented.
Larry avoids the cult of exquisite wood craft. He used power saws and drywall and makes no apology. At the same time he cares about sustainability and green values while laughing at the self-canceling concept of a 10,000 square foot house that was certified “green.”
In A Carpenter’s Life he discusses twelve houses in twelve chapters, from his mother’s “soddy” to the quonset huts he built during World War Two to post-war tract houses to Habitat to Humanity houses to his own small, simple house in which he raised a large family. Most interesting are his personal experiences with each form of construction. Least interesting are his occasional sustainable ecology rants, which become a bit too frequent near the end of the book. Not that I disagree with him. It’s just that if you’re reading this book, most likely you’re already among the converted.
There are photos and drawings, but this is not a glossy book about glossy houses. It's a plain-spoken book about houses for the rest of us.
Here’s the purpose of the book in Larry’s own words:
I can’t help but wonder about the relationship between people and their homes. How do these vastly different dwelling places affect the people who live there? How have I been shaped by the houses I’ve lived in? Who and what would I be if I’d been born in an upscale mansion or a shack by the river?
His knowledge of practical housing came first hand. In western Nebraska his mother grew up in a sod house and later taught in a straw bale school. Larry worked as a production framer in the 1950’s tract housing boom in Los Angeles at a time when production framing was just being invented.
Larry avoids the cult of exquisite wood craft. He used power saws and drywall and makes no apology. At the same time he cares about sustainability and green values while laughing at the self-canceling concept of a 10,000 square foot house that was certified “green.”
In A Carpenter’s Life he discusses twelve houses in twelve chapters, from his mother’s “soddy” to the quonset huts he built during World War Two to post-war tract houses to Habitat to Humanity houses to his own small, simple house in which he raised a large family. Most interesting are his personal experiences with each form of construction. Least interesting are his occasional sustainable ecology rants, which become a bit too frequent near the end of the book. Not that I disagree with him. It’s just that if you’re reading this book, most likely you’re already among the converted.
There are photos and drawings, but this is not a glossy book about glossy houses. It's a plain-spoken book about houses for the rest of us.
January 31, 2015
part cultural history, part memoir, part "how to frame a house" instructions. Larry Haun is a lifelong carpenter who also writes for "fine homebuilding" magazine.
the book's pleasure is diluted by his long digressions into "why can't we all see how we're ruining the planet/the atmosphere/etc." plaints. They are nothing you haven't heard before, while his own story is definitely something you've NEVER heard before.
I will never forget this description of the sod houses of Nebraska, and the winds that made living in a frame house in Nebraska wildly impractical.
this one is $23 on amazon, so i'm glad I got it through interlibrary loan.
the book's pleasure is diluted by his long digressions into "why can't we all see how we're ruining the planet/the atmosphere/etc." plaints. They are nothing you haven't heard before, while his own story is definitely something you've NEVER heard before.
I will never forget this description of the sod houses of Nebraska, and the winds that made living in a frame house in Nebraska wildly impractical.
this one is $23 on amazon, so i'm glad I got it through interlibrary loan.
April 6, 2021
Such a great book. Like if Wendell Berry was a carpenter. It comes to me weekly hoping that wendell Berry is writing an autobiography. Until that comes out, this one is great.
Larry Haun comes from Nebraska to los angeles, he and his brother get jobs as carpenters, this book gives his simple, hardworking philosophy through several different types of homes. Someone tell me where to sign up with the Larry Haun school of life.
Readable by non-construction people as well. There is some discussion of technical parts, but about 3/4 is discussion on life. He's not so enamored with much of the hyper-masculinity or pop culture that is around nearly every corner. I was surprised when I heard him quote Howard Thurman as well as discovering a night blooming jasmine plant just outside his window.
Larry Haun comes from Nebraska to los angeles, he and his brother get jobs as carpenters, this book gives his simple, hardworking philosophy through several different types of homes. Someone tell me where to sign up with the Larry Haun school of life.
Readable by non-construction people as well. There is some discussion of technical parts, but about 3/4 is discussion on life. He's not so enamored with much of the hyper-masculinity or pop culture that is around nearly every corner. I was surprised when I heard him quote Howard Thurman as well as discovering a night blooming jasmine plant just outside his window.
June 16, 2012
when the library director says "this is a book for you" and hands it to you what is left to do but read it. i loved it! an unassuming book full of interesting facts and small life lesson nuggets. one for your list.
March 21, 2021
A Carpenter’s Life tells the story of straw, adobe, and cob building
Posted on March 21, 2021 by michellelovatosbookreviews, world's first book color commentator, book reviews with a twist
A Carpenter’s Life as Told by Houses is a combination memoir and how-to book told by beloved residential home builder Larry Haun.
Based on his 60-year career as a master carpenter, Haun shares his life’s story, as well as his deep appreciation for sustainable residential architecture. Known for his boundless energy, Haun often mused that his natural inclination toward the energetic pursuit of carpentry was the result of his upbringing in the cold, windy western Nebraska plains.
Haun was born in the early 1930s and raised in western Nebraska. Though not uncommon during that era, Larry grew up in a house without electricity, heat, insulation, or running water. His humble beginnings taught Haun how to appreciate the fine art of home building and take advantage of the natural resources available around him. Haun’s career began in the late 1940s, when at 17 years old, Haun built New Mexico homes from straw bales, adobe, and cob, which is a natural collection of subsoil, water, straw, lime, and sometimes clay.
After World War II, Haun moved to Los Angeles and worked in the bustling post-war metropolis building tract homes. That nexus point experience cemented Haun’s future career as a home builder. As time progressed, Haun mastered the craft of carpentry and moved his work into other areas.
Haun’s story includes his active, lasting relationship with sustainable tract home building, his long association with Habitat for Humanity, as well as his passionate pursuit to put his ideology on paper.
Never a man to rest, Haun “retired” from his career and moved into a 1950s home in Coos Bay, Ore. Along with his Habitat for Humanity work, Haun built his online presence with an active blog that showcases his philosophies and offers instructional videos that still serve aspiring carpenters as a popular Fine Homebuilding asset and resource.
A Carpenter’s Life as Told by Houses is the story of this amazing man’s life and obsession. His blog is a living memorial to a well-loved man who died in 2011 from Cancer and a teaching tool to carpenters who may not yet be born.
Haun’s blog is located at “Finehomebuilding.com” and outlines a truly fascinating humanitarian who captures his era’s history, offers sustainable housing ideas, and tells his remarkable story through the process and homebuilding.
A Carpenter’s Life as Told by Houses has a Bob Villa/This Old House-feel with its close attention to detail and slow, thorough instruction on how to achieve the many goals Haun has conquered through his life. And the lasting message in this unique memoir offers a lesson with the potential to frame future ages.
BoutiquePublishingService@hotmail.com
BoutiqueBooks@hotmail.com
Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2
Posted on March 21, 2021 by michellelovatosbookreviews, world's first book color commentator, book reviews with a twist
A Carpenter’s Life as Told by Houses is a combination memoir and how-to book told by beloved residential home builder Larry Haun.
Based on his 60-year career as a master carpenter, Haun shares his life’s story, as well as his deep appreciation for sustainable residential architecture. Known for his boundless energy, Haun often mused that his natural inclination toward the energetic pursuit of carpentry was the result of his upbringing in the cold, windy western Nebraska plains.
Haun was born in the early 1930s and raised in western Nebraska. Though not uncommon during that era, Larry grew up in a house without electricity, heat, insulation, or running water. His humble beginnings taught Haun how to appreciate the fine art of home building and take advantage of the natural resources available around him. Haun’s career began in the late 1940s, when at 17 years old, Haun built New Mexico homes from straw bales, adobe, and cob, which is a natural collection of subsoil, water, straw, lime, and sometimes clay.
After World War II, Haun moved to Los Angeles and worked in the bustling post-war metropolis building tract homes. That nexus point experience cemented Haun’s future career as a home builder. As time progressed, Haun mastered the craft of carpentry and moved his work into other areas.
Haun’s story includes his active, lasting relationship with sustainable tract home building, his long association with Habitat for Humanity, as well as his passionate pursuit to put his ideology on paper.
Never a man to rest, Haun “retired” from his career and moved into a 1950s home in Coos Bay, Ore. Along with his Habitat for Humanity work, Haun built his online presence with an active blog that showcases his philosophies and offers instructional videos that still serve aspiring carpenters as a popular Fine Homebuilding asset and resource.
A Carpenter’s Life as Told by Houses is the story of this amazing man’s life and obsession. His blog is a living memorial to a well-loved man who died in 2011 from Cancer and a teaching tool to carpenters who may not yet be born.
Haun’s blog is located at “Finehomebuilding.com” and outlines a truly fascinating humanitarian who captures his era’s history, offers sustainable housing ideas, and tells his remarkable story through the process and homebuilding.
A Carpenter’s Life as Told by Houses has a Bob Villa/This Old House-feel with its close attention to detail and slow, thorough instruction on how to achieve the many goals Haun has conquered through his life. And the lasting message in this unique memoir offers a lesson with the potential to frame future ages.
BoutiquePublishingService@hotmail.com
BoutiqueBooks@hotmail.com
Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2
July 23, 2021
Not much value was gained from this book; however, the book was mildly whimsical and interesting. I have followed Larry Haun’s carpentry articles and videos for many years, and his method of illustrating his biography was fascinating though preachy. He has an old hippie philosophy that doesn’t match my viewpoint; however, his overall message to live simply and respect the Earth is agreeable. I also share his view on allowing more experimental housing to push back on building officials who impose over-zealous building regulations that drive up the cost of housing. With that said, I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it.
October 30, 2018
A great book - previous comments about needing a better editor may be on point. When Haun gets to the “what is wrong with us” sentences, it gets a bit repetitive. But, largely I agree with him, and but the warmth of Hahn’s personality and his wealth of knowledge make this an enjoyable read. I also recommend watching his fine homebuilding videos to get a sense of his skill and personality.
October 13, 2020
It's a combination of a memoir, history lessons, lesson on how to build different types of homes mashed into a book. It has the same aura of the PBS documentary that airs every year during the holidays of Alone In The Wilderness that tells the story of Dick Proenneke which he built his own cabin in the 1960s.
May 11, 2025
A Carpenter’s Life
I really enjoyed reading this book. Having watched so many of his videos, it was as if he was narrating it! I loved how such a simple guy with such humble beginnings was such an incredibly deep thinker. I wish I’d had the opportunity to have met and/or known him.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Having watched so many of his videos, it was as if he was narrating it! I loved how such a simple guy with such humble beginnings was such an incredibly deep thinker. I wish I’d had the opportunity to have met and/or known him.
October 9, 2020
A great book by a simple carpenter who believes we are not taking care of our earth and we have too much STUFF and the houses we build today are simply to large.
With large houses you have more room to put your STUFF.
With large houses you have more room to put your STUFF.
April 29, 2025
Very interesting because he was a very interesting person. Was hoping he would expand on his marathon running but it just wasn't ever mentioned. I admire his outlooks on life though, I think I would have enjoyed to meet Larry and chit chat.
March 6, 2018
Something everyone should read
July 7, 2020
Larry’s videos made him seem like such a fun guy. The book is a chance to read about him and I enjoyed every bit of this book.
August 21, 2020
I enjoyed the book. He lived a fascinating life. The world he grew up in (our recent past) seems so foreign to me. He had a lot of insight into how our relationship with the world has changed.
September 15, 2020
Half old man yelling at clouds and half profound insight into life and work.
October 27, 2022
Great Autobiography - Larry does an amazing job describing his experiences and is so authentic in his perspective. One to set; one to swing!
January 7, 2023
Although the author is not a great writer, he tells a good story of the history and building of houses. I like books where I can learn from others.
January 9, 2023
The first part about historical home building was very interesting, but the political elements were heavy-handed. I agree but it just felt depressing.
January 11, 2023
I'll be recommending this to my book group. It's a history of home-building from the Midwest settlers to the present, full of perspective about people and our environment.
October 4, 2025
4.5 stars
February 2, 2013
The title is wonderful, isn't it? "A Carpenter's Life as Told by Houses". Larry Haun spent his early years in a Nebraska sod house, and building with wood must have had magical properties, growing up as he did on the great plains where trees and lumber were so scarce. Haun's narrative voice is so calming, and so loving of the earth, his fellows and his craft, it was a real pleasure to read his biography.
Throughout his life, Haun moved from job site to job site, building stick houses in developments, building custom homes, creating joyful living spaces for his family and for others. Kevin Ireton's introduction notes that at the peak of his powers, Larry and his two brothers could frame a house in a day. A fascinating read, Haun's life spent in home building reflects the evolution and revolution in the industry. He experienced the invention and application of retractable tape measures, nail guns, battery packs and other devices that enabled successive waves of building booms.
Haun's understanding of space and design, and how these are used must have been enormous. And his appreciation of the right size space for a person's needs was written from the heart. The fulfillment of Haun's life was in his later years, when he could use so many of his talents for the good of others. The photographs from this period, after "retirement" to the Oregon coast show a still tall and rangy man, now thin and gaunt.
Here's an early quote that reflects Haun's lifelong love of the material he worked with, a beautiful example of how Haun embraced his experiences so fully: "That sweet smell of pine is still lodged deep in my senses. It is even deeper that that. How to say this so it sounds believable? When I become mindfully quiet, I can actually feel the scent of pine in my heart and body."
Larry Haun died in 2011, the year this book was published. I knew it must be so in reading of the fullness of his life, his gratitude for life and his experiences. I knew it must be so when halfway through the book, he relates that he was sick because of exposure to chemicals and preservatives in his early building career.
Thank you Ashland Public Library for making this book availabe. I'd never have discovered it, nor found it to read except for browsing the seemingly endless shelves of your magical, well lit space.
--Ashland Mystery
Throughout his life, Haun moved from job site to job site, building stick houses in developments, building custom homes, creating joyful living spaces for his family and for others. Kevin Ireton's introduction notes that at the peak of his powers, Larry and his two brothers could frame a house in a day. A fascinating read, Haun's life spent in home building reflects the evolution and revolution in the industry. He experienced the invention and application of retractable tape measures, nail guns, battery packs and other devices that enabled successive waves of building booms.
Haun's understanding of space and design, and how these are used must have been enormous. And his appreciation of the right size space for a person's needs was written from the heart. The fulfillment of Haun's life was in his later years, when he could use so many of his talents for the good of others. The photographs from this period, after "retirement" to the Oregon coast show a still tall and rangy man, now thin and gaunt.
Here's an early quote that reflects Haun's lifelong love of the material he worked with, a beautiful example of how Haun embraced his experiences so fully: "That sweet smell of pine is still lodged deep in my senses. It is even deeper that that. How to say this so it sounds believable? When I become mindfully quiet, I can actually feel the scent of pine in my heart and body."
Larry Haun died in 2011, the year this book was published. I knew it must be so in reading of the fullness of his life, his gratitude for life and his experiences. I knew it must be so when halfway through the book, he relates that he was sick because of exposure to chemicals and preservatives in his early building career.
Thank you Ashland Public Library for making this book availabe. I'd never have discovered it, nor found it to read except for browsing the seemingly endless shelves of your magical, well lit space.
--Ashland Mystery
January 14, 2026
A bunch of anecdotes thrown together that has its moments. Kind of a downer.
August 14, 2012
I bought this book for my husband on the strength of a story in the New York Times about a year ago. (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/27/gar...) Larry Haun had written a lot for Tauton Press publications, which my husband loves: he has a nearly complete set of Fine Woodworking.
Therefore I expected this story of Haun's life and the houses he knew and built would be a big hit. But my husband cmplained that it was poorly organized and written, and without a good focus. When I told him that the book had been published as Haun struggled with cancer, he said that explained it--the book had to be a misguided gesture from the publisher to one of its better writers. It wouldn't have been published otherwise, he said.
I put that down to sheer contrarianism, until I picked the book up this week as I worked on research for my own next book which will have quite a bit about the intersection between urban planning and "vernacular" architecture, or where the point where building and zoning codes meet Do It Yourself.
To my surprise, I decided my husband was right. Despite a very thoughtful layout, careful reproduction of photographs and imaginative typography, the book is mishmash that didn't see much editing. There were moments when I itched to get out a copy pencil and make changes, to tighten things up, the scratch out cliches.
Too bad this labour of love didn't have more editing. If it had it might have an important book. As it is, it reads like something from a vanity press.
Therefore I expected this story of Haun's life and the houses he knew and built would be a big hit. But my husband cmplained that it was poorly organized and written, and without a good focus. When I told him that the book had been published as Haun struggled with cancer, he said that explained it--the book had to be a misguided gesture from the publisher to one of its better writers. It wouldn't have been published otherwise, he said.
I put that down to sheer contrarianism, until I picked the book up this week as I worked on research for my own next book which will have quite a bit about the intersection between urban planning and "vernacular" architecture, or where the point where building and zoning codes meet Do It Yourself.
To my surprise, I decided my husband was right. Despite a very thoughtful layout, careful reproduction of photographs and imaginative typography, the book is mishmash that didn't see much editing. There were moments when I itched to get out a copy pencil and make changes, to tighten things up, the scratch out cliches.
Too bad this labour of love didn't have more editing. If it had it might have an important book. As it is, it reads like something from a vanity press.
January 28, 2012
I love houses and everything about them. I like to know the history behind them, how they are made. I'm especially intrigued by older houses. I loved the beginning of this book, started out describing some old style houses of the west. Very interesting to me. I read other reviews of this book where people said they got tired of the author's "preaching" and in the beginning I didn't see how that fit what I was reading. It quickly changed though. He is very into "green" and save the earth and what are we doing to our planet and the glaciers are melting. All good stuff but that is for another book altogether not fitting for "A Carpenter's Life as Told by Houses." He does make excellent points and I agree with much of what he says, it just wasn't what I was looking for when I picked this one up. What I kept thinking as I was reading is that he would be a truely great and interesting graduation speaker, telling the students snippets of his history while at the same time letting them know the importance of "saving the earth." Perhaps he and Al Gore should get together.
September 11, 2011
This was an enjoyable book, if a little on the preachy side. Haun is a master craftsman/carpenter and tells the story of his life through the houses in which he has lived and those he has built. There are many fascinating stories here that make the book worth reading.
Where it breaks down a bit is in the incessant hearkening back to a simpler time and eco-lecturing. While he is absolutely correct in his sentiment, it reminds me of nothing so much as a crotchety old fart standing on the porch yelling at all the kids to "get off Mother Nature's lawn!" Again, he's right: we waste too much and think too little when it comes to our consumerist society. But counting the gifts opened at a 13-year old's birthday party (and a wedding reception to boot) don't serve nearly so well as his practical stories of how to reuse materials and the benefit (especially monetary) that entails.
Where it breaks down a bit is in the incessant hearkening back to a simpler time and eco-lecturing. While he is absolutely correct in his sentiment, it reminds me of nothing so much as a crotchety old fart standing on the porch yelling at all the kids to "get off Mother Nature's lawn!" Again, he's right: we waste too much and think too little when it comes to our consumerist society. But counting the gifts opened at a 13-year old's birthday party (and a wedding reception to boot) don't serve nearly so well as his practical stories of how to reuse materials and the benefit (especially monetary) that entails.
April 28, 2012
There are not many philosophers anymore, and those that are around are in universities somewhat isolated from the common person. That is what made this book interesting. Larry Haun, who is a life long carpenter from the Great Plains, is also an insightful sage on many topics of life and building.
Born during the Great Depression, he tells the story of housing through the eyes of a carpenter. One of the wonderful parts of the book were all the questions he asks along the way. Instead of giving anecdotal, easy answers, Haun leaves the questions hang, drawing the reader in to think deeply about our lives and what we have created in our 'civilized' world.
Born during the Great Depression, he tells the story of housing through the eyes of a carpenter. One of the wonderful parts of the book were all the questions he asks along the way. Instead of giving anecdotal, easy answers, Haun leaves the questions hang, drawing the reader in to think deeply about our lives and what we have created in our 'civilized' world.
July 14, 2011
So far I'm only a couple of chapters in and I'm loving it!
This book was supplied by the publisher for review purposes.
A Carpenter's Life as Told by Houses is an incredible book. Larry Haun tells his life story using houses that he has experienced building or watched being built. The information included for each type of house is thorough. But his experiences shared during each chapter outshine the housebuilding. After reading this I have found myself looking up this author and wanting to read more!
This book was supplied by the publisher for review purposes.
A Carpenter's Life as Told by Houses is an incredible book. Larry Haun tells his life story using houses that he has experienced building or watched being built. The information included for each type of house is thorough. But his experiences shared during each chapter outshine the housebuilding. After reading this I have found myself looking up this author and wanting to read more!
December 4, 2011
A truly excellent memoir from an author and builder who did much to advance what we now know as production framing. Having read Larry's How to Build a House and wished for a little more detail during his tangential stories, this book was perfect for me. It's certainly not about how to be a carpenter, but it is about how to inhabit the world in which he live. If he seems to spend a little too much time belaboring a few simple ideas, it's because he finds them to be critically important. Highly recommended.
December 1, 2011
Mr. Haun is very interesting in his coverage of houses. His writing style for me is disruptive, more like an editorial or a short story. He frequently (every chapter) espouses the need to live more green, which I agree with. It does get tiring when reading a book about houses to here the author step up onto his soapbox. He then gets off and goes on with the story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews