Just Beyond Harmony

by Gaydell M. Collier

During the 1960s Gaydell Collier, husband Roy and their four children moved into a cabin near the community of Harmony, Wyoming. The cabin provided for their basic needs, but lacked indoor plumbing and other modern amenities of the time. The family along with their quirky pets provide a humorous tone to this story of growth, self reliance, and the importance of community and family.

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 2, 2011

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the stories and adventures of the Collier family in the 1960s. If you are a "Little House" fan, you will enjoy this book. At times, I struggled with the chapter breaks and the chapter ramblings. It seemed like there could have been more time spent on the editing, outline, and organizational structure of the book.

But I felt like the anecdotal and anthology of tales were a charming representation of life in the Laramie Valley of Wyoming and a true adoption of the Wyoming Spirit.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the life experience I would choose for myself, but I enjoyed reading about it. The author has a writing style that pulls the reader into the story. The cabin, the setting, and the community of Harmony, Wyoming are lovingly portrayed. I admire the entire family for their life of self-reliance by the Big Laramie River.

[Cynthia Bower · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just LOVE this book by Gaydell Collier. She is quick-witted and funny, yet brings the serious situations in life into a beautiful perspective. I am so glad that Gaydell persisted in finishing this wonderful memoir. She is not only capturing a slice of life in her family, but a snapshot of life in Wyoming.

[Mikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find it an amazing memoir, since I have zero interest to actually participate in old fashioned country living.