Notes from the Porch: Tiny True Stories to Make You Feel Better about the World

by Thomas Christopher Greene

"Covid-19 stole so much. But one of the things it couldn't steal was the power of stories."
From the author of the international bestseller The Headmaster's Wife and other novels comes a collection of essays written during the Covid-19 pandemic while the author sheltered in place in his tiny Vermont town. While in isolation, he observed a small town at its neighbors helping neighbors, the joys of gardening, the pleasure of a small boy riding his bike, and walks in the park with his dog Hugo. Childhood memories and stories of family life are intertwined, and what the reader gains is a sense of community, family, and belonging.
"​​I sat on my porch, and thought about how small my world had become," writes Greene. His world, and these stories, may be small, but they show us how grand the human capacity for love; and how love is greater than the ills that befall us.
In Notes from a Porch Greene's capacity for true storytelling is at its finest, and it's a great gift to us all.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Short Stories, Essays, Biography Memoir, Biography

142 pages, Paperback

Published September 12, 2024

About the author

Thomas Christopher Greene is the author of 7 books, six critically acclaimed novels including the international bestseller, The Headmaster's Wife, and the collection of tiny true stories, Notes From the Porch. He is the founder of the Vermont College of Fine Arts and served as president for 13 years. His fiction has been translated into thirteen languages. He makes his home in Montpelier, Vermont and can be found online on instagram and facebook @thomaschristophergreene

Reviews

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master storyteller Thomas Christopher Greene returns following The Perfect Liar with his latest, NOTES FROM THE PORCH —Tiny True Stories to Make You Feel Better About the World — a beautiful, thought-provoking, and witty short collection of life essays —written from the porch by the author during the pandemic, COVID.

“Covid-19 stole so much. But one of the things it couldn’t steal was the power of stories.”

Greene writes a delightful collection of short stories while sheltering in place from his Vermont home porch. While doing so, he observed life and everything around him from his front porch.

From the elderly, a neighborhood boy on a bike, and various other stories about his life as an author, book events (which were hilarious— John Grisham and Marley & Me—John Grogan), gardening, simple things, family, community, and life.

NOTES FROM THE PORCH is an example of the extraordinary power of storytelling! Reminding us that telling stories is one of our greatest powers—creating a sense of connection. A Chicken Soup for the Soul vibe.

Stories are powerful because they mirror our experience of moving through the world – how we think, plan, act, and find meaning in our thoughts, plans, and actions.

A long-time fan of the author, I loved the fun and charming short stories and reflections! Compelling, insightful, thought-provoking, heartwarming, exploring human nature, love, belonging, and joy that can be found amid darkness and life's challenges.

NOTES FROM THE PORCH is ideal for fans of the author, Elizabeth Berg, Catherine Ryan Hyde, and Richard Paul Evans fans.

Thanks to Rootstock Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced reading copy.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pub Date: Feb 20, 2024
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[Megan Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Covid-19 stole so much. But one of the things it couldn’t steal was the power of stories.”

A wonderful collection of short stories contrived by author, Thomas Christopher Greene, during a time where the world was in panic and disarray. But Greene proves the enduring life of stories. The folksy tales are endearing, overwhelmed with feelings of community and love.

Overall, Notes from the Porch was an endearing read that I highly recommend for those who love folk tales that want a new collection of tales for a world forever changed.

Thank you, NetGalley and Rootstock Publishing for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this memoir. It might not have come across my radar if I didn't work in a bookshop in the town where Tom Greene lives, but this book could truly be set in any small town. My point is, you don't need to live in Montpelier to enjoy this book. The stories are beautiful and sad and uplifting and heartbreaking and funny and I just genuinely loved reading it. I haven't read his novels (yet!), but if they're written with any of the beauty and humanity of this memoir, I bet they're incredible.

[Samantha Kolber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok yes I’m the publisher but I’m allowed to love the books we publish 😘. Seriously tho, this book made me laugh and cry and feel ALL THE FEELS. It’s perfect.

[Smitha Murthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have all lived through a pandemic - well, the ones who can read this, that is. 'Notes from the Porch,' is a whimsy book. Full of all that we used to notice - a world that used to be richer in its bleakness during the pandemic.

There isn't anything that you can call exceptional, but there was one story that moved me a lot when Greene talks about the death of his 6-month-old daughter. Ah, brought tears to my eyes.

This is a short read. Sweet. And it did make me feel better about the world.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read short stories very often but I THOROUGHLY enjoyed these - I laughed - I cried. I especially loved the stories about the neighborhood boy ♡.

[Melinda Weisberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Tiny True Stories to Make You Feel Better about the World". Hmmmm?

Full Disclosure: this book was recommended to me when I was feeling anything but good about the world (especially my own little world, which included a gloomy diagnosis for a very sick and much loved puppy and two very broken hearts). I am not proud of this but in my funk, I put the book to the side for a few weeks. Finally my guilt got the better of me and with a big eye roll and a sigh (I mean a little chicken soup for the soul never hurt anyone right?), I opened the book and well...what a wonderful, delightful surprise!

Why I thought that Thomas Greene (The Headmaster's Wife) would be a big bowl of marshmallow fluff, I cannot say. These stories are real. And they resonate. Experiences range from childhood musings to COVID shutdown reflections, and almost all all are a delight (I used delight once already, but it does apply.) As forewarned, I did have a box of tissues nearby but frankly, I probably wiped away more tears of laughter and related nose snorts than sadness. From the more than precocious neighbor boy who wheels in and out of the author's front porch pandemic life to the case of mistaken identity at the Inn (dying to spoil this one for everyone), I think I spit out my coffee a couple of times. Okay, maybe it was wine but hey, this book deserves a big toast. I even read the On Baseball story to my husband who loathes being read to and he loved it..."gee I never really liked Josh Donaldson until now".

I couldn't put the book down one dark and stormy night and blew right through. But in retrospect, it's my kind of book I should have read as a daily devotion (the kind with a few f-bombs tossed in for color). I'm sure it's a coincidence (right?), but the morning-after I read, the world seemed a little brighter. And we got our first extremely positive news about our pup Charlie's cancer remission.

So is Greene magic? Maybe so, maybe not, but whatever...I highly recommend. Honestly, you won't be sorry!

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet, this little collection of short stories can easily be read in an hour so. Ranging from observations about his seven year old neighbor, to blue herons, to the loss of his daughter, the stories run the gamut of emotions and of brevity. Written during the pandemic, the stories carry the mark of learning to adapt to less human interaction; while still remaining charming and heartfelt. Cute, but not a timeless collection that you would re-read over and over.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I will definitely be looking for more of this author’s books.

[LP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Rootstock Publishing for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book.

I've read and really enjoyed all of Greene's novels so I knew I would enjoy this. It was fantastic. At less than 150 pages, this will take you no time at all to read, yet you'll savor each line. My favorite chapters were the baseball ones (lifelong Red Sox fan here) which brought a smile, and the poignant and heartbreaking Jane chapters which brought tears. This man sure can write.

[Carol Standish-Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these really short stories. The author can convey so much in such a short read. The stories can be read in a couple of minutes, but you are there in the story with him. They are lovely whether you binge read them or just dip in and out.

[Mae Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read many short story collections but this one is by far my favorite of the ones I have read. The writing is simple and sweet and overall enjoyable. Each one is its own little adventure. I can definitely see myself reading it again and again.

[Doreena Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful short read of little stories as told by the author about his time spent sheltering in place during covid observing his neighborhood and neighbors and a little more. A really nice enjoyable book that has all the feels. I will definitely check out this Authors other works.
Thank you to Netgalley, Rootstock Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and the Author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Danyelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first 5 star read of the year, and this one will sit in my kindle forever. It's a short and easy read, but the little snippets of love and hurt and hilarity are the perfect pick me up. The small moments in the regularity that make us human, and the little stories that make our lives a life. This is a beautiful little collection that I'll think about and revisit often.

[Sue Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notes from the Porch was a delightful book. Essays written while the author, and the world, was on lockdown. Mr. Greene took that opportunity to look around him, see his neighbors, and write it in a manner that just touched me with its inherent kindness.  I espcially loved reading about the young boy in his neighborhood.
Thank you to Rootstock Publishing and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, comforting book of short essays that make you appreciate the good things in your life. If you want the perfect, feel good book to give someone, this is it.

[Sally Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Beautiful

I read some of these stories on Tom's blog, and each one made me long for the next. Reading them all together gave me a whole story, one beautifully told with a mix of humor, sadness, longing, gratification, hope, respect, and a great deal of love. The stories are short, yet masterfully written, each development a surprise, each ending true.

[Griffin Wold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notes From the Porch is a collection of short stories from various points in Thomas Christopher Greene's life. While all of the stories are indeed tiny, they each contain a little bit about what stood out in that moment in time or why the author remembers them specifically. It makes for a great palette cleanser and refreshing read.

I quite enjoyed it, particularly the idea that comes from it that there are always stories to be told and little bits of joy that can be recognized, even in the hard times in life. I think these little bits of joy keep us hopeful and rejuvenating, and am glad stories like these are being told.

I was given Notes From the Porch by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the PERFECT read for a lazy Sunday afternoon. I say that because it's Sunday and I just read this great little book by Thomas Greene. I have not read any of his books before but I can tell you I've made a note of the others he has written to pick up.

His style is different and it took me a few short stories to get in the groove. Then, I was so looking forward to the next. I really don't know how to describe it but it is great. He can get the point across without a lot "fluff".

His stories are simple but poignant. I can see reading it on a flight across country. It's small enough to slip into your purse or briefcase. Or take it with you to the doctor's office when you will have a wait. People around you will be wondering what you are reading cause you'll be smiling a lot.

[Julie Gilchrist · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet, little feel-good book. It’s filled with some delightful stories and observations that will make you smile.

[Lyssa Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Greene’s Notes From The Porch was a great little read. I found myself quickly reading through the stories until I reached Our Girl Jane, to her about the postcards coming from around the world made me cry, and I love how you as well as all of the blog readers honored her life. For anyone looking for a short heartfelt read, this is it.

[Amanda Thiele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the short stories in this book. There were happy stories, tear inducing stories, and random ones that were somewhat silly, somewhat serious. This book connects so strongly with everyone who has went through the pandemic- all the uncertainty and unknowns that we’ve now survived through. Highly recommend.

[Charlsie Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet stories that range from laughter to heartfelt tears (“Our Girl Jane” made me a puddle). To steal from the author’s allusion to Raymond Carver, I found this collection to be a small good thing that served as a great reminder of taking a good look around & cherishing humanity, kindness, & community in your own little world. Definitely worth a quick read! Thanks to NetGalley & Rootstock Publishing for access to the ARC.

[Jade Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely collection! This book captures a moment in time where we all had to deal with the pandemic in our own ways. Some struggled, some thrived, and some didn’t make it.

Notes from the Porch is a book that reminds readers to pay attention to the little things, to find and embrace simple pleasures, and to love wholeheartedly. Try your best not to read it in one sitting. The stories are short, but thoughtful, and they’ll stick with you.

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful love letters to the people in our lives who make an impression, even the small ones. Told in short 1-2 page stories I learned a lot about this man's life, family, history and how he got through the pandemic.

[Alice Teets · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a quick little read of the author’s Facebook posts during the pandemic lockdown. Some were better than others, but none were earth shattering. Sweet though.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads giveaway and I’m so glad I did! This is a short book comprised of anecdotes experienced by the author himself. Many made me laugh out loud and a couple made me cry, but they were all sweet and enjoyable.

[Rick Fifield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book, the stories were very refreshing. I liked the way some of the subjects made return visits, like the neighbor boy and the woman who previously owned the home.

[Soffian Amin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting stuff!