The Bat House: A Montana Memoir

by Michael B Riley

282 pages, Paperback

Published December 9, 2024

Reviews

[Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael B. Riley’s eagerly anticipated The Bat House: A Montana Memoir does not disappoint. Riley’s initial quixotic approach to wresting his dream house from a colony of bats meanders in an almost dream-like journey to acceptance—of himself as an imperfect human being determined to get living right, of the bats he comes to appreciate and even champion, and of the greatest loss of his life in the death of his beloved Theo. Ostensibly, this is a story about bats, but truly, it is a story of love. Love for the places that shape who we become. Love for the people who change us. Love for the things life has to teach us if we are open enough to learn the lessons. Every word of this memoir sings.

[Scott Bischke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed very much about THE BAT HOUSE, most especially the travels around Montana to so many places I've been over a lifetime. I loved Riley's regular focus on hunting and fishing, two of my joys. I also appreciated the love of family on display, and Riley's unique insights to, and understanding of, what it's like to work as a teacher and the important relationships one creates with students.

I found Riley's writing engaging, fun, and insightful. I loved the way he evoked a sense of what it's like to live in small-town eastern Montana: the communities and how those communities are connected and intertwined across space and time.

[Hope Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book at a bookstore in Livingston MT recently; when I travel I always try to find something by a local author AND support Indie bookstores. This is a moving story of one man's self reliance, sort of the stoic western vision of a "tough guy" which lovingly contradicts with his loving wonder and dependance on the family he has with his wife Theo. Growing up in a small town I could relate to much of it, and I really enjoyed his spare - journalistic way of writing, which is no surprise coming from his as he was a HS Journalism teacher for much of his life. A bit Hemingway-esque.
And the bats.... it's a good read for sure. Maybe under a cozy blanket in front of a fire.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good man married to a better women! Hope you read my review Mike! By the way- loved the book