crowded in the middle of nowhere

by Bo Brock

What do you do when you have a goat in your kitchen in the middle of the night? Why should you never put a pig in your mouth? With humor and heart, seasoned Texas veterinarian Bo Brock answers these questions and many more in his lighthearted collection of autobiographical essays, crowded in the middle of nowhere. Drawing from decades of work with every imaginable animal, as well as from his time off with his friends and family, Brock admits that this book is void of literary terms such as rising action or plot, but after reading this book, you feel like you know the characters well enough to sit down and have a cup coffee with them. Together, these quick, grin-worthy writings promise a smile a day for months to come. Whether learning to rope a sick calf or learning the ropes at a fancy French restaurant, each essay goes down easy, while also reminding us all how great common life can be. From the wisdom of elders to the mouths of babes, crowded in the middle of nowhere shares stolen moments from family and community that are frequently funny and contagiously happy. Anyone looking for plenty of reasons to smile at everyday life will enjoy every moment of this crowd-pleasing, easy-reading collection.

380 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2014

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Moments in the life of Dr. Bo Brock, Veterinarian. Chapters are short so easily read in one quick sitting. It has a great sense of humor and humanity as well as love for animals. Set in small town Lamases, Texas it is indeed in the middle of nowhere.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the middle of nowhere, West Texas is the place to be if you have a critter in need of medical intervention. Dr Bo Brock's heart is in his job, fixin' whatever ails mankind's four-leggeds, but his sidelines are prodding human funny bones and evoking compassion for the caring work he does. For a great injection of humor and a real understanding of a country vet's life, grab up this book and hang on; you're gonna be dragged through mud, manure, all things stinky... but come out on the winning side, wearing a big ol' Texas smile for the healing joyride. Recommend!

[Emily Berryhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favorite books. Bo's stories transcend education, economy, and age. Each one generates distinctive thoughts and emotions and can spark remarkable conversations. This is certainly not just a book for veterinarians or for those who live in small towns.

[Joan Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been here.

I've been through a bunch of this and a vet like Dr. Bo is beyond price. I laughed, cried and hurt with him and his through every page. Bless you and all your associates, friends and family, and thanks.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming stories from a Vet in small town Texas.

[Kara Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me laugh. A lot. Rural West Texas is full of good, if slightly off kilter, people.

[Donna Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely made me laugh and smile, but also made me feel like I just completed a class in veterinary school. My favorite story was Moment 3 in Chapter 6 - Josh.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book! No way could one read this and not smile. Each chapter is composed of short, stand-alone, column-style stories about veterinary life in West Texas, and they are all absolutely hilarious. Some are even heart-warming as well.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is how Bo Brock uses regular Texas slang in his writing. Maybe I just enjoyed that part because I, too, am from Texas and am familiar with the vernacular. But in my opinion this writing style added extra humor to each story and made them feel delightfully casual. It felt like Bo Brock was a friend telling me these stories over coffee.

If you need to be put in a good mood, read this!

Highly recommend.

[Dana Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun book with lots of cute stories! I like a person who is not afraid to laugh at himself. The chapters are individual stories so it is easy to pick up and read a little and then put down and do your chores.

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. This delightful set of tales is a charming piece of American rural life shared in spirit of James Herriot. The stories were funny and heartwarming, which made for a cozy read.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Down to earth, real life humor. Especially great for anyone who enjoys a good animal story.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of James Herriot's books will enjoy this book. It is a collection of memories of the adventures of a veterinarian in a small town in Texas. Cowboys, cow pies, domestic critters and some not so domestic all add to the entertainment factor. NetGalley provided a copy in exchange for an honest review. Not sure why I requested to read this book as my usual genre is cozy mystery, but I am so glad I did. I loved James Herriot's stories and these are closer to home, but still foreign to me as I have never lived in Texas. Driving through the state and enjoying some Lone Star and sights along the way don't count, but did give me a little taste of the landscape in this book.

[Gina Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't enjoyed a book so much since I read James Herriot's series All Things Great and Small and the other 3 after that.

I think a person has to have a true sense of humor to be a vet. Bo definitely does. He started writing columns for the local newspaper and a vet magazine picked up one... people made so many great comments the magazine asked him to keep writing. This book is the culmination of several of those columns. I'm so glad he got the idea to publish them.

Great read. So funny and poignant. Not exactly like James Herriot, but pretty close.

[Roland Brawner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and so sweet

I was born and raised 40 miles from Lamesa in Gaines County. My grandfather raised cattle. This book was a trip back home for me. All of the folks in Dr. Block's are so familiar! This book is full of laugh out loud humor, charm and a dedicated vet's compassion. I loved every word. A beautiful slice of life in small town West Texas. I couldn't put it down. I may have to stop and shake this man's hand the next time I go through Lamesa!!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like animals, have animals or want to be a vet this is a good book to read. It is set up in little stories about everything from working on a rat to horses of course. I found this was an easy book to read as it was OK to set it down and go back the next day. It also tells about the toll it takes on the vet's body to work on farm animals.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

​Crowded in the Middle of Nowhere is a highly entertaining book by Doctor Bo Brock, veterinarian. Filled with snippets and tales of his clients and experiences, it will make you laugh out loud and shed a few tears along the way. I was given a copy to review.

[Marcy Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast read of short stories. Hysterical and well written

[Pat Welte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book about the life of a veterinarian. Many short stories, from funny to tears.