A Bit of Earth

by Wendy Reid Crisp Lestina

After 40 years in Los Angeles, New York, and Portland, a prairie town in Minnesota and a college town in Oregon, the author inherits a family farm and returns to her hometown-population 1,500-on the far northern California coast. There, for 15 years, she has written a weekly newspaper column, "From the Back Pew," for the Ferndale Enterprise. Many of the stories in this humorous and personable memoir were first told as columns.

176 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2016

Reviews

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Bit of Earth The sometimes folksy vignettes in "A Bit of Earth" rambled through a remarkable list of accomplishments told in such a fashion that most times seemed to segue into the next account. There were a few times, however, the chronicle lapsed into a back-story; something that perhaps was meant to explain the next. Interesting the turns our lives take and the path determined to lead you there. This is a woman of intelligence with places to go, people to meet, things to do, and the powerful influence to do it. The author, Wendy Crisp Listina, leads us into a life of discovery and the vistas a woman can forge, independently, by herself. Most of the stories produced a nod of understanding, and some a real deja vu moment. Most also have a strong point of moral courage, but there is always a specific reason for each vignette; a teachable moment or point of philosophy. I particularly enjoyed in "Family Loans" the definition: "Family loan means, this is yours forever until, or if, I want it back." (Love it.) These are the stories lived by one woman, all crammed into one lifetime, that most of us will never experience, but places the reader in enough awe that it keeps you reading. While a novel created of vignettes might not have an ending, this one did and wrapped up very neatly the title. I could almost identify, since I've recently had the return of a painting by my grandfather that he created almost 100 years ago. Amazing, that bond to "family." I was sent this book in exchange for a review. I enjoy memoirs and this was no exception. Recommended--as I know you'll enjoy as well.

[Angela Whiteley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a lot like sitting and listening to your Grandma talk on and on about the good old days. The text abruptly switches topics merely because a formality was brought up and she goes off on a tangent. Finally as though realizing that she is off topic she comes back to finish the story. Honestly I only like about half of it. Most of my reason is I feel her story is inconsistent with the line on the cover "Live a big life. As big as you can make it." I disagree with what she seemed to think a big life is. To me a big life is not measured in dollars, fame, or places traveled. Rather I feel a big life is measured in happiness, time spent with loved ones, staying committed to them through thick and thin, self reliance, generosity, and obstacles in life overcome. In essence, people are the heart of a "big life". The man who hasn't seen the wonders of the world, or have a lucrative career (but makes enough to take care of his own), is beloved by neighbors, spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, friends, and even strangers is he that lives a big life. The man who finds himself selflessly serving those around him on a regular basis. This is a life to look up to. Anyway she spends much of her life ditching marriages and relationships so she can travel, get a new job, and even be famous. A lot of this is done recklessly and she relies on family and friends to pay her way or bail her out when she runs out of funds. She then goes into a phase with a lucrative job and the fame that comes with it. In my opinion this is where her life becomes more interesting, she realizes she is unhappy with riches and fame. She starts her own business and commits herself more to relationships after this. My favorite stories are being a war child, the library, rescuing the kids off the street, Jewish friend, NFL reruns, her son's in-laws, collecting love, and her dad's war friend.

[emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bit of Earth is really great! Super lighthearted and funny. A perfect low key book, again I'm not usually a big memoir fan but A Bit of Earth is an exception. A very down to Earth book. I love that each story is unique from the others. It made the book go by fast and is just a perfect cozy read. I really, I mean really enjoy a book that makes me laugh. A Bit of Earth did just that. This is another book that's making me enjoy memoirs even more. Ms. Lestina did an excellent job putting all these stories together. I would recommend this book to anyone who really craves a well-written memoir and/or someone who wants a good laugh. Overall I give A Bit of Earth five stars!

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Wendy Lestina really knows how to write about everyday life with a zest that keeps it interesting, and helps you look at your own life from a different angle.

[Diann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting short stories of a life well-lived; poignant and honest, with a bit of wry humor. However, the title and the book cover leads one to believe it contains the stories of when the author inherits a family farm. I didn't make the connection. Regardless, it was a good read.

**This is was a Goodreads GiveAway and I am grateful for the book. I will pass it along to another reader.

[Terri Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***

This is not the typical book I read. There was no vampires, fairies, dragons, or end of the world prophecies. However, it was a fun relaxing read. I am learning that memoirs in any form are hard to write. It is not easy to share personal stories and anecdotes with people you know, much less a whole world you don't know. The author has spent the last 40 years of her life writing a column for the Ferndale Enterprise. Several of the vignettes that appear here first appeared in her column.

I appreciated the author's honest look at herself and she seems to have a good ability to laugh at herself. This book has an Erma Bombeck feel to it. I think the author's intent with this book is to show the reader the importance of living life to the fullest by sharing her own experiences. I can imagine her life as I read about her adjustments after forty years of living in several busy cities to living on a small farm in a small town. Having lived in both big and small cities, I know first hand the challenges and joys of both. She does an excellent job. It is worth the reader especially for a reader who enjoys real life stories.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read, no doubt! I enjoyed many aspects of this memoir. Many parts had me chuckling and few left me with tears in my eyes. This story is an emotional roller coaster. I could not believe she found the Silver Star medal 34 years after it had been stolen. Truly amazing!

The author jumps around a good bit. This is the only reason I give this 3 stars. I had some trouble keeping up. It was probably more me than the story but, I did feel lost a few times. I also needed more detail on the people involved. However, good people do exist in this world!

If you need a good memoir for your soul, this is it!

[Tinted Edges · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 - Check out my full review at https://tintededges.wordpress.com/201...

[Darla]

I found this book quit pointless. It was at times hard to follow, jumping time lines and the best part was the last few pages where she got her fathers war medal back.