Goodbye to Poplarhaven

by Edward A. Geary, Ralph H. Reynolds (Illustrator)

Edward A. Geary takes us back to the fond memories, sights, sounds, family and friends of his boyhood.

Genres: Biography

163 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1985

Reviews

[Russellmilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, but it likely isn't for everyone. If you grew up in a small town in the 50s and 60s you're going to love it. If not, maybe you will gain some insight into how life was for your parents or grandparents. It was a whole lot of fun for me.

[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The things I liked about this book:

"poplarhaven" is really Huntington Utah, a Mormon village in southeastern Utah, which is about ten miles from where I grew up, in Castle Dale, Utah. So, I liked this book for all the familiarity in it. The book is essentially a series of essays about the town, the landscape, farming in this part of Utah, social events, local characters, the pioneer day celebration...actually, it's like a painting of a town and a town that has vanished. Oh, the actual town is still there, but it has changed so much that what Geary remembers no longer exists. That's why I liked it. I grew up in the area, but that was the 1980s so I feel he's describing for me some of my own history. A way of life I didn't actually experience though there are remnants that survive into my childhood. I do feel thankful to him for getting it down on paper, so that it is not lost to us.

I also loved this book because it is WELL-WRITTEN. Yes, THANK YOU Edward Geary for chronicling these memories of yours in language that is lovely to read.

I don't know how much this book would appeal to someone who has no connection to the place. Even for me it was slow and some essays were, frankly, a little dull. Farming practices, for instance. I wish that Geary had spent more time on a few things that he only briefly touched on--for example, religion and politics. If he'd been a bit more personal, I think I would have LOVED this book. He seemed at a remove, though. I guess I wish it would have been more memoirish.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of personal essays about growing up in a small town in rural Utah. I love his attention to detail and his clear descriptions of a world that is in many ways foreign to me. Despite the fact that his focus is not necessarily religious, his stories about rural life not only helped me understand more about Utah history, but more about certain attitudes and cultural practices among some Mormons I know. It's a worthwhile read if you are interested in personal essay or in Utah history.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I was introduced to it through one of the readings for the Pathway English classes we facilitate. I liked the short reading and ordered the book. I was able to relate to the author and felt as if I was actually experiencing his life. I would like to read this book again.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying reading this so far. It's a collections of essays about the author's boyhood in rural Utah.