A View from Vermont: Everyday Life in America

by Helen Husher

A collection of terrifically written essays reflecting on everyday encounters in the Green Mountain State, from the thrall of the tractor to the presence of an Egyptian mummy.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[Naturegirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who knows Vermont and loves Vermont will love this collection of essays about life in the green mountain state. I found myself helplessly sucked into the charm and ruggedness of each story, wishing to be back there immediately, driving past fields edged with softly rolling mountains and people who look at your suspiciously because you’re from away. Helen’s writing brings the state to life in a way one can only understand if they’ve been there and experienced the true Vermont. I was so caught up in my longing for a visit that I started looking at real estate online. Surely we could make it work if we simplified. Sure, no one would befriend us for several years until they trusted us, but look at all the beauty we’d be surrounded by. Sure, we might die of frostbite or hypothermia, but we have all this great winter gear….

Once the state grabs hold of you, it never lets go.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I grew up in Vermont it seemed apropo to read a book about Vermont as the first book in my American History in Books project. You can read about my project here: http://www.eggsandherbs.com/american-....

I thought this book was a very interesting collection of essays about a variety of quintessential Vermont topics. While the stories were interesting I found the author glazed over what I believe the average person would find interesting while droning on about mundane topics that were only interesting to the author.

Of course the irony of this doesn't escape me. Vermonters are all very knowledgeable about what is interesting to them and often them alone and have an uncanny ability to discuss it for hours on end.

The book gives an interesting peek into the life of a Vemonter but overall fails to explore all that is wonderful about Vermont.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light read with occasional insights into my adopted home state. Sometimes, it is a bit contradictory - Husher extols the individualism and variety of Vermonters, but often uses broad strokes and generalizations. Also, she focuses greatly on natives, even though half the population comes from elsewhere (further suggesting a homogenization). Husher really does not portray everyday life in Vermont, just mostly folksy snippets that support an idealized view. Enjoyable nonetheless.

[Jo-Ann Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vermont is one of my favorite states and this book makes me want to visit. This is a delightful exploration of Vermont's quirks. From place names to interesting places to local event to politics this book gives a wonderful overview of the state and it's residents.

[Carol Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an great collection of essays regarding life in Vermont with all of its quirks. It made me a bit nostalgic for the year I spent living in Hinesburg on a Morgan horse farm.

[MariMel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a charming book! I liked the author's writing style and the way she captured some of Vermont's quirks. I highly recommend it for anyone who has spent time in Vermont and loves the state.

[Douglass Davidoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of fine and often amusing, sometimes insightful, essays about the Green Mountain State.