Between Grass And Sky: Where I Live And Work

by Linda M. Hasselstrom

Acclaimed nature writer Linda M. Hasselstrom sees herself as a rancher who writes-a self-definition that shapes the tone and content of her writing. Now owner of the cattle ranch where she grew up in western South Dakota, she lives in daily intimate contact with the natural world. As she says, "Nature is to me both home and office. Nature is my boss, manager of the branch office-or ranch office-where I toil to convert native grass into meat. . . .If I want to keep my job as well as my home, I pay attention not only to Nature's orders, but to her moods and whims." The essays in this book reflect Hasselstrom's close attention to her homeplace and the depth of her sympathy with the world around her. She writes knowingly of the rancher's toil and of the intelligence and dignity of the animals she tends, especially the much-maligned cow, as well as of the wild creatures-the owls and antelope and coyotes and others---that share the prairie grassland she calls home. Hasselstrom's voice rings with the ardent common sense of one who knows and loves the land, who appreciates the concerns of environmental activists but also knows the role that responsible ranchers can play in nurturing a healthy rural ecosystem. This book is by no means an apologia for ranching but rather a lively picture of a specific part of the world, a world of which Hasselstrom writes with candor, love, and the clear sight of one who knows it well. The essays are rich in closely observed details of the natural world, in humor and pathos and wry commentary on the scope of human folly and the even vaster potential of humans for community and empathy. "Only people who live in the country," she writes, "could form a relationship with nature so intimate that they feel concern for one lonely duck. People who live in cities . . . only glimpse nature from high windows or speeding vehicles. Even wilderness lovers who probe deeply are only passing through. We who live on the land truly live within the land, each of our lives only one among the other inhabitants of the place." These are essays to read with wonder and delight, to relish and ponder.

232 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Linda M. Hasselstrom is an award-winning poet and writer of the High Plains whose work is rooted in the arid landscape of southwestern South Dakota. She writes, ranches, and conducts writing retreats on the South Dakota ranch homesteaded by her grandfather, a Swedish cobbler, in 1899.

Her website, www.windbreakhouse.com, provides details about her writing retreats, online consulting and her published poetry and nonfiction.

Contact her at info@windbreakhouse.com

Reviews

[Megan Ferguson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little outdated 25 years later, but I appreciated a perspective from my home state.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life out on the grasslands of South Dakota and the nature of cattle and ranching with modern views of conservation and animal husbandry as opposed to previous methods of ranching. My mother’s dream was to be a rancher’s wife and live in isolation but she was a farmer’s wife . My wish was to live in town where I could be close to a library. That said I can see the appeal of the ranch life .

[Lynette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the writing. Enjoyed hearing of Linda's cattle ranch experiences.

[Tattered Cover Book Store]

Author Laura Pritchett recommended this as part of the Rocky Mountain Land Library's "A Reading List For the President Elect: A Western Primer for the Next Administration".

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say except that I love Linda Hasselstrom's writing.

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these stories and memories from the perspective of a cattle rancher. Lovely writing and fascinating experiences.