House of Fields: Memories of a Rural Education

Great Lakes Books Series

by Anne-Marie Oomen

Anne-Marie Oomen uses a wealth of vivid language and personal details to bring scenes from her childhood on a family farm to life in House of Fields. Yet the focus of this book shifts away from the daily activities of the farm, which Oomen presented in Pulling Down the Barn, to life outside its boundaries, as she explores the complex meaning of "education" in all of its rural forms. From reading lessons to shattered windows, from dynamite to first kisses, from lost underwear to confirmation names, these stories depict the spiritual and emotional journey of being educated by family, fields, and church―as well as by traditional schools.

Oomen's description of the farmhouse where she grew up becomes the central image for this collection of essays. This once-grand home, filled with memories and the physical wear of family life, is the soul of her family's farm, and its sense of nurturing and protection is reflected in the author's relationships to her mother, her teachers, and her mentors. Within this context, Oomen examines memories from her formal education, which began during the final years of the one-room school era then shifted to the "consolidated" schools of the late 1950s and 1960s and to a parochial school system. Struggles with reading, first friendships, early loves, and contradictory educational models are coupled with the challenges of coming of age and the ups and downs of an emotional education between mother and daughter. Fans and teachers of creative nonfiction, as well as anyone with roots in a rural community, will enjoy this lyrical and revealing volume.

Genres: Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2006

Reviews

[Carrie Cantalupo-Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this book and savored each chapter. So much of it reminds me of my own childhood, Mom and Dad, siblings, responsibilities as the oldest, being Catholic.
I hated for it to end.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like Anne-Marie's writing style. It is hanuting, poetic, beautiful, stark, real. The topic of rural life made me think of my dad and the family farm...generation gaps and expectations...simplicity of life...complexity of family... My thoughts are all running together. To sum it up I really enjoyed this memoir and look forward to reading more work by Anne-Marie.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite authors. I would read anything she wrote. Her first two books are memoir, and they are amazing. Thoughtfully written, you get the flavor of a life spent growing up on a farm and a life feeling not quite at home, but still formed by the place where you grew up. Highly recommended.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second of Anne-Marie Oomen 's memoirs of her life growing up in Elbridge, Michigan area. I find her memoir evocative of an era before life became so complicated but her life was still a litany of complexity within its simplicity. I like her word descriptions, the beauty of her writings and her honesty.

[Patricia McNair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am such a fan of the work of Anne-Marie Oomen. Her work is beautiful and lyrical, particularly this book. The chapters on learning to read make you wonder at the American school system while still marveling at this little girl's spirit and capacity for learning.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."



A book of memories from the author's childhood. This was quite interesting.


The narration was well done,

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful vignettes

[Katey Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a gift of a book--I learned, I laughed, and I cried. I feel like I've been let into a world I was moderately curious about, and am now enthralled with and wedded to. I love this book