A Buzzard Is My Best Friend

A cow under a beach umbrella? Perhaps with a glass of tea? These are just a few of the absurd images shared in this charming book. In A Buzzard Is My best Friend, Margaret Anne Barnes describes her family's experience on a 112 acre farm. Searching for solace beyond the suburbs, they sought the peace of a country home. Little did they know what lay ahead. As they moved from crisis to crisis, family members learned as much about themselves as they did about farming. They also learned about the animals and birds around them. An ice-water rescue by ducks, and peacocks in a paddock are just a few of the situations they encountered. Written in an engaging companionable style, this memoir explores the triumphs and tragedies of rural living. A celebration of bonding and values, it is peopled with an assortment of personalities, including four-legged creatures. Its insights are lessons for all generations. Originally published in 1981, the work has been reprinted by the Mercer University Press, a testimonial to its timeless appeal. (This book was a joy to read, not only because of its interesting story, but because of the fantastically good writing. Margaret Anne Barnes has a true gift, a natural talent for putting words to paper.)

This book will be re-released by the publisher in February. It is the hilariously funny recounting of a city-gentlewoman's family's attempt to manage a Virginia farm and get "back to the simple things" in life. Their trials, tribulations and mistakes will keep you rolling with laughter. If you have read any of Mrs. Barnes' other books you will recognize her fine writing style. She wrote this from her own family's experience. If you live on a farm or have ever thought this would be just the thing for you, you'll enjoy this book.