The Birdhouse Chronicles: Surviving the Joys of Country Life

This book is gorgeously written, funny, self-effacing and poignantly insightful. Ostensibly it's about moving to the country and remodeling a house. But it's really about how we humans try to make lives amidst the swirling, changing facets of nature and humanity. How do we continue on in the face of concerns small and large--from trying to heat our homes in the midst of severe winters, to facing the loss of those we count on and love? Never mawkish or cloying, Miller is an astute, sensitive observer of the human condition.

In this book Cathleen Miller celebrates her new life in Appalachia, bringing a sense of wonder to the landscape, seasons and citizens of Central Pennsylvania. She is a skilled writer and one is soon lulled into the warm cocoon of this couple's world by Miller's engaging voice-alternately hilarious, poignant, inquisitive, and revealing. Critics of her memoir seem to have missed a few key points in the narrative. Miller makes herself the butt of her jokes-not her neighbors. She talks about how she doesn't understand them, she finds their traditions unfamiliar, but her essayist's questioning always comes from a place of respectful curiosity, as if examining her own opinions in this new world as much as those of the residents of Centre County. In fact, one look at the opening pages of The Birdhouse Chronicles should say it all, as Miller chooses to honor her neighbors in the dedication: "For the good folks who live on Burd Lane with my gratitude and respect." The reader from Aaronsburg also seems not to have noticed that the author and her husband are donating their time to preserve historic landmarks in her beloved region, thereby providing-along with this great memoir of place-a lasting tribute to rural Pennsylvania.Even though I live in State College, I first heard about this book from reading a review of it in The Wall Street Journal. The reviewer mentioned how the book slowed down time to emulate the experience of living in the country, and for me that was a welcome gift.

Cathleen Miller tells a captivating story about the joys and tribulations of returning back to a country life. Who hasn't dreamed at one time of leaving a current life behind--to go on blind faith to create a new life in a completely different environment. She and her husband had the courage to try her dreams. What started as a career life change to nonfiction writing ended up as a published book that details their unique journey. Sometimes it takes writing, reflection and perspective to appreciate what we have. Although much of the story takes place in Pennsylvania, her native Missouri roots make me think she is Mark Twain reincarnated. I thoroughly recommend this book.

My mother recommended this book to me - I am not normally a reader of back to the country memoirs - saying that she loved Miller's rich descriptions and her "stealth humor." I was raised in the country and appreciated Miller's perspectives - I'm sure I would turned up my mouth in wry amusement, much as her Pennsylvania neighbors did, watching this city girl trying her darndest to live up to the romantic visions of country life while living in landed poverty. Watching Miller making ends meet by gardening, canning, sewing and existing in the only way she could by doing everything herself the cheapest way, the hardest way, was a sometimes funny, sometimes sad, depiction of reality when our fondest dreams come true. A talented writer, Miller entertained me, too, with her stealth humor. It made me wish for a back-to-the-city sequel.

Cathleen Miller's story of leaving a sophisticated lifestyle in San Francisco, and, with her husband, creating a new life and restoring a 100 year old home in the middle of a Pensylvania corn patch is colorful, charming and sometimes just plain funny. Her ability to bring humor to otherwise horrible situations is a total delight. I couldn't imagine myself living through some of the daily problems she faced. The old fashioned coal heater for one -- even venturing down into the cellar gives me the creeps.Cathleen's memoir is an enjoyable read and I highly recommend it. Especially for those of us who have considered or thought about giving up city living and moving out to the "simple life" in the country.