Loved it! Second only to Lende’s If You Lived Here, I’d Know Your Name. I actually bought this book four years ago during her book visit to Sitka. At the time I also bought copies for my mom and mother-in-law. Why it’s taken me so long to read? Don’t know, but I devoured it yesterday. I especially enjoyed the essays, “Be Sure Your Dog Walks You,” “Take the Kind of Happiness That Comes Your Way” and “Make It Shine.” The last is about Hilma, a woman I came to befriend during the summer I worked at the Halsingland Hotel in 1994. In fact, I so enjoyed this last essay, that I ran down to Old Harbor Books to pick up a copy for a friend who also knew Hilma that same summer. I think like many Southeast Alaska towns, Haines is very divided. The experience of living in these little towns can be quite individualized and personal. I wonder if Lende’s experience on the local assembly has in any way changed her views of living in Haines and look forward to her next book, whatever it might be. Such a unique walk in such a town – author of obituaries. Such an eye for what matters. I quite enjoyed this read.
Kersten Christianson, Poet 