Book Review: The Exact Same Moon: Fifty Acres and a Family

Reviewed By: Woodstock - RAM

The Exact Same Moon: Fifty Acres and a Family     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Jeanne Marie Laskas
Class/Genre:   Non-Fiction   Biography

One of the most delightful reads of the last few months was "Fifty Acres and a Poodle," Laskas' story of her purchase of a farm, and resulting move to the country. In this sequel, she relates her growing familiarity with rural customs and behavior, and using the delightful stream of consciousness style which enlivened the earlier book, tells us of her mother's illness, her own desire for a child, her experience with in vitro fertilization, and the adoption of a daughter from China.

Her mother was stricken with Guillan Barre syndrome, and in a matter of a few hours experienced near total paralysis. Working with her siblings in a two weeks on, two weeks off rotation, Laskas assisted with her mother's care and recovery. During that time she found that the minute by minute tasks of caring for someone who was unable to do for herself awoke a deep need within her to have and care for a child. The rest of the book is devoted to the task of fulfilling that need.

But readers of the earlier volume will be pleased to see that the humorous yet poignant stories of dogs, mules, horses, sheep, neighbors, and rural life still abound in this small book.

Another gem, I hope this book and its predecessor don't continue undiscovered!

Woodstock - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Woodstock - RAM