A “delightful, witty” memoir about starting over as a beekeeper in the Ozarks (Library Journal). Alone on a small Missouri farm after a thirty-year marriage, Sue Hubbell found a new love—of the winged, buzzing variety. Left with little but the commercial beekeeping and honey-producing business she started with her husband, Hubbell found solace in the natural world. Then she began to write, … she began to write, challenging herself to tell the absolute truth about her life and the things she cared about.
Describing the ups and downs of beekeeping from one springtime to the next, A Country Year transports readers to a different, simpler place. In a series of exquisite vignettes, Hubbell reveals the joys of a life attuned to nature in this heartfelt memoir about life on the land, and of a woman finding her way in middle age.
“Once in a while there comes along a book so calm, so honest, so beautiful that even the most jaded or cynical readers have to say thank you. . . . This is such a book” (The San Diego Union-Tribune).
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I read this a few years ago. It was very good
Best book I have every read. It’s been over 20 Yrs since I read this Inspiring novel of a women in a newly challenging environment. I just loved her get up and get it done attitude.
I appreciate the simple things in life, so I very much enjoyed this book.
Boring. I did not finish it.
Interesting look at the life of an independent woman. Also learned a lot about need and nature in general
A very entertaining read, the author provided just enough scientific information without boring me. The changes in seasons was fun to follow and the descriptions of the land, people and chores held my interest.
4 1/2 *s. A book that sneaks up on you and goes about its business quietly, but really makes you think about some things.
Though informational, it seemed a bit pointless and difficult to get through.
A great read
Educational, entertaining and thought provoking.
I was lucky enough to spend a few years in rural New York after growing up in the New Jersey suburbs This book captures the country folk I knew and their laid- back acceptance of life. Her wit is as understated as her observations are sharp and spot on. The chain saw chapter was especially memorable.
This book is such a joy to read. I’m a city dweller but always pay attention t the birds chirping and the buds coming along…I still love nature. It’s just a wonderful little vacation in the country to read this book and her descriptions of life int eh country and her connection to the flora and fauna there. Very enjoyable!
Great book. A real must read. We live in a small cabin in Vermont, out of sight from any neighbors. The author’s inventiveness to overcome problems is awe inspiring. Her eye toward nature and all things alive is true and quite wonderful.
Her ex husband made a serious mistake when he broke off their marriage.
We all should raise bees to get our heads on straight.
Thoughtful. articulate and inspirational.
Hubble’s writing style is calming, very like the Ozark country she is describing. Down-to-earth.
Enjoyed it very much. Interesting and engaging.
I absolutely love this book! I am sure I will read it over and over. The story was so informative and revealed so much of how a spunky woman lives an interesting life. I didn’t want the book to end. It is inspiring to see the can-do attitude of this lady. Everyone can get a lesson from this true story. Read this!
I have a beekeeper in my family; this book brought good memories of rural life and a responsible natural lifestyle. I have bought a hard copy for her birthday, still a month away.
I loved her story. Her scientific outlook on life was so fascinating. I highly recommend this book.
This is a virtual review… I saw this book advertised, recommended it to a good friend who is now a beekeeper thanks to my nagging. A very happy beekeeper. She ordered A Country Year, and has raved about the book and author, both, since. In fact, she ordered the remainder of books by this author!