Customer Reviews

Off Main Street: Barnstormers, Prophets & Gatemouth's Gator: Essays

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I think the editorial reviewers may have missed the point with this book. The diversity of this collection, as well as Michael's occasionally "crotchety attitude", are what make it a gem. We all generally live lives that are more diverse than we give them credit for and Michael illustrates that even the most mundane-seeming experiences can allow us to think about the world in new ways. And I don't think that writers are bound to only write about happy and amusing events, with happy and amusing attitudes; that would result in not much real writing being accomplished at all. And then what would we read?

All of the essays here are worthwhile and enjoyable reading. The "mundane entry about hair loss" is not, in fact, mundane at all - it's one of the lighter entries (although maybe not for Michael himself) and is as worthwhile a read as the "one highlighting the local veterans' color guard rehearsing for a funeral" which is, it's true, quite moving. You see - diversity. I have to say that my favorite is probably the one about fear in which he describes being cut off in traffic by a spoiled youngster driving "one of those yappy little four-wheel drive pickups" sporting a `No Fear' decal", which leads to a rumination of what fear actually is and the unlikelihood that this young person is acquainted with it. This sort of traffic incident happens to me a number of times every week, living as I do in a big city. What scares me is wondering who is raising these children with no appreciation of the life around them - that's what I find frightening. This collection is an appreciation of the life around us, whether we like it - or even see it - or not.

So, this is a different book from Population 485, as it should be. If you enjoy good writing with intelligence to spare, this will be a good investment for your (diverse) library.

Don't turn onto "Main Street" expecting another "Population: 485." These two works are entirely different - but both are equally enjoyable.

To me, the two defining assets of this book were the voice of its author and the singularity of its insights. I have often remarked to friends that Michael Perry could describe dirt and I'd find it interesting. His natural grasp of language is especially evident in this collection; every word carries weight and meaning. I'm far from being a country music buff, but I found his profiles of country musicians to be fascinating, enjoyable, and infinitely worthwhile. Moreover, the insights he draws from everyday things leaves me watching the world with new eyes. I guarantee that after reading this book, you will never look at water towers, kidney stones, or Elvis in quite the same way again.

"Population: 485" was a watercolor portrait; "Off Main Street" is more like a collection of pencil sketches. Highly recommended!

The thing that I loved about this book is the author's voice. He is highly observant, funny and he has a great way with words. His use of language is so real and fresh and different(in a really good way). He really knows how to put a spin on a story, and it just leaves you wanting more! The essays are entertaining snippets on different subjects: being on book tour, hanging out with some country music people, and other experiences in his life.

-It's a great read. I was reading this thinking that I'd love to have a conversation with this guy! I loved his writing.

Whether he's hobnobbing with country music's biggest stars, eavesdropping on a private conversation at a seedy Belizean motel, riding shotgun with a tell-it-like-it-is trucker, or delineating his own personal trials and tribulations, Michael Perry possesses the uncanny ability to transform everyday occurrences into uncommon slices of American pie. In Off Main Street, Perry waves his journalistic wand over rural America and metamorphoses the ordinary into the extraordinary. Portraying people who might very well be my neighbor or yours, Off Main Street beats with a small-town pulse that radiates with relatability.

My only gripe with this book is that Perry tries too hard to wield his literary chops and, in so doing, distance himself (readability-wise) from those very same common folk from which he draws his inspiration.

This collection of essays is a bit more eclectic than Population 485 but it showcases Perry's descriptive writing and thought-provoking observations well. Individual pieces were published between 1995 and 2004, and Perry has often updated the information through brief introductions or final notes. This approach reminds us that his stories are about real people whose lives go on even after the snapshot of a single essay or article. It is that intense personalization, along with his flair for unique description ("rawboned frame was swept by a list and sway, as if he were a cattail bumped by a breeze ") that leaves the reader ready for yet another collection of Michael Perry's work. The pieces are not arranged chronologically, but it is easy to see the development in the author's writing skills from some of the earliest pieces to the most recent--a good reference for any would-be essayist to study to see how even a good writer can improve his craft over time.

A great author. A little humor, a little seriousness, facts and lore. We have been reading all of his writings that we can get our hands on. If you live in the country and in a small town you will be able to place yourself in his stories.

There is really never a dull moment in a Michael Perry book.
From humor to sincerity to common observation, Mike can have you laughing or contemplating the cosmos.

Whether he's talking about folks with the "look at me houses"; our obsession with Big Things; iconic water towers; participating in the Rolling Thunder Motorcade to Washington with a couple hundred thousand Harleys to support POW's and MIA's; interviews with Ramblin' Jack Elliot, "Gatemouth" Brown, attending a Steve Earle concert in England, busing around with country artist Sara Evans; going bald; etc. etc., it is all honest journalism.

The last chapter had a particularly heavy quote when he is correlating branding calves on a Wyoming ranch to putting a brand on religion.
"When I had peace, I didn't need it; now that I do, I can't find it. And yes, I've gone back for a look, but it's not where I left it."

Let me start by saying that Michael Perry could describe my toilet paper and I would probably love it. That said, Off Main Street is an extension of his musings about life from a perspective of small-town rural living. His essays are snippets of life as so many of us long for, or remember or just wish we could have today. His honest observations resonate on more levels than just his experiences as an EMT or Fireman. His truth is our truth and we wish we had said it, because, of course we have thought it. Michael Perry is the kind of author whose books you just have to pass on to your friends and family and then you go out and buy another copy because you just can't part with the wisdom and humor in the stories. It is hard to tell a reader which book to start with, because it really doesn't matter, they all have individual merit. Read this book, you won't be sorry!

How does he do it? Michael writes about his every day rural life. That should boring ... but it's not. He sucks you in and actually makes you feel part of his community and life! He must be a master!

Great book, Michael Perry just keeps getting better with every book he writes. A fun read.