Customer Reviews

Out to Pasture: But Not over the Hill

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this book at a time when I could see that we were going to have to find a new, safe place for Mother to live. However, she resisted the thought of moving to an "Old Folks Home", as she put it. She had also fallen into the "I don't want to go anywhere, because it takes too much effort" routine. Since she has always been a very sociable person, she fell into a deep depression. As I read this book to her, we both saw that there was a better alternative for her, as she was not so far along, physically and mentally, as to need a nursing home. After she moved into The Reunion Inn, in Marshall, Tx., I started reading to the residents from this book on a weekly basis. I am scheduled on their monthly calendar as "The Whimsical Reader." The book has allowed the residents to recall a lot of memories, as well as opening their eyes to the humor around them. It has also given them ideas as to how The Reunion Inn can be improved for their convenience. They really liked the idea of the benches across from the cafeteria line. Reading to the residents has given me the opportunity to get to know them better than I probably would have otherwise. This book has given such pleasure to all of us that The Reunion Inn is going to buy the rest of the books in the series so that I can continue reading to their guests. I recommend this book to anyone facing the possibility of moving into or placing their parent in an assisted living facility. It certainly made the decision easier for us.

I am no where near "Out To Pasture" but I found this novel to be delightful. This book has the oddest group of senior citizens you will ever run across. Filled with both serious and light situations this book will make you cry and then laugh. Effie Wilder teaches us that just because you are older your life is still full and the possibilities are endless. Way to go Effie!!

Mrs. Wilder has given all generations a delightful and easy to swallow book about aging. The main character, Hattie, is into everyone's business, but in a kindhearted way. Through her eyes the reader can see much of the pain and joy of being older. Leaving your home and moving into a retirement home is never an easy choice, but I think Hattie shows us that if done with grace, it can work out to be a fairly good life. The book is a joy to read, offers lots of laughs, a few tears, and some good hard lessons about life. I look forward to sharing this book with my "adopted" eighty-four-year-old grandmother.

"Out to Pasture" is one of those rare books that are quick and fun to read, but becomes deeper and deeper the more you reflect on it. Hattie McNare is Huck Finn in a retirement home; a simple character at first glance, but an amazing source of wisdom on reflection. A good book that gets better every time you think of it.

This humorous short novel rates the "best" reading of the season with me. It goes to show that "you are never too old or too young to learn something new". Effie Leland Wilder says that she was well suited for being a wife and mother. I'm sure she was great, but I wonder what exceptionally delightful literary works she might have written if she would have started her writing career a little earlier. Written in a journal format that is easy to read and understand, this book will keep

you laughing. I found that I didn't want to put it down. This unique book captured my heart, but also lead me to think about aging issues. I'm looking forward to reading her other books.

Baby boomers should read what's in store for us when we, too go to "prison" in an old folks home. Hopefully, we'll have a neighbor there just like Hattie. Written with humor and insight, it rang all too true to the characters I met while visiting my mother when she was an "inmate." Lot of truth to it.
Wilder's also an inspiration to fledgling authors who say they're too old to write that book they've put away time and again. Not so. Go Effie go!

I bought the audiobook and had the pleasure of listening to the author read her own words. I am about half her age (best guess), but I found her to be the most delightful author I have come across in years! Lighthearted, yet with ups and downs and insights not to be dismissed, Ms. Wilder just stole my heart! I loved it.

This is absolutely delightful reading. Mrs. Wilder brings her characters to life and makes the reader feel as if they are old and dear friends. I highly recommend Out to Pasture as well as Mrs. Wilder's 2 other books for just about any age level.

Cute, funny, poignant, sad, etc.--all the adjectives you would expect to describe a book like this. Effie Wilder takes us on a tour of the retirement home and introduces us to her friends and acquaintences. Being able to take people's stories and use them to make people smile is what makes books such as this so endearing and special to read.

This book is a true delight! Everyone (especially anyone over the age of 30, or anyone who has ever felt afraid of growing older, and/or of dying, should DEFINITELY read this book! I am 45, and it made me realize that life is truly just beginning for me! Kudos to Mrs. Wilder!