Customer Reviews

Overstory-- Zero: Real Life in the Timber Country of Oregon

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As a Douglas County transplant and an English teacher, I relished both Heilman's depictions of life and livelihoods as well as recognized his elevation of the spirit and humanity of this portion of the globe.

One may compare the witty short-takes of Robert Fulghum's "Kindergarten" series and Norman McClean's "River" collection to that of Heilman's "Over-stories".

This collection of writings is refreshingly simple backwoods as well as elevated highbrow. It is both for and about life, as one man has experienced it, told in such a way as to be universal in its appeal and understanding.

I use these stories in my classes to bring the world my students live in within the walls of academia. If nothing else, then to show them that it is possible to enjoy and recognize the beauty of something even when you feel you are surrounded by nothing at all.

I picked this collection up while returning to my home in another Oregon river valley, after two years away on a contract. reading it first brought home to me the preciousness of place, the the wisdom of this writer. I recommend it.