4 out of 4 stars
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We live in a world rich in diversity, not only of language and ethnicity but also of cultural factors born of a person's environment. In this respect, it can be fascinating to peek into someone else's world - especially when that someone else lives in less-common environs, such as a swamp. In Larry Landgraf's book Tales from the Riverside, he offers the reader a series of short glimpses into his world: his home, lifestyle, and perspective.
Mr. Landgraf's non-fiction book is compiled of thirty-six very short stories that illustrate different facets of his life. Some are events that occurred years or even decades ago, while others are more recent. These stories shed light on various aspects of life in a Texas swamp, including the author's pastimes, diet, marriage, and occupation. Some stories are humorous; some are adventures. Some describe events that were shocking or jarring for the author or members of his family. One memorable story recounted the author's experience with Hurricane Harvey when it made landfall in Texas in 2017, but you'll have to read the book to find out what happened to the author and his swamp.
Although several of the stories will probably feel very foreign for most readers due to the uniqueness of the author's swamp-life microculture, the author excels at helping the reader relate to his work. He includes pictures and frequently offers short background explanations of some objects or phenomena that he anticipates might confuse some readers. For those with some familiarity with swamps or farms, these explanations will not be burdensome, but for those with limited familiarity, they could be enormously helpful. The author also explores themes that are common across larger cultural groups, such as family, travel, and common hobbies like fishing that simply have a more unique face in his swamp.
The author's writing style is very accessible. The writing is free of grammatical or mechanical errors and appears to be well edited. The author does not overuse jargon, and when words are specific to his situation in the swamp, they are usually explained well enough for even a city-dwelling reader to follow along. In a few instances, the author does inject "lol" into the writing, which seemed to cheapen the quality a bit, but since the mode is story-telling, tolerant readers may be able to overlook these rare occasions.
In my opinion, Larry Landgraf's book Tales from the Riverside merits a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. The book is interesting and well put-together. The length is satisfying without becoming tedious, and the pacing of the stories is well thought out. I personally didn't care for the usage of "lol" in the text, but it isn't completely inconsistent with the story-telling mode of writing, so I am willing to excuse this one flaw. Through this book, readers everywhere can enjoy a glimpse of both the adventure and the serenity that can be found in a Texas swamp. For some, it might evoke a renewed desire to get out and enjoy nature. Others might have a renewed appreciation for the protections that insulate them from killer bees and snakes.
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Tales from the Riverside
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