A quick read

[billydontrat]

I just finished Population:485 by Michael Perry, and although it is not entirely anthropological in nature it does have elements of a smart and well written ethnography (albeit a little subjective). If anyone is doing research on rural cultures and is in need of a little qualitative/anecdotal/supplemental material, this would do nicely. It hooked

Comments

[thewitchesbwew]

I just read that book this spring! I've never met anyone else who had even heard of it, let alone read it. I really liked it, though.

[billydontrat]

I especially enjoy those books written from the somewhat conflicted/dichotomous perspective of someone living in a rural area but not being (or wanting to be) fully assimilated into the culture. It can feel a bit standoffish at times, but taking the larger view is often what helps keep me objeective about my surroundings. It also prepares me for the day when I'll take leave of this town.

[thewitchesbwew]

yeah, even if the situation were refersed, you'd get a similar effect. the whole "person coming home to a place that is no longer really a home" thing is pretty powerful.