Scratching the Woodchuck: Nature on an Amish Farm
In this delightful book, Kline (Great Possessions: An Amish Farmer's Journal, Farrar, 1991) instructs the reader about the nature and wildlife that he observes on his Ohio farm. But his underlying message is, not surprisingly, to take the time to appreciate the joys of life: the birds, trees, hayfields, streams, clouds, spring peepers?all of nature, including our fellow human beings. While Kline's natural-history information is more anecdotal than field-guide extensive, it is indeed informative. His book is divided into four sections that correspond to the four seasons. Each section contains short two- or three-page essays on such things as events, cycles, chores, and Kline's observations of that particular season. As a pleasant, instructive visit with an appreciative witness to nature, this book is recommended for all libraries.?Nancy J. Moeckel, Miami Univ. Libs., Oxford, OhioCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.