Sarahlee Lawrence

Not what I was expecting -- maybe a little too raw and honest and brutal, maybe a little too sad for my tastes, in my comfortable unchallenging life. I admire how Lawrence and her family exist in a harsh land, with harsh acceptance for what can't be changed. I am astonished at the obsession with water (rivers for Sarah and the ocean for her dad) and how they single-mindedly pursue time to chase those needs. I appreciate how desperately unromantic this book is about building a log cabin -- it sounds terrifying and all consuming and very, very hard. I can't say that I found it an enjoyable read. I guess a descent into madness and a dissolution of family is not an enjoyable subject, but it is extraordinarily honest.… (altro)

This is a very interesting, true story. I live in Central Oregon and I have river rafted, (not as a guide) and I could relate to the weather, the land and water issues, the people, the traveling and the challenges and rewards that go with all of these experiences.
Sarahlee's relationship with her father was very moving as she came to terms with his passions and views and how she came to terms with her own views while being with him.
I would love to see the house that she built and while her descriptions were very detailed, photos might have helped to give the reader a visual display of some of the processes. Not many of us have been in a log cabin, and even fewer of us have ever built one.
Overall it was a very satisfying read and I will be recommending to our book club this next year.… (altro)

I was a little disappointed in this book but in fairness to the author I should really only be disappointed in myself. It was exactly what it set out to be - and nicely written as well. Somewhere along the line I wanted it to be more. Sarahlee Lawrence is a strong and interesting woman who builds a house in Oregon during an incredibly harsh winter. That's what she set out to do, and she does it. She also comes to terms with her parents and their disparate lives and dreams. I think the reason I didn't like it more is that I wanted more.… (altro)