Some funny stuff, but I prefer his longer memoirs to his shorter pieces. ( )

I'm a big fan of Michael Perry's writing and I greatly appreciate the publication of this compilation of articles written for the Wisconsin State Journal. Don't be put off by Perry's "roughneck" upbringing - his writing style is quite poetic and definitely worth the read. ( )

Roughneck Grace, by Michael Perry, is a well written, intriguing collection of short stories written for the Sunday Wisconsin State Journal. I found the stories to be just as interesting and thought provoking as the cover which had me curious about the content the moment I received it. Roughneck Grace was the best go-to book when I needed something short and quick to read on the go. Thank you, LibraryThing for the opportunity to read and review this short story compilation. ( )

“Roughneck Grace” is a collection of author Michael Perry’s articles in the Sunday Wisconsin State Journal. Perry lives on a farm in southwestern Wisconsin on which he lives with his family, raises his chickens, writes and from which he heads out on book tours. Each article is two pages, more or less, and relates the author’s observations, musings and opinions on a topic of his life.

The articles are absolute delights. A few are profound and all are humorous. Some remind readers of places they have visited, for me Door County and Sears Tower. Others address shared problems like moles. I have never seen a pheasant fly into our barn but “Pheasant Love” paints pictures in the mind’s eye that bring out a laugh. The feeling of responsibility upon becoming a Godfather and the wonder of hearing a grandfather’s recording from World War II touch a chord in any heart.

“Roughneck Grace” is an easy, light read full of pure enjoyment. Sit back, pick it up, read and be entertained.

I did receive a copy of this book without an obligation to post a review. ( )

Michael Perry is always a joy to read. I first discovered him through his debut nonfiction Population 485 and then Visiting Tom. Then I followed him as he dipped a toe in fiction with The Jesus Cow. In fact, I think I own all of his published books, even if I haven't actually read them all yet. I know that when I do, his comfortable, homey writing will be just as engaging as ever, as it was in Roughneck Grace, a volume of collected weekly columns that Perry wrote for the Wisconsin State Journal.

Whether writing long form or short, Perry's writing is homespun and folksy in the best possible sense. He is reflective and thoughtful, entertaining and funny. In these short columns, he writes about work and family, community and aging ("creeping codgerism"), the simple joys of life and those things that give us pause. The title was a term he coined in Visiting Tom and it accurately reflects the beauty and grace of these unadorned, heartfelt pieces. Perry comes across as comfortable, friendly, and approachable and his musings and meditations leave the reader with a deep appreciation for the fact that he has shared his life so beautifully and so openly. Perry makes readers feel as if they know him so perhaps it's not such a surprise that people drive down his driveway uninvited. Fair warning Mr. Perry, if I ever find myself in your neck of rural Wisconsin, I might not be able to help myself either. ( )