Rating: 
Summary: Self-centered drivel
Review: As a native of Centre County I looked forward to hearing someones view of an area of the country that I have left and returned to for its quirky charm and customs. But instead what I found was a smug, self-indulgent story that rambles on never to make a profound or astute observation. The author portrays herself and her husband as superiors to their earnest, hardworking neighbors --she laughs at, not with them. She mocks their holiday customs, their offers of help, and assistance, their entertainment,their towns, every element of their lives. If I could give this book negative stars, I would, but the form wont let me. I can't believe any publisher thought this book she be printed.
Rating: 
Summary: Stealth Humor
Review: As someone who grew-up in Central Pennsylvania, I looked forward to reading about someone else's experiences in an area of the country that I love. Instead, I found a smug, self-indulgent story that twitters on with a superior air and provides as much depth and insight into what Pennsylvania country life is really like as a piece of used plastic wrap. I loved the self-deprecating humor of books like Peter Mayle's "A Year in Provence," in which the author provides a rich tapestry of what it is like to adapt to a different culture, and was suckered into reading this book on the promise that it was of the same caliber. IT IS NOT!! At all times, the author portrays herself and her husband as superior beings to their earnest, hardworking neighbors --she laughs at, not with them. If I could give this book negative stars, I would, but the form won't let me.
Rating:
Summary: Humorless self-indulgence
Review: As someone who grew-up in Central Pennsylvania, I looked forward to reading about someone else's experiences in an area of the country that I love. Instead, I found a smug, self-indulgent story that twitters on with a superior air and provides as much depth and insight into what Pennsylvania country life is really like as a piece of used plastic wrap. I loved the self-deprecating humor of books like Peter Mayle's "A Year in Provence," in which the author provides a rich tapestry of what it is like to adapt to a different culture, and was suckered into reading this book on the promise that it was of the same caliber. IT IS NOT!! At all times, the author portrays herself and her husband as superior beings to their earnest, hardworking neighbors --she laughs at, not with them. If I could give this book negative stars, I would, but the form won't let me.
Rating:
Summary: Self-centered drivel
Review: Cathleen Miller tells a captivating story about the joys and tribulations of returning back to a country life. Who hasn't dreamed at one time of leaving a current life behind--to go on blind faith to create a new life in a completely different environment. She and her husband had the courage to try her dreams. What started as a career life change to nonfiction writing ended up as a published book that details their unique journey. Sometimes it takes writing, reflection and perspective to appreciate what we have. Although much of the story takes place in Pennsylvania, her native Missouri roots make me think she is Mark Twain reincarnated. I thoroughly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Back To The Country
Review: Cathleen Miller tells a captivating story about the joys and tribulations of returning back to a country life. Who hasn't dreamed at one time of leaving a current life behind--to go on blind faith to create a new life in a completely different environment. She and her husband had the courage to try her dreams. What started as a career life change to nonfiction writing ended up as a published book that details their unique journey. Sometimes it takes writing, reflection and perspective to appreciate what we have. Although much of the story takes place in Pennsylvania, her native Missouri roots make me think she is Mark Twain reincarnated. I thoroughly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: A delightful story of city slickers in the country
Review: Cathleen Miller's story of leaving a sophisticated lifestyle in San Francisco, and, with her husband, creating a new life and restoring a 100 year old home in the middle of a Pensylvania corn patch is colorful, charming and sometimes just plain funny. Her ability to bring humor to otherwise horrible situations is a total delight. I couldn't imagine myself living through some of the daily problems she faced. The old fashioned coal heater for one -- even venturing down into the cellar gives me the creeps. Cathleen's memoir is an enjoyable read and I highly recommend it. Especially for those of us who have considered or thought about giving up city living and moving out to the "simple life" in the country.
Rating:
Summary: A Captivating Read
Review: If you enjoy superb writing and a spellbinding story of everyday life, "Chronicles" is for you. Small, sad events, like the pillaging of a nest of baby rabbits by a rapacious mink, are beautifully told and indelibly registered. A behind the scenes look at the Amish, who maintain their culture by using modern tractors only at night when others cannot see, is a tart contrast to two city folk trying to make it in the wilds of rural Pennsylvania. Big, joyous events, like "Pestofest" a luminous party for friends to enjoy the end-of-summer basil harvest to the fullest, are described in loving detail. This is a wonderful book that will remain in your mind long after you have read it.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Book for These Troubled Times
Review: In The Birdhouse Chronicles Cathleen Miller made me both laugh and cry. She's from Missouri and her wry humor reminds me of a female Mark Twain. But underneath the laughs is a serious story--that of a disappearing America, a nation of agrarian families and authentic rural landscapes. At least both will always live on in this book, which is a love letter to the Pennsylvania countryside. I savored every page, and recommend it highly.
Rating:
Summary: A Celebration of Appalachia
Review: In this book Cathleen Miller celebrates her new life in Appalachia, bringing a sense of wonder to the landscape, seasons and citizens of Central Pennsylvania. She is a skilled writer and one is soon lulled into the warm cocoon of this couple's world by Miller's engaging voice-alternately hilarious, poignant, inquisitive, and revealing. Critics of her memoir seem to have missed a few key points in the narrative. Miller makes herself the butt of her jokes-not her neighbors. She talks about how she doesn't understand them, she finds their traditions unfamiliar, but her essayist's questioning always comes from a place of respectful curiosity, as if examining her own opinions in this new world as much as those of the residents of Centre County. In fact, one look at the opening pages of The Birdhouse Chronicles should say it all, as Miller chooses to honor her neighbors in the dedication: "For the good folks who live on Burd Lane with my gratitude and respect." The reader from Aaronsburg also seems not to have noticed that the author and her husband are donating their time to preserve historic landmarks in her beloved region, thereby providing-along with this great memoir of place-a lasting tribute to rural Pennsylvania. Even though I live in State College, I first heard about this book from reading a review of it in The Wall Street Journal. The reviewer mentioned how the book slowed down time to emulate the experience of living in the country, and for me that was a welcome gift.
Rating:
Summary: A Celebration of Appalachia
Review: In this book Cathleen Miller celebrates her new life in Appalachia, bringing a sense of wonder to the landscape, seasons and citizens of Central Pennsylvania. She is a skilled writer and one is soon lulled into the warm cocoon of this couple's world by Miller's engaging voice-alternately hilarious, poignant, inquisitive, and revealing. Critics of her memoir seem to have missed a few key points in the narrative. Miller makes herself the butt of her jokes-not her neighbors. She talks about how she doesn't understand them, she finds their traditions unfamiliar, but her essayist's questioning always comes from a place of respectful curiosity, as if examining her own opinions in this new world as much as those of the residents of Centre County. In fact, one look at the opening pages of The Birdhouse Chronicles should say it all, as Miller chooses to honor her neighbors in the dedication: "For the good folks who live on Burd Lane with my gratitude and respect." The reader from Aaronsburg also seems not to have noticed that the author and her husband are donating their time to preserve historic landmarks in her beloved region, thereby providing-along with this great memoir of place-a lasting tribute to rural Pennsylvania. Even though I live in State College, I first heard about this book from reading a review of it in The Wall Street Journal. The reviewer mentioned how the book slowed down time to emulate the experience of living in the country, and for me that was a welcome gift.
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