Gilman states some important things very plainly and cleanly - she's a great advocate for simplicity and autonomy. The book could be more tightly focused, and I was repulsed by one chapter of total New Age gibberish, but the book makes a short and sweet antidote to consumerism. ( )

Good book. When I started it, I was afraid it would be content-free philosophy like A Gift from the Sea, but while there's a lot of philosophical musings here they're nicely anchored in a real-world story of her first year living on ten acres near a small fishing village in Nova Scotia. Quite a few musings on women's place in society, the difference between aloneness and loneliness, and the way modern city/suburb living keeps you disconnected from both nature and your neighbors. Just as much discussion of picking wild berries, hauling seaweed to enrich the ground for her garden, the way the people included her in their friendly nosiness - fun. I love the Mrs. Pollifax stories, and here I see the same kind of vivid description and evocation of emotions and events. I suspect I'll reread this a time or two. ( )

An interesting, quick read about how Gilman moved to Nova Scotia in order to be alone, only to realize that she would discover herself there. Very similar in many ways to Anne Lindbergh's Gift from the Sea, and Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love. ( )

This was an interesting glimpse into the world view of the author Dorothy Gilman. I enjoyed her musings on slowing down, scaling back, and enjoying a more simple life. Some of this book seems dated - ideas of male and female roles in society have been turned on their head in 2009. Still, there is an appreciation for a woman who dares to explore life outside the traditional confines of women in the 60's and 70's. ( )

I wanted to be her, go to Nova Scotia, find my courage and make a new life for myself. ( )