I had been wanting to read a book by Heather Lende for some time—the description of a small-town obituary writer has caught my attention on multiple occasions and one of my favorite reviewers, Brina, loves her books.

These essays are homey slice-of-life dispatches from a tiny fishing community. Lende is earthy, practical, and positive, exactly the kind of person you would expect a middle-aged woman who has thrived in a lifetime of Alaskan winters to be. Think Anne Lamott but podunk and less whiney.

The stories brought me unexpected moments of joy as I listened to them. In general they center around the good things in life: new friends and old, faithful pets, the joy of keeping routines and making space for new ideas, supporting your neighbor and being supported. *sniff* I love the importance and glory that Lende grants to everyday living. It reminded me to find the good in my boring days, too.