Farm Life: Observations from Fields and Forests

by Daryln Brewer Hoffstot

Daryln Brewer Hoffstot has observed the fields and forests of her Western Pennsylvania farm for thirty-five years. This collection of twenty-seven essays explores birds, mammals, bees, fungi, trees, and other aspects of the natural world. She is a keen observer who delights in sharing what she sees as well as what she learns from naturalists. Her discoveries have strengthened her commitment to protecting the plants and animals that surround us.

Genres: Essays, Nonfiction, Nature

128 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2023

Reviews

[Robert Mulvihill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know the author and the setting for her essays very well, and I confess, I love both! Daryln is immensely curious and adventurous--indeed, her entire family is the same. She finds a trove of interesting subjects in the nature around her farm, and, because she is so thoughtful, she observes, takes notes, and researches what she observes in order to more fully understand and appreciate it. If you study birds, bees, flowers, or trees in Pennsylvania, Daryln likely has tracked you down at some point in order to learn what you know! And so, her writing not only is detailed and accurate, it is a simple pleasure to read. Daryln takes solace, peace, and joie de vivre in the nature and animals around her and, with her words she gifts those feelings to her readers. I look forward to her next installment of A Farm Life.

[Natalie Herr · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this wasn’t the dearest collection of musings on nature. I loved picking it up before bed for a little bite-sized nugget of wonder and awe at creation. It’s especially sweet if you’re familiar with the flora and fauna of western PA.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Far outside my normal reading, I thoroughly enjoyed this thin book of essays about trees, plants, animals, home and garden. The writing is succinct and beautiful, with the author's observations and opinions supported by research. Reading A Farm Life makes me want to re-read Walden.

"There's a rule of thumb with birds, the more the male and female look alike, the more they share the nesting duties." (37) [Quote from Jim Bonner, executive director of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania]

"Male fireflies are like teenage boys." (58) [Quote from Lynn Frierson Faust, author of a book on fireflies]

"Beaver can be eaten during Lent since the Catholic Church declared in the seventeenth century that because beavers spend so much time in water, they could be considered a fish. Bootleggin' BBQ in St. Louis, Missouri, put beaver on their Lenten menu in 2016, marinating it with brown sugar and grilling it, serving it with mashed potatoes, and making it into tacos or boudin balls. Brenton Brown, partner and pitmaster, wore a t-shirt during Lent printed with the words 'God said it was Ok.'" (72)

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally finished this collection of essays by a local author I met at an event at the art museum last year. It’s absolutely wonderful and full of tidbits about the region where I live that I’m excited to explore. I learned about local farm that sells native plants that I’m excited to visit next weekend. Such a sweet little book.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved A Farm Life: Observations from Fields and Forests by Darlyn Brewer Hoffstat. It is a small book filled with twenty-seven essays about life on her family farm in Western Pennsylvania. Topics ranged from trees, plants and fungi to birds, insects/arachnids and animals. The book ended with sections on her home and garden, plus the environment. Brewer Hoffstot's work has appeared in The New York Times, the Boston Globe, and Pittsburgh Quarterly, which is where some of the essays were originally published. Her writing style was easy to read and relatable. Her essays would be enjoyed by naturalists and/or anyone interested in nature and farm life.

[T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of essays about topics such as ash trees, birds, bees, etc. Things found in any backyard. Nice pleasant style, thoughtful but hardly original reflections on parts of the natural world.

It is however NOT about a farm or farming in any way. The author seems to live on a piece of property but it doesn't seem that farming is ongoing other than a vegetable garden and a few chickens. This could be going on in any backyard. IOW, the title of the book is misleading. Not a bad book, just not a very good book.

[Merriann M. Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of beautifully written essays is gently delivered. I found myself reading it slowly and actually sitting and spending time with it all. I enjoyed her thoughtful observations and insight woven with the expertise of naturalists. I thought Daryln’s essays came across as wise, sensitive and contemplative. Please pour a cup of coffee and open this book….If you like Wendell Berry you will love Daryln’s work.

[Sarah Becking · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read about the natural world of western PA, near where I grew up. A Farm Life weaves appreciative observation with experts and book learning in engaging, brief essays. I like the author's perspective and reflections, and they make me look with fresh eyes at the natural world around me.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not something I'd normally pick up on my own, but I love a local interest book.

[Jean Bohince · Rating 5 out of 5]

It made me want to be living on a farm reading this book.

[Brittany Pendegraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and easy to read blurbs about nature and life around the author’s farm. Chapter on gardening was so relatable.

[John Hasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of thoughtful essays about the beauty of nature. Reading them brings such serenity.