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[Porch Talk] by Phillip Gulley
5★
Beloved American storyteller Philip Gulley evokes a time when life revolved around the front porch, where friends gathered, stories were told, and small moments took on large meaning. In today's hurry-up world, Gulley's observations are frank and funny, reminding us of the world we once shared, and can again. With poignancy and humor, Gulley writes about small-town life, things he thinks about while sitting in his Quaker meeting, and why Donald Trump should pay more taxes. Porch Talk is a tribute to common folk, including Charlie the hardware priest, the Bettys at the newspaper, and other paragons of decency not many people know, but should.I loved this book. Phillip Gulley relates to the heart of the matter with humor and a deeper message. The first chapter reminded me of my childhood and the house that I grew up in. We had a front porch and many a summer day the adults spent many hours sitting out there and talking, while we kids played in the yard and tried to pick up bits and pieces of the conversation. In this bright, warm-hearted little book, he lets us go along with his memory journey and meet his friends and neighbors...the hardware store owner that knew everyone and knew how to repair anything and everything. The owner of the local Dairy Queen that spent his days sitting in a chair in back of the store and never wore a watch. His veterinarian friend that led him to his dog Zipper. Mr. Gulley may be correct when he says that the entire world should have a front porch and spend many hours on it. The world would surely be a better place for it.
