Saturday, August 31, 2019

About the Book

Book: Adventures in Poverty

Author: Nancy Bolton

Genre: Memoir

Release Date: July 30, 2019

Faced with eviction, living on union strike pay, our time for making a decision was running out. Where could we go to live with our five small sons? We had few options. The scariest possibility was also the one that fit best with our tiny income. But could we really make such a difficult move? To transport our family, and our mobile home onto a five-acre parcel of rural, undeveloped land? No electricity, no running water, with winter fast approaching. It sounded a little crazy…….

About the Author

Nancy Shew Bolton is a wife, mother, grandmother, jewelry maker, crochet crafter, and of course: a writer! She lives in upstate New York in a lovely scenic region known as The Fingerlakes. Widowed last year, she is comforted by her five sons, two grandchildren and a marvelous array of family and other loved ones. She loves the creative process, and puts her whole focus into the stories she writes. May you be entertained and uplifted by them!

More from Nancy

Sometimes life hands out an unexpected challenge, and the direction you mapped out for your family comes up against a big roadblock. And there you are, trying to navigate back to a path that makes sense. One that would be as close to the previous path as you can get. But our only options led us in directions far away from what we were used to.

I don't think I have read a book that has really made me appreciate what I have. After finishing this book, I had to take a moment to thank God for His blessings. The author takes us on a journey that some of us may have experienced a bit of at some point in our lives. I remember when I first got married how we struggled financially. It was difficult at times to be happy for what we had and I know I grumbled a lot.

I noticed in the book that the author never once complained about their situation. Can you imagine living on land with no electricity or running water with young children to raise? Her ingenuity was a breath of fresh air. It was impressive to read how the family found ways to survive by raising chickens, goats and pigs. The garden was plentiful and provided much needed nourishment.

It was hard to read about the winter months as the trailer was like an igloo at times. I would worry constantly that my boys were going to be sick from the cold but this family found ways to cope with each stumbling block that came their way. The children seemed to always be happy and the parents spent lots of time with them. I really liked how they would plays games, read books and just enjoy the outdoors with enthusiasm.

There are some funny moments in the story that made me smile as they learned lessons on how to live off the land. I rejoiced with them as they finally had running water and later electricity. Each day was filled with adventure and blessings. I don't think I could do the things the author did. She cooked meals that were nourishing and found ways to have special treats for her children. Her husband was a wonderful man who worked hard and had a big heart.

The story gives us hope as the author shares how people stepped up to help them by providing food, clothes, toys and friendship. I live in the country on land we bought and love my space away from civilization. There are neighbors close by and I have needed their help at times when we were flooded in and had no way to go to the store. The neighbors that helped this family was giving and expected nothing in return. The author allows us a look into her life with humbleness and a heart that is filled with peace and contentment.

What I liked about the story was the reminder to be thankful every day, be kind to each other and help one another out. The scripture that comes to mind for me is, "Do unto other as you would have them do unto you."

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.