Mud Season by Ellen Stimson

Mud Season is a memoir by Ellen Stimson that chronicles her family’s move from St. Louis to Vermont. The book is written in a self-deprecating and humorous style, and it details the challenges and joys of transitioning from city life to rural living.

The main themes of the book include the difficulties of renovating an old farmhouse, the challenges of running a small business in a small town, and the joys of living in a close-knit community. Stimson also touches on the importance of family and the value of hard work.

What I Liked

I liked the setting and the honesty of the author.

What I Did Not Like

This book could have been a couple of YouTube videos – or even a few blog posts? The book was ridiculously fluffy without much of a story…other than the basic arc of a family moving somewhere new?

Mud Season by Ellen Stimson

$22.77

In Mud Season, Ellen Stimson shares her family's move from St. Louis to Vermont, blending humor with the ups and downs of rural life. I appreciated her honesty and the vivid setting, capturing the struggles of renovating an old farmhouse and running a small-town store. However, I felt the book lacked depth; it often felt more like a collection of light anecdotes than a cohesive story. It could have easily translated into a few fun YouTube videos or blog posts instead of a full book. Overall, it's an enjoyable read, but it left me wanting more substance.

Pros:

• Humorous and self-deprecating writing style
• Engaging themes of family, hard work, and community
• Honest portrayal of the challenges of rural living

Cons:

• Lacks depth and substantial story
• Feels overly fluffy and could be condensed into shorter formats

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03/16/2025 01:52 am GMT