High Tide in Tucson

As good as I've come to expect from Barbara Kingsolver. I've been reading her stuff out of order and it's interesting–she seems much less confident here than in Small Wonder, her later essay collection. But in a sweet, honest way. I particularly liked the last few essays, in which she discusses the power of fiction and what kinds of responsibilities readers and writers have.

These essays blend family/sociology stuff with bits about nature, many seen through the lens of her personal experiences. The one titled “Stone Soup” especially got into my head, and I think anyone working with kids or families - hell, anyone IN a family - will recognize the truth she speaks.

Unforeseen side effect of this book: burning desire to travel to Kentucky and Arizona.

Wonderful essays.