louisejulig's review
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
This was an unexpected surprise. I received this book as a gift from a family member who knew I’d read the complete works of Montaigne. I was expecting a rehash of some of the more humorous bits of Montaigne’s Essais, but what I got was instead a modern interpretation of them from a thoughtful writer/farmer who defies easy categorization. Perry has considerable Montaigne chops, referring to multiple translations and other references about the man and his life, which is impressive. But then he takes what he finds and spins a fresh take on it for the contemporary reader. It was a delight to read and I’ll add it to my small but growing Montaigne collection.
debnanceatreaderbuzz's review
4.0
Michael Perry is a paradox; he comes from conservative roots in the American heartland and is now a professional writer with an academic air. He takes on Montaigne, an essayist who is also similarly paradoxical, raised among peasants yet given an exceptional education. Perry talks about everything that comes into his mind, from kidney stones to sex, and ties everything to that old philosopher in fascinating and clever prose. By his own example and by the example of Montaigne, he urges us to carefully examine the world and to set aside the judgment of the right and the left, of the rich and of the poor.
benjclark's review
5.0
Michael Perry is a hick. An NPR listening one, but a bonafide bumpkin from rural Wisconsin. And his approach as a writer is a wonderful blend of Dave Berry-esque humor and E. B. White’s reflective essays on life at his farm in Maine.
But don’t be fooled by Perry’s “Aw shucks” demeanor. He dives deep into not only the works of the 16th Century French nobleman-essayist, but also into his translators, devotees, and critics, flipping through each and finding the humor and wisdom for consideration in each encounter. Honestly, I thought Perry’s book would be a collection of Montaigne’s greatest quotes with a few essays built around them, but it’s much more than that.
Read the rest of my review at: Montaigne in Barn Boots
But don’t be fooled by Perry’s “Aw shucks” demeanor. He dives deep into not only the works of the 16th Century French nobleman-essayist, but also into his translators, devotees, and critics, flipping through each and finding the humor and wisdom for consideration in each encounter. Honestly, I thought Perry’s book would be a collection of Montaigne’s greatest quotes with a few essays built around them, but it’s much more than that.
Read the rest of my review at: Montaigne in Barn Boots
emilyn's review
5.0
As a fellow Midwesterner (even if I'm not from a rural part), I found a lot of what Michael Perry says very relatable (which Goodreads apparently thinks is not a word). This book isn't exactly laugh-out-loud funny, but it got a chortle out of me here and there. Made me think a bit and made me want to read both more Michael Perry and some Montaigne. I think it did its job.
trin's review
3.0
I'm an intellectual, so of course the detail that will most stick with me is the fact that Montaigne had a woefully small penis.
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