Exuberant, persnickety, and literate, Bill Holm's essays are an exercise in loving contemplation of one's family, neighbors, and town. This is a book with a robust heart. I can see why no one reads it anymore: Holm is old-fashioned in his stubborn praise of the small. He finds wealth in his town's poverty and wisdom in its lack of education. He's a true curmudgeon, which I found refreshing. Sure, I've listened to Prairie Home Companion dozens of times, but unlike Garrison Keillor's stereotyped small-town, Bill Holm's Minneota makes me proud to be a Minnesotan. ( )