Deep Creek, by Pam Houston, is a book that could ruin your day, in the best of all possible ways. Once you start reading, all you want is to continue doing so. I love this book, love it deeply and completely. It is everything a book should be: Brilliantly written, flat out honest, rich with a sense of place in the Colorado Rockies, layered with her love of the land, her dogs, her donkeys, her stranded elk babies and frozen water tanks.
A committed bookseller at my favorite bookstore, Arcadia Books in Spring Green, Wisconsin, said she thought I’d like the book. It reminded her of The Education of Will. Both are centered on “the land,” in the sense that Aldo Leopold meant when he used the term to describe our most meaningful community–the soil, the animals, the water, the people, the air–everything, all of us, because we can’t really separate one from the other.
Both books also brim with a love of animals and plants and how bitter cold nights and howling coyotes make you feel more alive. Both involve authors with burdensome pasts that were in part healed by our connection to where we live–to winter blizzards as much to spring flowers, to lambs dying in your arms as much as to bluebirds. I don’t want to stretch the comparison too far, because Pam Houston is a professional writer who teaches writing to geeks like me, and is as brave as anyone I’ve ever met, while I settle somewhere on the cowardly side of the spectrum.
Here’s what Cheryl Strayed, of Wild fame, said about Deep Creek:
“There is so much beauty, wisdom, and truth in this book, I felt the pages almost humming in my hands. I was riveted and enlightened, inspired and consoled. This is a book for all of us, right now.”
“. . . humming in my hands. . .” Isn’t that beautiful? There are some other stunningly written quotes about the book. They themselves are lovely to read. (Blurbing a great book is actually very hard to do. I can’t tell you how much thought and how many drafts go into our final versions.)
Here is one of my favorite passages from the book:
“And if I say, even so, that it has been only the rare human who has given me an animal’s worth of love back, it’s not because I underestimate the power of human love. It’s because I have been lucky enough to live in the unconditional, unwavering, uncommon, gale force of love directed at me from my animals.”
“Gale force of love?” Ah, exquisite. Who among us has not felt that from one of our dogs?
Even though the author’s childhood was heartbreaking, this isn’t a sad book. Not in the least. Rather, it’s simply a book about life, which of course is sad, and of course joyful and rich and scary and wonderful. Here is a photo of Pam and one of her horses from her website; I hope I am forgiven for including it. I absolutely want to meet this woman.
If you love good writing, a passion for animals, a love of the land, and inspiration about what can be overcome, this is a great book.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: It may be March, but it’s still the underbelly of winter. Ten below this morning. A crusty blanket of snow and ice on the ground. In other words, a good weekend to bake bread. I made some buns for the homemade sausages we got in town yesterday. They look yummy, albeit a tad asymmetrical, but the proof will be in the eating. We’ll find out tonight. (I was going to show you just a part of them so that they looked less, uh, free form, but decided that praising the book above for its honesty and then pretending my bread looked prettier than it does was inconsistent. So here they are, in all their undisciplined glory.)
Sunday morning, after reading Deep Creek from 5 to 7 AM (hated having to stop), I found myself thinking that we’d seen less wildlife than usual this winter. And then I looked up to see two White-tailed Deer right out the window. And then there were four, and then there were six and they pretty much stayed around the house all day. They were there this morning too, and I just saw one out the kitchen window, although in the back pasture and not very close to the house. We had lots of chances to take photos on Sunday, although the best pictures wouldn’t load onto my laptop. (Of course, right?)
I love how this shot shows how well they are camouflaged in winter. Their fur turns the exact color of the bark of trees and bushes, and they can be almost in front of you and you still miss them. Once this one moved behind the bushes you couldn’t see her unless she moved.
Here is her friend, nibbling on the shoots of bushes and perhaps raspberries.
The green stakes below were supporting a new crab apple tree, and I was relieved that the deer left the tree alone. (Rabbits love the bark though, I should get the bark protectors back on soon.) But then I found they’d been nibbling on my baby burr oak tree, which I’ve been nurturing for five years and is finally starting to do some serious growing. (Par for the course for burr oaks, they need a long time to settle in.) As soon as I finish this I am going out to put some dog hair on the baby Burr in hopes of discouraging them. I wonder where I can find some dog hair?
But aren’t deer gorgeous? I know. . . “just deer”. But ever since returning from safari in Africa the first time, I have never failed to see White-tailed Deer with “beginner’s eyes” and appreciate their beauty.
Here’s to beauty, no matter where, no matter the temperature.
Cecilia says
I just found your website and your books and I am so grateful.
I am 44 years old, living in the city(Toronto) working as an English trainer. My husband and I are moving to a smaller town, to a small house and I want to switch careers and work as a dog trainer. I had a dog when I was young but haven’t had one since. I don’t have one now but ohhh how I want to do this.
I have been reading various training approaches and was getting depressed because I don’t have a dominant bone in my body and was wondering how I could be dominant enough to train a dog – and the approach never felt right to me. From the little I have read on your site I think I see that I don’t have to be dominant to be a good trainer.
I am in the middle of ” The Education of Will” and I am loving it. I can’t wait learn more from your site. Just wanted to say thank you for putting all of this out there.
Maralise says
I love your writing, Trisha.
I have shared your delightful blog with friends, as well as recommended your books – which are so very helpful. My dogs are especially grateful to you.
And thanks for the nudge to get back to some Pam Houston! Deep Creek is going on my list today!
Karen says
Well, now it is even harder to let Pam’s book sit here next to me unread! I’ve been busy lambing and taking a small farms class, here it sits unread, because I knew once I picked it up, I wouldn’t put it down.
I was fortunate to go see Pam Houston, Cheryl Strayed, and Lidia Yuknovitch get together on stage to introduce Portland, Oregon to Pam’s new book. It was a great evening listening to their personal stories of writing, life, some politics, and coming together for strength and support. They are all amazing real women.
Patricia says
“Gale force of love”… That is a beautiful (and true) passage. I must read this book. Thanks for the recommend. I love your blog, btw. Keep it up.
chloe De Segonzac says
So excited about the Pam Huston book.
I can tell already that I will have a diffult time letting it go by the end of it.
Beautiful pictures. I never think “just a deer” seeing them always make my heart
sing
Thank you and here is the book I’m really enjoying right now: Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver.
Peri says
I love Pam Houston and can hardly wait to read this book! Her experiences and her beautiful writing touch my soul.
Gayla says
I’m going to buy it right now. Thank you, Patricia…
Have a glorious day!
Nannette Morgan says
Beautiful post, Trisha. “I” think your baked goods are a work of art 😉
Vicki in Michigan says
Bread making is not a beauty contest. 🙂 Function over form. 🙂
Barb Stanek says
Speaking of good writing . . . . Thanks.
Barb
Elsie Pfleider says
I love the way you write, with honesty and candor. It’s a conversation about something real. Thank you for sharing this book. I’ll be looking for it.
Trisha says
Oh thank you!
Trisha says
Ha!
Trisha says
Oh garsh, thanks!
Trisha says
Thanks for the rec re Unsheltered. I love Barbara Kingsolver….
Trisha says
Oh oh oh I am so jealous. I got to see Cheryl Strayed in Madison awhile ago, but the threesome sounds amazing. And good luck with lambing, we start end of March. I hope you can get some rest soon and snuggle in to Deep Creek.
Trisha says
Welcome to the village! You’ll find some amazing writers, dogs lovers and dog trainers right here in the comments section. Don’t ever pass up a chance to read them!
Trisha says
Sloppy kisses to your dogs, and a grateful thank you from me to you.
Trisha says
Thanks! I thought I might quit the blog for awhile, but I am still loving it. In part no doubt because of so much reinforcement!
Trisha says
Thanks Gayla!
Jann Becker says
We have had a little herd of as many as nine deer ambling past the house the last few afternoons, always going roughly north to south. We have no idea how they’re getting back the other way–crossing the busy street? Waiting till dark?
The dogs are so faithful to their mission of calling out deer whenever they’re on our property that they’d never miss this.
Gayla says
Cecilia,
That kind of longing, combined with ‘not a dominant bone in your body’… Oh Sweetie, follow your dream path, you’re going to be a wonderful dog trainer!
Trisha, There’s a saying in the Hawaiian language that roughly translates to; “All good things come to Kauai,- eventually.”
I so wish you would
Kandy says
Thanks so much for this book review. I can’t wait to read (listen) as it’s an audible book too!
As for loving to find deer on our walks, it’s one of the best rewards there can be. We live in the Adirondack mountains in upstate New York so very often my dog, Hope, and I encounter these magical creatures. At this time of the year, still dealing with the snow, I agree, they’re well camouflaged as are the Bard owls and other residents. Our scent games indoors have paid off while walking outdoors. Hope digs down into the snow, looking for what, I don’t know. I’m truly amazed at her scent abilities. Dogs surprise me all the time. Love your blog and thank you so very much!
Diane says
People may not comment all the time…but we love your blog. I’ve learned so much about dogs from your blog and from all your wonderful readers, and from your books and dvds (got them all!)….and from the good books you have recommended! I’ll check this this book out. Thanks for all you do!
Wanda Jacobsen says
Oh, my goodness, do not quit writing this blog. I so enjoy every word, every comment from other readers, and your photos, even the one of the perfectly formed rolls. (Who cares about looks, it’s the taste that counts. ) Yes, I know all about presentation, but homemade bread…..) Thank you, Trisha, for all you do for people and thank you even more for what you do for animals who have no voice, but touch our very souls every day.
Trisha says
Thank you so much Wanda for taking the time to write such lovely words. I just finished watching a segment of Margaret Atwood’s Master Class, great inspiration to keep writing.
SharonM says
I’m loving this book and don’t want it to end! I’m listening the the audiobook which is read by Pam. Excellent! Thanks for the recommendation!
Nicola says
Thanks for the recommendation Trisha. I have bought the book and looking forward to reading and then sharing it. Since my dog passed away I have suffered with insomnia, and noticed that general anxiety has increased. I think partly because I am not getting out in nature every day, like I used to when she was alive. Nature, animals – companion and wildlife – seem so incredibly vital to our wellbeing. Your blog and the community continues to be a source of comfort and joy.
Margo Harris says
Your bread looks yummy! Mmmm, would love some right now, smothered in butter! With tea, please.
What a great picture of the author of Deep Creek with her horse. I’ll order the book…sounds very good.
The deer ARE beautiful, that’s for sure. I like what you said about seeing them with “beginner’s eyes”….yes!
Hope you were able to find some dog hair…ha ha… I have loads if you need it…
Staci says
I feel the same way about you Trisha, as you feel about Pamela Houston! I read The Education of Will in 2 days. I just ordered all of your books (great $ deal on the bundle – thx). I have a fearful dog, and feel confident that with reading your books and watching your training videos, I will be able to heal her and myself. You have accomplished your goal in helping others. You are my new hero.
Trisha says
Awww, what a beautiful compliment! It’s not been the best of days, so thanks so very much for the lift.