One of the few books that I endeavored to read with the utmost slowness, only a chapter or two at a time, and just a few times a week. This is because I desired it to endure for as long as humanly possible. In my humble opinion, this is perhaps the finest essay collection that I have ever perused. It should be an absolute essential reading for any budding author. Virtually every single page is replete with subtly brilliant turns of phrase that I can only dream of emulating. Even if you have no inclination towards writing, the peek into the everyday life during the 30's and 40's is utterly fascinating. It offers a unique perspective on a bygone era. My sole wish is that this remarkable collection had been twice as long, or even more. That way, I could have savored its contents for an even more extended period.

I am an extremely enthusiastic fan of E.B. White's essays.

This remarkable collection, which was entirely composed in the late 1930s and the very early 1940s, serves as a captivating time capsule. It offers a vivid glimpse into small-town American life during the early years of WWII.

Certainly, these were not times that were simpler or easier. However, perhaps they were kinder and less complicated in some ways.

White's writing is truly beautiful. He possesses an extraordinary eye (and ear) for details, which allows him to bring the scenes and characters to life with such vividness.

Truly, reading his works is an absolute pleasure, one that can be savored and enjoyed.

I can't recall the last time I dedicated four months to a single book. Although, in all fairness, I probably devoured the last half of it within a week!

His words have a magical quality that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged from beginning to end.

Whether it's his descriptions of the natural world or his insights into human nature, E.B. White's essays are a treasure trove of wisdom and beauty.

I highly recommend this collection to anyone who appreciates fine writing and a deeper understanding of a bygone era.

If you are the kind of reader who craves for a wild and exciting ride filled with countless twists and turns and cheap thrills, then this collection of essays by Mr. White is not the right choice for you.

These essays are Mr. White's profound ruminations, spanning from a time before America's involvement in WWII all the way up until December of 1942.

They are quiet and sublime, not to be rushed through. In fact, I found myself at the end of each essay in a state of hushed awe. I was so captivated that I rarely wanted to read more than one per night. They are truly precious.

If you are not familiar with Andy (the beloved nickname of Mr. White), I cannot recommend him highly enough. In an era when so many other writers were misogynistic, racist, old-fashioned, or worse, he manages to remain fresh, modern, and non-judgmental even in the current day.

And his observations? They are simply brilliant, so clever and yet so heart-breaking. I could easily fill this review many times over with his words. But instead, I will leave you with this one lovely and thought-provoking passage:

Freedom is a household word now, but it's only once in a while that you see a man who is actively, almost belligerently free. It struck me as we worked our way homeward up the rough bay with our catch of lobsters and a fresh breeze in our teeth that this was what the fight was all about. This was it. Either we would continue to have it or we wouldn't, this right to speak our own minds, haul our own traps, mind our own business, and wallow in the wide, wide sea.

Dearest Andy. I love you so.

Okay, you're probably giggling about the title. Everyone I've mentioned this book to has. (As have I.) This odd, delightful book would definitely not be named the same thing today!

E.B. White can write. (I guess it's no surprise that he literally wrote the book on writing.) This collection was full of sometimes funny, generally fascinating little essays about a wide range of topics. There were essays on Hitler and the looming war (written in 1939 & 1940), which provided a historical perspective. Then there were pieces on dog dispositions, which were charming and relatable. The outrage of license plates was an unexpected yet interesting topic. Hunting, country living, and the gentleman farmer were also explored, giving readers a glimpse into different aspects of life. And while I was more interested in some essays than others, they were all beautifully written. Each one gave me something to think about. I read one before bed every night, and that pace was pretty much perfect for this book.

A different sort of read, and one I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a unique collection that offered a variety of perspectives and entertained while also making me reflect.