My dad has been reading lot of local history. I’ve been into it more than ever too, so I’ve read some of his recommendations. Most recently, I read My Life on Joseph Creek by Julie Davis. Her love and knowledge of Wallow County is very sweet. Dad warned me that the writing wasn’t very good. I’m sure that an editor would have made all the difference in the world. There were a few engaging sections, but I had to skim through most of the book. Her use of exclamation marks is excessive—even for a patient reader such as me.

The story and the history are interesting, but probably only for someone who grew up in NE Oregon. The photos of the canyons are beautiful. The author is truly in love with and interested in the country, and, as someone who also loves that land, it made me happy. Beyond that, the book needs some serious editing.