"Setting out to find a rural America in decline, Wood found instead a much more complex picture - a rural America that is neither fatalistic nor defeatist, places with much to offer those who live there." - David Danbom, author of "Born in the Country": A History of Rural America "Wood generally comes down on the side of optimism, arguing ... Read morefor the long term prospects for small places.... Certainly worth reading and would make an excellent addition to many rural and agricultural history courses." - Western Historical Quarterly "Wood's wide-ranging narrative, which also examines the diverse rural interests and activities of Wes Jackson, Bill Kurtis, Ted Turner, and others, is an informative, enjoyable, and often thought-provoking read." - South Dakota History "What shines through in the human narratives is how the sense of belonging to small communities fulfills and enriches the lives of those who accept the challenges it imposes." - Kansas History "Wood demonstrates that there are many small success stories in rural America if one wants to find them." - Annals of Iowa" Show Less