Hard Scrabble: Observations on a Patch of Land

Texan John Graves is not a man to shy away from challenges: he invites them. When he bought his little piece of Texas, he clearly knew he was in for a big one, but I am not sure if he was aware of how his accumulated knowledge of this land would shape the man he was becoming. This book takes you through the process of a bumpy courtship and the resulting marriage between a man and his land.Already armed with a deep appreciation of Nature, he was able to slowly coax renewed vigor into this misused patch of land through his gentle nurturing of it.The book is full of his personal adventurers such as stone masonry, animal husbandry, carpentry, and all the hazards inherent in farm life. All presented without regret, with humor and modesty. Inevitably he laments the encroachment of more urban activities as they threaten his bucolic existence. Yet he speaks of the duality of his own urban interactions and compares them to the realities of his rural lifestyle.This book to me was as much about the man John Graves as it is about his subject, "Hard Scrabble". Tough and complex, like his Patch of Land, he personifies the best Texas has to offer.

This is a wonderful book. Probably not for everybody - it is the kind of book you must read at leisure so you can think over what is being said. Maybe by the fireside on a cold winter's night, with the cold, cutting wind whistling outside, and your favorite drink in hand. Graves, in this book, has gotten down to one of the core truths of what it is that defines a Texan and his relationship with the land. Not exactly an easy read - if you want to get the most out of it - but more than worth the effort. A brilliant bit of writing, and I couldn't recommend it more highly.

Loved the essays about a plot of land near my home. I understand a lot more about land management than I did before. I can almost hear Graves talking as a read his description of his farm and the land surrounding it.

John Graves is the everyman author . The easiest read that you will ever have . Don't miss is master piece " Goodbye to a River " ! This book reminded me of everyone of my grandparents and their generation of hard working people who created this great country !

This book is a man's ruminations about a piece of land he named Hard Scrabble. The land isn't worth much monetarily, but it means a lot to him.His outlook on life and his land provides an easy read for anyone wanting to read about rural Texas. Graves did not like to write about human relationships or drama that is usually found in novels, he preferred to write about his land, he said. He wrote what he knew.Graves was popular in his day, his meandering writing style was different and caught on. He is considered an honest writer, homespun and down to earth. He reminded me of my grandfather although my grandfather had more sense of humor and irony.Graves died at age 92 at Glen Rose, Texas in July 2013.He is considered among the best Texas writers.

At the surface, the book is somewhat entertaining. At its depths it is profound. Not for everyone, but more for those that have been there, done that, and now have time to reflect.

John Graves is a man who loves the land. His description of his patch makes you see exactly what he is talking about. The work on the property has become his therapy in a way. Be prepared to want to try this form of therapy for yourself. This is a book to read, absorb, and read again.

If the Texas hill country owns a piece of your soul, this book is a must for you.