I did not want it to end. I'm surprised that after being a fan of Ray's writing for eight years that I had not read this book. I have a hardcover edition. Knowing Ray as a middle-aged adult and having read about her childhood in Ecology of a Cracker Childhood, it was fascinating to read about her young adult years, including divorce, finding her passion and her voice, finding comfort in her childhood home, and raising her son alone. Her relationship with nature and her environment is a spiritual one. Janisse becomes an activist for equity for African Americans in her community and for land preservation. In the end, she meets her husband Raven who is more than willing to join her where she is and be her partner on the land. Janisse's voice is unmistakable, poetic, and strong. Recommended.