Gus's Year

The New York Times bestselling author of Talking to Animals chronicles the seasons of life on his farm, a time during which he discovers profound and heartwarming life lessons through his interactions with the animals and the rural community around him.

After a lifetime living and working in urban environments, John Katz decided to leave city life behind and buy a farm in upstate New York. He vowed to live as a farmer, dependent only on his land and animals and to reconnect with the natural world. All too soon however, he discovered that Mother Nature is as unforgiving as she is bountiful, and that struggle&;not comfort&;is often the key to finding lasting peace.

Alongside his faithful companions&;his beloved border collies Red and Fate, his small herd of sheep, and a few horses and donkeys&;Katz finds new ways to look at the world, making sure he and his flock survive not only physically but spiritually. In eleven essays, spanning one year, Katz&;s experiences shed light on concepts like mercy, pride, aging and community. As the seasons progress, we meet the newest addition to the Bedlam Farm family&;Gus, a wild-eyed Boston terrier puppy who wins Katz&;s heart and convinces him that small dogs&;and people too&;can go far beyond their perceived limits.

In training Gus, doing therapy work with the elderly, and connecting with refugees in his community, Katz shows that even in a fractured, contentious world we can still escape isolation and argument, one animal or one good deed at a time. As The Boston Globe said of the author&;s work, &;Katz&;s world&;of animals and humans and their combined generosity of spirit&;is a place you&;re glad you&;ve been.&;