An Owl on Every Post

By: Sanora Babb

Narrated by: Alyssa Bresnahan

Sanora Babb experienced pioneer life in a one-room dugout, eye-level with the land that supported, tormented and beguiled her; where her family fought for their lives against drought, crop-failure, starvation, and almost unfathomless loneliness. Learning to read from newspapers that lined the dugout' s dirt walls, she grew up to be a journalist, then a writer of unforgettable books about the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, most notably Whose Names Are Unknown.

The author was seven when her parents began to homestead an isolated 320-acre farm on the western plains. She tells the story through her eyes as a sensitive, fearless young girl who came to love the wind, the vastness, the mystery and magic in the ordinary. This evocative memoir of a pioneer childhood on the Great Plains is written with the lyricism and sensitivity that distinguishes all of Sanora Babb' s writing.

An Owl on Every Post, with its environmental disasters, extreme weather, mortgage foreclosures, and harsh living conditions, resonates as much today as when it first appeared.

©2012 Joanne Dearcopp (P)2014 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Alyssa Bresnahan brings an evocative sepia tone to this beautiful memoir about the lives of a real pioneer family.... Bresnahan's thoughtful pacing and the slightly roughened edge she gives her clear, warm voice perfectly conjure wide skies and strong winds, and echo the considered speech of people who don't talk much. And when they do talk, she offers telling portraits of everyone from child to grandfather." (AudioFile)

27 stars Don't miss this book

If I could shout from the roof tops I would, this is a book not to be missed. Sonora Babb's book about growing up on the planes of Colorado with here sister and and grandfather and parents is a moving story of perseverance and courage. The narration is wonderful,. If you have not read much about the Dust Bowl you need to listen to her other book Whose Names Are Unknown. Both books are moving and very poetic. I cant say enough good about this book!!!

I loved the part about the ghost horse Daft and the special man her grandfather was.
she learned to read with one book, the history of Kitt Carson, and Denver post stories pasted to the walls of the dugout.

Stop, buy it, and listen now.

Excellent author

I’m so happy to have read this book
Originally from 1958. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves our history. Characters are compelling. Their love and respect for the earth and all living creatures was beautiful. I will read her other books as well as this one.

her voice

Babs voice she weaves her story through
the imagery she chooses to use
and the canvas it creates