With a rare sense of place, a know-it-when-you-see-it Iowa-ness, Art Cullen’s roaring new book is nothing short of an unsparing mirror for 3.3 million of us in the state.
Your glowing words of admiration for Art Cullen are echoed by many, including numerous readers, writers and critics well beyond our borders. His popularity and stature reflect reviews which have earned him praise, comparing him to a modern era Mark Twain. I’m not saying he’s undeserving of such comparisons. He is, and I sometimes wonder if given more time, Lorena, Art and yourself might populate pages of great works of historical significance, archiving the dissolution of a unique period of rural Iowa life. Who’s Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn I’ve yet to determine. But, from what I’m hearing, Becky Thatcher couldn’t keep up with Ms. Lopez. Great review of a wonderful tome, destined for national bestseller status. And, don’t even think about banning this one; Brenna, Kim and Mom’s for Liberty. Slither away while you’re still able.
Hello from CA—and Go Hawks! Is there a recommended independent book store in Des Moines where I could purchase this book? I will be in Iowa mid-February. Looking forward!
Little dramatic for me but I bought Arts book. I read his first one and I’ve read “Swine Republic.”
The argument I have with someone like Art is the type of world he advocates is a nation that tolerates poverty among the working people. A nation of peons scrambling for the same buck. So what if Storm Lake speaks 30 languages? We instinctually recognize that in Art and others who advocate for mass immigration. We’ll be poor. Work harder for less money. Slaves. Don’t expect workers to cheer a mouth piece for greedy capitalists.
I’m an FDR and LBJ Democrat. They saw the evil in poverty. The Obama people dismiss the value of muscle jobs. “Let the immigrants do it for less cost” they say. They take the jobs Americans won’t do. A lie, of course The only conclusion in hearing that is immigrants are better people.
Want to know who gave us Trump? Look in the mirror. Tell Art to get one in his office as a reminder why we’re in this terrible place. Stop pointing fingers at the tired looking people on the other side of town.
A review and tribute as well written as Art’s book! So very proud to know you my friend.
Fabulous review, Doug. It should help move Art's book to a third printing.
Thanks for this beautiful and achingly heart-felt review. It could be the preface to Cullen’s book.
Outstanding, Doug. Can’t wait to read the book.
Outstanding review.
Sometimes we really need folks to be told the truth and nothing but the truth! Thanks Doug
Great story! Thank you for bringing a slice of American life to the people.
Your glowing words of admiration for Art Cullen are echoed by many, including numerous readers, writers and critics well beyond our borders. His popularity and stature reflect reviews which have earned him praise, comparing him to a modern era Mark Twain. I’m not saying he’s undeserving of such comparisons. He is, and I sometimes wonder if given more time, Lorena, Art and yourself might populate pages of great works of historical significance, archiving the dissolution of a unique period of rural Iowa life. Who’s Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn I’ve yet to determine. But, from what I’m hearing, Becky Thatcher couldn’t keep up with Ms. Lopez. Great review of a wonderful tome, destined for national bestseller status. And, don’t even think about banning this one; Brenna, Kim and Mom’s for Liberty. Slither away while you’re still able.
Hello from CA—and Go Hawks! Is there a recommended independent book store in Des Moines where I could purchase this book? I will be in Iowa mid-February. Looking forward!
Beaverdale Books.
Perfect! I’m on it!
https://icecubepress.com/2025/05/03/we-crapped-in-our-nest/
Well done. I look forward to reading it. Hope there's room in there for every woman as well...
Little dramatic for me but I bought Arts book. I read his first one and I’ve read “Swine Republic.”
The argument I have with someone like Art is the type of world he advocates is a nation that tolerates poverty among the working people. A nation of peons scrambling for the same buck. So what if Storm Lake speaks 30 languages? We instinctually recognize that in Art and others who advocate for mass immigration. We’ll be poor. Work harder for less money. Slaves. Don’t expect workers to cheer a mouth piece for greedy capitalists.
I’m an FDR and LBJ Democrat. They saw the evil in poverty. The Obama people dismiss the value of muscle jobs. “Let the immigrants do it for less cost” they say. They take the jobs Americans won’t do. A lie, of course The only conclusion in hearing that is immigrants are better people.
Want to know who gave us Trump? Look in the mirror. Tell Art to get one in his office as a reminder why we’re in this terrible place. Stop pointing fingers at the tired looking people on the other side of town.
Wonderful review Doug. Bought the book at Boji & will read it soon!