Population 485

Population: 485 Meeting Your Neighbors One Siren at a Time

By: Michael Perry

Genre: nonfiction

Pages: 234

Published: 2003

Read: February

2 out of 5 stars

This narrative nonfiction novel is marketed as a funny, yet heartwarming story.  I feel this marketing stirred me wrong, I expected it to be much funnier; whereas I found it very sad.  The entire story is about death – auto accidents, heart attacks, and fires.  None of which, I find very funny. There was one chapter, “Oops” that was funny and entertaining.  With all that said, I do feel Perry is an excellent storyteller and the novel was very well written. He should definitely continue to write; he is a genuine individual and a great role model.  I also appreciated that the setting was once again in Wisconsin; a strange confidence that I read two novels in a row that were placed in Wisconsin. A great novel for paramedics and firemen to read – proves what heroes they are.

His webite markets him as Author, Humorist, Singer/Songwriter, and Amateur Pig Farmer. Even though he has written 9 novels, they are not the focus of his website; www.sneezingcow.com