Like the house built by Ann Peters’s father on a hill in eastern Wisconsin; House Hold offers many views: cornfields and glacial lakes; fast food parking lots and rural highways; Manhattan apartments and Brooklyn brownstones. Peters revisits the modern split-level where she grew up in Wisconsin; remembering her architect father. Against the background of this formative space; she charts her roaming story through two decades of New York City apartments; before traveling to a cabin in the mountains of Colorado and finally purchasing an old farmhouse in upstate New York. More than a memoir of remembered landscapes; House Hold is also an expansive contemplation of America; a meditation on place and property; and an exploration of how literature shapes our thinking about the places we live. A gifted prose stylist; Peters seamlessly combines her love of buildings with her love of books. She wanders through the rooms of her past but also through what Henry James called “the house of fiction;†interweaving personal narrative with musings on James; Willa Cather; William Dean Howells; Paule Marshall; William Maxwell; and others. Peters reflects on the romance of pastoral retreat; the hazards of nostalgia; America’s history of expansion and land ownership; and the conflicted desires to put down roots and to hit the road. Throughout House Hold; she asks how places make us who we are.
#1398973 in eBooks 2013-11-07 2013-11-07File Name: B00H1XSHEU
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Great Reading for both History and Paranormal EnthusiastsBy Rick DalrympleHaving been born and raised in Denver; Ive always had a fascination with Colorado history --especially the early history of Denver. In 1963; at the age of ten; two things happened which changed my life forever; I saw the movie "The Unsinkable Molly Brown;" and I had my first encounter with a ghost. From that time on I was hooked on both the history of Denver; along with its many ghosts.Ann and Jordan Leggett bring together the history and hauntings of the Croke-Patterson-Campell Mansion in a manner that both history and paranormal enthusiasts can enjoy. Though its rather longer on the history portion; this book sticks only to facts that can be verified; and does much to quash rumors which have developed over the years regarding both the history and hauntings of this beautiful gilded-age castle. Short; well written and to-the-point; I think anyone interested in history and hauntings will enjoy this book!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Creepy PlaceBy moviecrazedI bought this book after spending the night here. I have a small connection to the world of mediumship and found this place to be quite disquieting. I was ill at ease from the time I pulled up to the place. So when I got home I researched the house; and found this book. It was very interesting. I can understand some of the things I felt and experienced since reading it. It you like to read about haunted houses/buildings; or have or plan to stay here; I suggest you read it. This place is truly haunted.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful ReadBy StephAs a third generation native of Colorado; I love to read about the history of this state. And; its also fun to read the stories of the strange. This book has it all.Ann and Jordan did a great job of researching the history of this house and its occupants. The history of the house; especially the paranormal history and experiences of occupants and visitors to the house made for a wonderful read. It was also interesting how they went about doing their research.I especially love the photographs included in the book; not only the historical photos; but the ones taken by Ann. And; then; attending the book signing at the Mansion simply enhanced the whole experience; especially being able to see some of the key rooms and features; such as that mirror!Anyone interested in hauntings and especially those in Colorado; needs to check out this book.Enjoy!
