Cows I Have Known

Every so often a book comes along offering a fresh perspective from all others. “Cows I Have Known” by the new author William Gillespie is just such a book. As a non-fiction account of the cows that Gillespie raised, this book provides wonderful narratives with a wealth of insights. It opens with a reflective account of the author’s favorite cow. From there we the readers are immersed in raising beef cattle, and while most of the chapters focus on events in the pasture, Gillespie also takes us off the farm. The prose interweaves subtle lessons to vivid events that extend far beyond the pasture. Inadvertently the cows affect every bit of his life. The book follows along as the author grows, and accordingly Gillespie’s tone shifts. Gillespie avoids the self-deprecating humor that characterizes many animal stories; rather he focuses on the situation and lets the humor shine through. His humor sometimes bites. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and cuss as you read this book. Who knew that cows could be so interesting?