I was Darcy Kirk's teacher at Philomath High School during her senior year. She participated in my Creative Writing class and it was clear to me, even then, that she was a naturally gifted writer, someone quite interested in the written and her own written words. You will enjoy her story, Darcy's first book--and we can hope, with more to follow.
Ann Staley, Author, Primary Sources and Instructions for the Wishing Light
Using a language rich with images, sounds and textures GRANDPA'S ORCHARD, by Darcy Kirk, draws a word picture of life on a hazelnut farm. The story is told from the eyes of a 12 year old boy and depicts a multi-generational farm family working together to care for a large farm and harvest the crops. The relationship between the first generation farming grandfather and third generation grandson, captures how young children watch and learn from their elders, looking for approval and waiting to follow in their footsteps. The images in GRANDPA'S ORCHARD, capture the magic and wonder of a mature hazelnut orchard. I love these both!!
Adriene Koett-Cronn
Beautiful prose from a deep and thoughtful place that will appeal to all ages. (Darcy) Kirk is at once playful and sentimental; the recipe is just right as she conjures images of family and farms, Oregon and hazelnuts, rain and Autumn nights. I want to go to this magically hazelnut place.
Kelly Patrick Robbins, Father, Husband, and Outdoor Educator
A fun portrayal of a multi-generational farming family and farm life told from a youngsters perspective. Grandpa’s passion for farming and desire to pass on the tradition is genuine and heartfelt. Clever use of rhyme makes the story flow well. It is a story that I can relate to and look forward to reading to my own little guy.
TJ Hafner, third generation family farmer, Agronomist
This is a story of a grandchild, and their memories of growing up on a hazelnut farm. There are many nostalgic references that make the me as the reader long to want to be this grandchild, to experience the long days of summer as a crop of hazelnuts grow, mature and are eventually harvested in the fall. The unique style of writing uses rhyming combined with insightful metaphor transports me back to a simpler time. The end of the story left me wanting to tell the child, “Go! Go tell your family now!”
Cindy Smith
