A Breath of Prairie and other stories

"A Breath of Prairie and Other Stories" by Will Lillibridge is a compilation of short stories that uses the American prairie as a backdrop to examine universal issues of life. Characters face hardships caused by the demands of outdoor work, individual dreams for bigger things, and the pull of family relationships. The book starts by immersing readers in the everyday world of a prairie family, showing the main character, Guy Landers, as he struggles with wanting more from his existence. We are introduced to the routines of farm life, along with the internal tension in Guy as he thinks about what he wants from his future. The story explores his sense of connection to his family, how he feels after his father's death, and his love for the land he grew up on. The detailed illustrations of the prairie become a part of the story, representing the difficulties and decisions that will shape the characters' lives. The tone creates an emotional atmosphere, encouraging readers to consider what happens when people have to choose between family and following their own paths.