In this memoir collection, retired veterinarian James Kenyon recalls a number of experiences from his days in veterinary practice. From heartwarming to heartbreaking and everything in between, Kenyon writes of his care for beloved family pets, livestock, and their human caretakers. His memories illustrate a true devotion and love for veterinary work, as well as a passion for people and local history. Each chapter relates a specific memory of working with a quirky, loyal, and lovable animal, as well as the quirky, loyal, and lovable humans who owned them. The work offers not just insight to the work of a veterinarian, but to human nature and the manner in which people relate to and care for each other as well as their animals.

The Art of Listening to the Heart

Kenyon, James

Biographies & Memoirs

Ooly Booly Press

Dragon Sportsquiz

HarperCollins, Publishers

James Kenyon, a born storyteller, writes an account of growing up in 1950s rural America that will make a reader laugh, smile, and occasionally shed a tear. As a young farm boy raised on the high plans of western Kansas, James shares memories of learning to care for cattle, ride (and fall from) the family horse, nurse a piglet back to health, and drive a tractor. Whether selling eggs from the back of his red wagon to the women in the nearest town of Bogue (population then approximately 300) or saving the family cow from death by bloat, readers will enjoy these glimpses of a farm boys life, a look back on simpler a time in America, post-depression, post-war. Winner of the 2018 Martin Kansas History Book Award by the Kansas Authors Club.

A Cow for College: and Other Stories of 1950s Farm Life

Historical

Meadowlark

James Kenyon made twelve trips across Kansas to visit every county in the state, collecting stories of former Kansas high schools as he went and sharing his appreciation for small town life. Born and raised on a third-generation family grain and livestock farm near the town of Bogue, Kansas, population 300, his roots make him a natural candidate for recording the histories and stories of these schools. From his grandfather, John Gibbins, who was the superintendent of four high schools in Kansas and a college professor, to his three aunts and two sisters who were teachers, James was raised in a community that valued education. James is the author of A Cow for College and Other Stories of 1950s Farm Life, Meadowlark Books, October 2017, winner of the 2018 Martin Kansas History Book Award. “You’ll read this book and quickly become absorbed in the stories, the people, and the buildings. . . James Kenyon did a phenomenal amount of research to gather all of this information to be saved and savored for decades to come. I am grateful to James for bringing one last bit of glory to all of these small schools that once meant so much to our communities.” ~Marci Penner, director/author, Kansas Sampler Foundation “. . . a fascinating book for the countless Kansans who were heartbroken when their high schools closed . . . I was pleased that my own hometown, Pawnee Rock, was one of his highlighted schools. It was a painful time for our community. Those who were directly affected by these closures will treasure this book, and the nuggets of small-town history will make this a treasure for anyone interested in the Kansas experience.” ~Cheryl Unruh, author of Flyover People: Life on the Ground in a Rectangular State, Waiting on the Sky: More Kansas Essays, and Walking on Water “Author-detective-explorer-historian James Kenyon has created a treasure trove of memories and discoveries about hometown high schools now lost to school consolidation and unification. In a dozen trips over 15 months to his home state, Kenyon uncovered fascinating facts, photographs and anecdotes about high schools in every Kansas county that have been lost to history.” ~Dave Webb, co-author of 999 Kansas Characters: Ad Astra, a 2015 Kansas Notable Book “Driving through Kansas, I often glanced at small town high schools, closed but full of stories of students . . . James Kenyon literally ‘brought to life’ the tremendous impact that rural public schools made on their residents and generations to follow. His incredible research produced one of the most enjoyable books I have read.” ~Floyd Winter, retired Iowa School Administrator “This book is two-fold. It is a reminder of the Kansas history that made our education system great and also a short history of Kansas from right after the Civil War through the twentieth century. Very interesting as well as entertaining.” ~Lois O’Malley Carlson"I could feel the pain and anger of the closings of the schools. You close your school, you lose your town." ~Shirley Higgins

Golden Rule Days: History and Recollections of 109 Closed Kansas High Schools

History

Americas

This collection of stories, often told in the voice of the alumni of 102 closed Iowa high schools, documents institutions from Iowa’s 99 counties. The author consulted county historical records as well as interviewing former students and teachers, culminating in unique school profiles that include information ranging from the origin and growth of education in each county to sporting records, programs, and school traditions. “High schools have long made up the social fabric in communities across the state, especially in rural Iowa. By engaging with community members in the 102 schools cited in the book, Dr. Kenyon reveals the extreme pride people of Iowa have in their schools and communities. Echoes in the Hallways showcases how Iowans have built an extraordinary education system school by school. Because it is so well researched and written, once you pick it up, you’ll have a hard time putting it down,” said Dave Else, PhD, Professor Emeritus, University of Northern Iowa.

Echoes in the Hallways: History and Recollections of 102 Closed Iowa High Schools

This is a book for ailurophiles (people who love cats). From the award-winning author of A Cow for College and Other Short Stories of 1950s Farm Life, comes 23 stories dedicated to those who adore their feline friends. From a three-legged barn cat to a Siamese that loves taking showers, from the best cat a fisherman could ever have to a veterinary clinic’s greeter, these cat stories will warm the heart, bring laughter, and perhaps a tear or two.\nEach story is illustrated by a delightful kitty sketch by the artist, Thomas Marple.

A Cat Named Fatima: Tales of 23 Cats & The People Who Loved Them

Crafts, Hobbies & Home

Pets & Animal Care

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Kenyon, James. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Kenyon, James

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Kenyon, James. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Art of Listening to the Heart

Dragon Sportsquiz

A Cow for College: and Other Stories of 1950s Farm Life

Golden Rule Days: History and Recollections of 109 Closed Kansas High Schools

Echoes in the Hallways: History and Recollections of 102 Closed Iowa High Schools

A Cat Named Fatima: Tales of 23 Cats & The People Who Loved Them

The Art of Listening to the Heart