Population: 485- Meeting Your Neighbors One Siren at a Time (P.S.)

"Population: 485 - Meeting Your Neighbors One Siren at a Time (P.S.)" by Michael Perry is more than just a memoir; it's an immersive journey into the heart of small-town America, specifically New Auburn, Wisconsin, a place where quirky characters and unexpected emergencies intertwine to create a tapestry of life, death, and community. Perry, a Wisconsin native who ventured away only to find himself drawn back, doesn't just observe New Auburn he *lives* it. After a decade away, feeling like an outsider with softened farm-boy hands and a writer's sensibility, he seeks to reconnect by joining the volunteer fire department. This isn't a Hollywood-style depiction of firefighting. Forget the glamour; Perry plunges into the raw, unvarnished reality of rural emergency response. He navigates tangled wrecks, battles stubborn fires, and witnesses the everyday dramas of a close-knit community, all while learning the ropes (sometimes literally) from a cast of unforgettable characters. Imagine a cross-eyed butcher with one kidney and two ex-wives both fixtures at the local gas station as your senior firefighting mentor. That's the kind of authentic, offbeat charm that permeates every page. Perry's writing is a masterful blend of humor and heart. He doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of life the accidents, the losses, the lingering ghosts of the past that haunt the back roads. Yet, he finds moments of profound connection and quiet beauty amidst the chaos. "Population: 485" is a tribute to the unsung heroes of small towns, the volunteers who rush towards danger when everyone else is running away, the neighbors who rally together in times of need. The book delicately examines themes of belonging, identity, and the importance of community. Perry's struggle to regain his footing in his hometown resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, even in familiar surroundings. His experiences in the fire department serve as a catalyst for self-discovery, forcing him to confront his own limitations and appreciate the unique strengths of those around him. Beyond the fire calls and community events, "Population: 485" offers a poignant reflection on a disappearing way of life. It's a reminder of the value of human connection, the power of shared experience, and the enduring spirit of small-town America, told with warmth, wit, and a deep respect for the people and places that shape us. If you're looking for a read that will make you laugh, cry, and think about the true meaning of community, this book is a must-read. Perry's writing will stay with you long after you turn the final page, leaving you with a renewed appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the ordinary. This edition features extra material for reading groups.