Right from the start McEntire establishes herself as a "modern country woman," able to explore a spider's web with her son as deftly as she can explore the World Wide Web. Herein lies the strength of McEntire's writing, her ability to apply the old, country traditions to the more contemporary values that her readers are likely to identify with. Chapter titles such as "Tougher Than You Think," "A Mama's Way," and "Let a Smile be Your Umbrella ... but Don't Forget Your Raincoat" all allude to the grit and honey texture of this loving book of back porch inspiration. --Gail Hudson