Querencia

By: Stephen Bodio

Narrated by: Paul Christy

Born in Boston, Stephen Bodio wandered into Magdalena, New Mexico, in the 1970s while on his way to Montana and never left. He was accompanied by Betsy Huntington, who was twenty years his senior; the couple had been inseparable from the day they met. After stumbling upon a vintage home along the highway, they settled into a country life; it was the perfect way for the two of them to make their lives together in an out-of-the-way place.

It's through Bodio that Betsy's story is painted in such memorable passages that soon captivate listeners. Together they made their home among the mountains of New Mexico, returning to a simple life of hunting, falconry, and becoming acquainted with the local reptiles and insects of the desert. A lover of nature, Bodio here explains in vivid detail his time spent in the wilderness. He found himself the center of his neighbors' attention when they discovered his endless fascination with the local fauna, from snakes and birds to coursing dogs. He became accustomed to Magdalena through the people and wildlife, even joining in the biggest festival on the calendar: The Quemado Rodeo, better known by locals as the Street Dance and Brawl.

From the Spanish term meaning "the heart's true home," Querencia captivates and settles the heart. It is an astonishing listen for those looking for an escape from the hustle of the big city, or just seeking to find solitude in the country life.

©1990, 2014 Stephen Bodio (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Very enriching!

I loved this book. I’m a New Englander and have never been to New Mexico. I recently moved to the wilds of the Pacific North West. The story and scenes described as Stephen and Betts grow into their new home inspire me to relax and grow into mine.

If only the reader had researched how to say Socorro.

What a wonderful book! I had read it but knew it would be perfect to listen to as we drove through Magdalena on our way home to Santa Fe. The authors mispronunciation of Socorro was like fingernails across a chalkboard interrupting the gorgeous prose that is Bodio's.

Wonderful love story set in beautiful country

Bodio is a great story teller with a wonderful love story to tell. Nicely done.

The narrator did an fine job marred by fundamental mispronunciation of some key place names - including over and over again Socorro, NM - he says So-soroh rather than so-koroh. At first, though having been in that country many times I was like, “where the heck is that!?” Really…? Place names in a multicultural landscape is tricky, in such situations a professional dab of research might be called for.

Wonderful!

Adventure, wildlife, interesting people and landscapes, a thoughtful, engaging voice. Don't know how I have missed this author! I'm excited to try his book Eagle Dreams next, about Mongolia and the native folks who hunt with eagles. I'm taking a trip to New Mexico soon and will be looking with new eyes thanks to Mr. Bodio.

Slow start but worth hanging in there...

Enjoyed the realistic and descriptive story of an area that few would not only live but thrive. Was little slow to catch my interest at the beginning but as a lover of nature, good souled individuals and those who live a life to their own desires I’m glad I kept listening. An ending that makes you want to figure out what’s most important and live it moment by moment!