Little and Often: A Memoir

Little and Often is a memoir of grief, love, and the healing power of creativity. Trent Preszler, a cattle rancher, rodeo champion, and Vietnam War Bronze Star Medal recipient, inherited a beat-up wooden toolbox from his father. In his grief, he decided to build a wooden canoe and paddle it on the first anniversary of his father's death. The canoe became his sole consolation and taught him a different perspective on life and the means to change it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Little and Often is a captivating memoir that delves into the realms of grief, love, the fractured relationship between a father and son, and the healing of a broken heart. Trent Preszler weaves his story with the same artistry and craftsmanship that he brings to his boat-making endeavors, reminding us of the transformative power of creativity in shaping and healing our lives. This profound and deeply moving book will leave a lasting impression on readers.

Trent Preszler believed he was living the life he had always desired, with a job at a winery and a picturesque seaside home on Long Island. However, his world was turned upside down when his cancer-stricken father summoned him back to the life he had left behind. After years of estrangement, his father had extended an invitation for Thanksgiving in South Dakota, knowing that it would be the last time they would meet. As Preszler's sole inheritance, he received a beat-up wooden toolbox that had once belonged to his father, a cattle rancher, rodeo champion, and Vietnam War Bronze Star Medal recipient. This family heirloom perplexed Preszler, as he had no experience or training in woodcraft. Nonetheless, driven by an overwhelming sense of grief and a desire to understand his father, he embarked on a remarkable journey.

In his pursuit of self-discovery, Preszler decided to build a wooden canoe, a project that would mark the first anniversary of his father's passing. Despite having no prior experience or training in woodcraft, he was determined to see it through. With unwavering determination, he taught himself how to use his father's tools and set out on this arduous journey. As he worked tirelessly, Preszler encountered unexpected revelations about his father's secret history and his own personal struggles for self-respect. The challenges of boatbuilding pushed him to his physical and emotional limits, but the canoe became his solace and source of comfort.

Gradually, Preszler began to discover the profound benefits of working with his hands. He gained a fresh perspective on life, and the canoe became a symbol of his newfound self-confidence. Through the arduous process of boatbuilding, Preszler learned the value of perseverance, resilience, and the power of determination. He realized that by engaging in manual labor, he was not only honoring his father's legacy but also discovering a new sense of purpose and fulfillment in his own life.

Little and Often is a testament to the healing power of creativity and the transformative power of confronting our past. Trent Preszler's story reminds us of the importance of bridging the gap between generations, of seeking understanding and closure, and of finding solace in the beauty of manual labor. This book will touch the hearts of readers and leave a lasting impression on their lives.

Weight: 236g
Dimension: 135 x 203 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780062976659