A Story of Love, Livestock, and Finding Myself on a Farm

Jeanne Marie Laskas had dreams of life on a farm that she couldn’t get out of her head. A dream of fleeing her otherwise happy urban life for fresh air and open space. A dream she would discover was about something more profound than that. A dream she never expected to come true. Until a hot summer afternoon led to a drive in the country, where a place that had existed only in her fantasies turned out to be real—and for sale.

The place is almost too perfect to be believed, but there it is: a pretty-as-a-postcard farm, with an Amish barn, a chestnut grove, and vistas so beautiful, they take her breath away. And in that moment she knows that this is the spot where her future begins. So she drags her boyfriend Alex, a committed urban dweller with zero agricultural awareness who owns a poodle, into her scheme, hoping that love will somehow conquer all.

But buying a postcard—fifty acres of scenery—and living on it are two entirely different matters.

In this funny yet tender tale, Laskas shares what happens when you follow your dream—and what happens when it’s almost snatched away.

Praise for Fifty Acres and a Poodle

“A wonderful writer, smart as they come, and a real joy to read.” —Annie Dillard

“Rarely has a city girl transformed herself into a country goddess with such humor.”
–Rita Mae Brown

“A delightful memoir about love and relocation…[by] an accomplished journalist and also a deft storyteller…Hilarious…a pleasurable read indeed.”
–Newsday

“Jeanne Marie Laskas is the thinking woman’s Erma Bombeck…[with] a talent for finding wisdom in daily life…Even the most entrenched urbanite will be charmed by this book.”
–Andrea Sachs, Time.com.

“A touching story told lyrically, and a story that offers wisdom for us readers to consider.”
–Dr. Robert Coles, Pulitzer Prize winner

“For anyone who’d like to chuck it all and move to the country.”
–The Washington Post

“Humorous…This true-life tale charts a big-city girl’s transformation to farm gal.”
–People

“Jeanne Marie Laskas is a formidable reporter and one damn fine writer.”
–Esquire