Population: 485

Population: 485 chronicles Michael Perry's experiences as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in his small Wisconsin hometown of New Auburn. Perry returned to this rural community after years away, joining the local fire department while working as a nurse and writer. The book follows Perry's integration back into the community through emergency calls, department meetings, and everyday interactions with his fellow first responders and townspeople. Each chapter centers on different aspects of small-town life and emergency response work, from structure fires to medical emergencies to the deeper connections formed between neighbors in crisis. Through the lens of emergency services, Perry documents the rhythms, challenges, and characters of a rural American town with a population of just 485 people. His dual role as both insider and outsider allows him to capture both the intimacy and complexity of tight-knit community relationships. The narrative explores themes of belonging, duty, mortality, and the bonds that form between people who regularly face life-and-death situations together. Perry's observations reveal how emergency response work serves as a thread that connects and strengthens an entire community.

Readers connect with Perry's authentic portrayal of small-town volunteer firefighting and EMS work in rural Wisconsin. The book resonates with both rural and urban readers through its blend of emergency service stories and observations of community life. Readers praise: - Detailed, honest accounts of emergency calls - Humor balanced with serious moments - Strong sense of place and community - Clear, descriptive writing style Common criticisms: - Meandering narrative structure - Some find the pacing slow - Writing occasionally becomes too flowery - Essays feel disconnected at times Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (300+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.0/5 (150+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "Perry captures both the technical and emotional aspects of being a volunteer EMT/firefighter while painting a vivid picture of rural life. His writing can get verbose, but the stories stick with you." - Goodreads reviewer

Truck: A Love Story by Michael Perry A man repairs an old truck while exploring small-town Wisconsin life through community connections, gardening, and relationships.

A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold Month-by-month observations of Wisconsin's natural world blend with reflections on rural living and land conservation.

Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon A journey through rural America's backroads reveals stories of small towns and their inhabitants.

Where You'll Find Me: Risk, Decisions, and the Last Climb of Kate Matrosova by Ty Gagne A search-and-rescue narrative examines rural first responders and their dedication to saving lives in extreme conditions.

Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard Observations of nature in Virginia's Roanoke Valley interweave with meditations on rural life and human existence.

🚒 Michael Perry served as both an EMT and volunteer firefighter in New Auburn, Wisconsin (population 485) while writing this memoir, giving him a unique insider's perspective on small-town emergency response. 📝 The author went from being a nurse in a big-city emergency room to returning to his tiny hometown, where he often knew the patients he was treating—sometimes even as family members. 🏘️ New Auburn's population actually increased to 548 after the book was published, causing locals to joke about Perry's "outdated" title. 🎭 The book spawned a one-man theatrical show called "Population: 485," which Perry himself performed in various venues across the Midwest. 📚 Perry wrote much of the book during breaks between emergency calls at the fire station, jotting down stories and observations in between responding to accidents, fires, and medical emergencies.