Does hunting, taxidermy and a youthful sense of humour interest you? Carver prefers to trap, fish, and stuff birds rather than attend school. He woefully reflects, “I went to school, a hard spot for boys.” He details his responsibilities on the farm and the excitement of hunting and fishing. The many small sketches of wildlife that decorate his diary show his love of nature. Diary writing is something that runs in the family, as Carver’s mother, Elizabeth Simpson, also has a diary available to readers.