“Simultaneously entertaining and informative, Vanishing Village is a hard book to put down. Blythin reminds us of the value of connecting with our fellow man if we hope to maintain our sanity, our humanity even, in the disappearing village.”
—Dina Titus
Nevada congresswoman and author of
Bombs in the Backyard: Social Science/ Atomic Testing and American Politics
“Reading Vanishing Village bothered me. I found myself jealous and desirous of the kind of heart that Dr. Blythin reveals in this collection of life sketches. Vanishing Village draws an outline for how the rest of us can individually make a difference, where we are, now.
I found myself grateful for the author writing is such a style as to be talking “to me”, not as an intellectual describing analytical social behavior, but as a fellow caretaker of what he has found to be precious and worth putting his energy into. His care for those around him may have begun with necessity in order to have a better life in the neighborhood, but looks as though the Professor/Community Member’s concern took solid root as a result of interaction; some of it simple actions that Mr. Blythin has revealed through the life illustrations of his community.
The book made me weep because of the strong sense of urgency revealed by Doc. Blythin’s understating of that very urgency. I found while reading “The Vanishing Village”, that I was provoked into knowing that I can also invest and instead of reading those life sketches, I can draw my own. For that burst of understanding, I am grateful.”
- Emerson Eads
“Brilliantly capturing the essence of a small village outside Las Vegas struggling to keep it’s own identity and character, Evan Blythin shares his story with humanity and bitter sweet hope. Even if you are not a part of this community, it reflects the place that everyone yearns for; that friendly place, your village, your oasis, your home against the massive global gentrification of the world.
After finishing and reflecting on this book, I now yearn for some more stories, more tales I can live in vicariously, tales of the Tree Bar, the Sheriff, the characters that give this place the laughs, the cries, the hunkering that brings us the emotional closeness and understanding. More stories please Evan!”
- Vuvuzela van Heerden
“Professor Blythin tells a vital and contemporary story, and he tells it well. The case for grounded humanity and the cry for common-sense in the wake of encroaching megalopolisitis everywhere, is clearly and honestly made. I read the book in one setting as I couldn’t put it down.
Living in a small city in upstate NY, with similar problems and concerns presented in village growth and change, I recognized that Blythin tells a story of universal importance. I heartily recommend this sage tale, written by a wise and well-traveled man.
If Blythin and family ever decide to leave Blue Diamond, NV, I would welcome them as neighbors and work along side him in the shaping of my neighborhood/village.”
- Pleasant DeSpain
“And Dr. Evan Blythin (Ph.D. from the University of Colorado; communication professor, retired UNLV) has delivered an alluring and contemplative book: “The Vanishing Village.” As an artist and deep thinker, Blythin has provided a winsome, yet thought-provoking volume concerning a quiet “village” that attempts to heartily defy the unrelenting draw of city life and its entrapping lights. Since they live just a stones-throw away from the dazzling lights of the Casinos of Las Vegas, the excitement of the Strip, and the countless peripheral neighborhoods, the “villagers” hold to the idea that the old ways of non-city life is preferred over the contemporary urban way of life; these folks enjoy their own values and uncomplicated existence. They want to make their own rules and set their own standards intermixed with a simpler outlook than most moderns adhere.
Dr. Blythin covers the story of his enduring home, enlightening the reader in the joy of old-time ideals of small town life. “Vanishing” is an uplifting, meditative, and a delightful read.
This unique volume is always interesting and it will spur you to keep turning pages.”
- Mike Robinson