Book Review Series: #1 The Dirty Life

This semester I am doing a 1 credit course analyzing literature about small farms and homesteads. As the main part of this course I am focusing on 5 books, The Dirty Life, One Straw Revolution, The Egg and I, Ten Acres Enough, and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. I have decided to share my thoughts on these books with everyone.

So here goes the first, The Dirty Life: On Farming, Food, and Love. Despite the fact that I have a very different vision for Rabbit Ridge Farm than Kristen Kimball had for Essex Farm I loved this book. Kristen brings the reader through the trials of a new farmer, a sometimes bumpy relationship/business partnership, and rural living.

For anyone looking to start a small farm or homestead this book is not only a great inspiration but it also provides a lot of real life insight and great ideas. For example, Essex Farm offers a year round CSA that provides a
complete diet to customers. Some customers choose to supplement their share at the grocery store but many, including the Kimball family get all their groceries from the farm.

Scott and I have often though about something similar. We would love to provide dry beans, grains, and maple syrup on top of our vegetables in the future. Unlike Essex farm we don't have 500 acres and a team of horses to jump on that right away but we'll get there.

If you would like a denser version of my reflection including literary analysis feel free to email me or leave your email address in the comments below.





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