Burrowing into a book is my way of managing stress. I’m always reading a good book, and often juggling many. Well, it might not be juggling so much as braiding. I love holding the thread-like stories and thoughts of several books at once. I find blending them together in my mind, connecting the ideas to make new, thought-provoking, and often comical pictures.
And of course I’m always picking up books about farming. The following are a few of my favorites.
Folks, this ain’t normal – Joel Salatin
This was my first book by Joel Salatin. It’s an easy read, challenges the common view on food, and is quintessentially Salatin-esque. While not about exactly about farming, it certainly encouraged me to be more self-sufficient and mindful about food.
I think it also helps to realize where customers are coming from.
Ox-cart Man – Donald Hall
I distinctly remember picking up this book for the first time when I was little and reading the first page: “In October he backed his ox into his cart and he and his family filled it up with everything they made or grew all year long that was left over.” This is perhaps the most unique and enthralling first page that I’ve ever read. This book embodies my dream lifestyle. Everything that was left over! How inspiring!
Farm Anatomy – Julia Rothman
Honestly, I was a little hesitant about including Farm Anatomy on this list. I think that, since the author isn’t a farmer, the book can be a little unrealistic . However, she did do her research and there is a wide variety of general methods laid out in a really creative way. It’s more art than book.
You Can Farm – Joel Salatin
Ah, here comes practicality! In case you got a little carried away in your dreams with Ox-cart Man and Farm Anatomy, this book will shake you up with some tough yet empowering advice. I think it makes farming sound a little too hard, though, so make sure you balance it out with a little more encouraging books.
Letters to a Young Farmer – Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture
What a treasure trove! Thirty-six inspiring, insightful letters from farmers, homesteaders, authors, chefs, hippies, professors, and a Franciscan brother. It has stories and advice from Maine, Kenya, India, South Korea, Iowa, Poland, Virginia, Mississippi, and Nepal. It has words from popular thinkers such as Wendell Berry, Barbara Kingsolver, and Temple Grandin. And of course it has its obligatory address from Joel Salatin.