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I'm reading In Defense of Food (Micheal Pollan) for the second time. It mainly focuses on how, as a nation, we've lost touch as "eaters". Anyone read any other good books in this genre, or in general?

Another book I really like that Matt turned me onto, is Vegetable Gardening West of the Cascades. Did he write one for fruit gardening, Matt?
I have big plans for a "fruit section" this spring.

I am not sure about a fruit book by Steve, but I encourage you to get some more fruits going there. I think I remember you talking about strawberries, and having success with those. Maybe a fruit thread is in order?

As for books, I've been inspired by Eliot Coleman's Four-Season Harvest this winter. Yesterday I harvested leeks, brussel sprouts, celery, potatoes, beets, kale, and believe it or not baby mustard greens. I've still got cabbage in the garden as well. So satisfying to have fresh greens this time of year. His book really inspired me, although a lot of his techniques are for much colder, but sunnier, climates than mine.

For cooking, I've been enjoying Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's "River Cottage Cookbook" and "Meat." They both really appeal to my home grown and foraged sensibilities. The Meat one might not apply to a vegetarian though.



Ianto Evan's "The Hand Sculpted House" and "Rocket Mass Heaters" are both on my coffee table right now, and I'm really inspired by those.

As always, "The Self Sufficient Life and How to LIve It" by John Seymour is fantastic. Seriously, a must have.

I always love reading Louis Broomfield. I found Malabar Farm at a thrift store, and have been inspired ever since. He was so ahead of his time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Bromfield

I'll come up with some more, I'm sure.

I recently made a trip to the library. My reading material includes Earth Ponds by Matson and a book on Passive Solar Design. It's in the other room and I don't remember the author's name at the moment.

The book on ponds is helping me to determine what usage I am looking for from a pond, in what location.

I'm currently reading Wildwood by Roger Deakin. Deakin helped found Common Ground - a UK charity that "is internationally recognised for playing a unique role in the arts and environmental fields, distinguished by the linking of nature with culture, focussing upon the positive investment people can make in their own localities, championing popular democratic involvement, and by inspiring celebration as a starting point for action to improve the quality of our everyday places. "

Deakin writes about wood, in various uses - from willow benders in a low-impact community, to the walnut panelling in Jaguar cars, to airplane propellers, to the salvaged materials of his writing desk - in such a way that you're inspired to do a bit of carpentry yourself, as soon as you finish this next chapter... okay, the one after that...

Deakin lived in a moated Elizabethan house in Suffolk, and wrote about the place with such affection that I seriously considered a move to that part of the country. Notes from Walnut Tree Farm was the first book of his that I read. it's shorter journal entries, rather than the essay-length bits in Wildwood. They're both worth checking out.

Okay, Deakin sounds like a must read. On my way to Amazon.

Has anyone else read any Broomfield? I am guessing he may not be too popular nowadays, but I don't know. His writing style is really pleasing to me, and I love that he was part of the Lost Generation. He brings a new perspective to that movement for me.

I haven't read either of those CJ. I'm familiar with the Nearings, just haven't found myself a copy yet. I'll check 'em both out.

Have any of you guys read Wendel Berrys " The Way of Ignorance and other essays " My oldest son handed me a copy this weekend and I read several of the essays. I truely liked the one about Renewing Husbandry as well as the one titled " Agriculture from the Roots Up" . I am not a reader, I do not read much of anything, but I did enjoy Wendel Berrys insights as well as his writting style. The book carries alot of political stuff as well, I have not read much of those essays, but a couple that I did enjoy. Agreeing with Mr Berry is not a requierment for enjoyiong his writting. I think you will find him an interesting read.

i have been loving "a pattern language" by alexander et al., that a couple of people here recommended. i live the wholistic approach to life, even if some of the aspects don't really apply to me or are things i can't change. at least right now.

I found Homemade Contrivances at a farm store a couple of years ago and have enjoyed the ideas it shares. All solutions are pre-petroleum!! Most can be done with basic items that are readily available. The drawings are handy and would have been more than enough information at the original printing ... 1897.