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stephaniesteen73's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! Great writing, great story, such a unique person. I am inspired to raise chickens in my city backyard (having the support of my family is another matter...)
emmalinegc's review against another edition
5.0
This was an especially fun to read since I live in the Bay Area. I doubt I will be raising wildlife anytime soon, but it did inspire me to start some communal apartment garden projects, and consider, although not yet commit, to getting some bees.
aubrey_the_explorer's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed Novella's stories of farming in the city. It offered a unique perspective, yet was relatable to my own experiences as a rural farmer.
tophat8855's review against another edition
4.0
Carrie says I HAVE to read this NOW. So I am. I'm a pushover like that. Peer pressure just gets me sometimes.
Finished! I think the fact that I recognized the names and descriptions of places made it fun. Why, yes, I have driven down MLK many many times and have passed the individuals wandering the streets with shopping carts. She didn't mention the row of mattresses where homeless people sleep under highway at 29th, but that's a new practice, I think. I used to drive by them weekly running errands before we moved. Now I'm closer to Berkeley, so I do my shopping there instead of Oakland. Also, my landlady knows Novella personally- these urban farmer/homesteaders know each other! Actually, our landlords butchered 2 ducks this weekend and I thought about this book. We didn't stay to watch the butchering because I thought it might be a little much for our 3 year old, but if I can get away from her for the next time, I would like to be there.
This book was well-written and easy to follow, kind of conversational.
Finished! I think the fact that I recognized the names and descriptions of places made it fun. Why, yes, I have driven down MLK many many times and have passed the individuals wandering the streets with shopping carts. She didn't mention the row of mattresses where homeless people sleep under highway at 29th, but that's a new practice, I think. I used to drive by them weekly running errands before we moved. Now I'm closer to Berkeley, so I do my shopping there instead of Oakland. Also, my landlady knows Novella personally- these urban farmer/homesteaders know each other! Actually, our landlords butchered 2 ducks this weekend and I thought about this book. We didn't stay to watch the butchering because I thought it might be a little much for our 3 year old, but if I can get away from her for the next time, I would like to be there.
This book was well-written and easy to follow, kind of conversational.
mary00's review against another edition
3.0
(If there were half stars, this would be 3 1/2.)
This is a book that I never would have picked up and chosen to read on my own. But because a book club that I joined is reading it this month, I did read it. And I found myself thoroughly interested and intrigued in spite of myself. I am not an "animal person" and gardening isn't my thing either, but the writer had a captivating writing style that made her interests my interests while I was reading. I finished the book feeling guilty that I have such a big yard and am not cultivating it with a garden.
So although I do not relate with the author personally in any way, shape or form, her engaging voice made this an enjoyable read and she had some influence in changing the way I think about the earth and our right/responsibility to reap from it.
(If you pick this up do be warned that there is some profanity scattered throughout the book - just in case that is an issue for you.)
This is a book that I never would have picked up and chosen to read on my own. But because a book club that I joined is reading it this month, I did read it. And I found myself thoroughly interested and intrigued in spite of myself. I am not an "animal person" and gardening isn't my thing either, but the writer had a captivating writing style that made her interests my interests while I was reading. I finished the book feeling guilty that I have such a big yard and am not cultivating it with a garden.
So although I do not relate with the author personally in any way, shape or form, her engaging voice made this an enjoyable read and she had some influence in changing the way I think about the earth and our right/responsibility to reap from it.
(If you pick this up do be warned that there is some profanity scattered throughout the book - just in case that is an issue for you.)
beccaj11's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
sparklethenpop's review against another edition
4.0
I guess I'm giving it four stars because Novella ate the animals. Really though, it was funny, poignant, and honest. And, as I've said before if someone can look the animal in the eye before they eat it, I can never judge them.