▼

Friday, March 18, 2011

On the bookshelf

I mentioned yesterday a couple of books that I was working my way through and April had a post yesterday mentioning what she was reading and I thought I'd share the complete list of things I'm currently reading:

1. Better Off: Flipping the Switch on Technology, by Eric Brende (almost done)
Non-fiction. The story of a husband and wife who move to a Mennonite-type community for 18 months where they use no technology. It sometimes is a little overly navel-gazing, but I'm really enjoying this book and its cast of characters.

2. The New Normal: An Agenda for Responsible Living, by David Wann
Non-fiction. How to create a sustainable culture under the challenges of 21st century living with the increase in population and reduction in energy and resources.

3. Doodle Stitching: Fresh & Fun Embroidery for Beginners, by Aimee Ray
Craft. Because you can never start too many craft projects.

4. Solar Electricity Basics: A Green Energy Guide, by Dan Chiras
Non-fiction. Because we are thinking of "Going Greenpa" and I spent about 10 minutes yesterday talking with our neighbor about the solar panels they just had installed.

That's about it right now. What's on your bookshelf?
at

15 comments:

  1. DeannaMarch 17, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    I read "Better Off" several years ago and really enjoyed it. I've recently read "Farm City" and "Radical Homemakers", both of which were excellent.

    ReplyDelete
  2. bradMarch 17, 2011 at 11:02 PM

    The Backyard Homestead, produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre

    Bushcraft, outdoor skills & wilderness survival

    Brew Ware, how to find, adapt and build homebrewing equipment

    ReplyDelete
  3. MargaretMarch 18, 2011 at 3:01 AM

    Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard based on her diary, 1785–1812:

    Looking at a sustainable life from many points of view. Lots to think about.

    I beg to differ about having too many craft projects on the go at one time. It just means that some of them drag on and never get finished at all.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anna MMarch 18, 2011 at 4:47 AM

    I just finished this:

    The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers: An Unconventional Memoir

    and then my husband and I read these:

    Deep Winter, Shatter, Remnant by Thomas Sherry.

    Now I'm reading 8.4 which is an older book about the New Madrid Fault.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Desert Lean-toMarch 18, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    "The Resilient Gardener" by Carol Deppe. A great look at raising food in hard times considering place, weather (including atypical weather),dietary considerations (such as celiac disease), and nutritional needs. Explained with intelligence and humor. A lovely read.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Crunchy ChickenMarch 18, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    Margaret - I was being sarcastic about the craft projects :) That's why I ran a challenge about it last year (there's a link in the post), because they do take over...

    ReplyDelete
  7. DAWNEE DODSONMarch 18, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  8. DawneeMarch 18, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    I really enjoyed "Better Off" too. It certainly made me rethink how I use resources, and how I take electricity, running water, etc for granted. I am in love with the idea of simply working my own land to feed myself (and family) and growing a cash crop to pay for necessities. Maybe one day ... Thanks Crunchy for the great reading lists! I've been burning through the stacks at the Seattle Public Library!

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownMarch 18, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    I'm re-reading Eliot Coleman's books getting ready for the change of season and "The Two Fat Ladies" because they make me smile and with the news in the past week we need to smile a lot and eat a heck of a lot of butter.

    ReplyDelete
  10. SheriMarch 18, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    Have you read Farmer Jane? I saw her speak at Expo West and am about half way thru. Would recommend it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Crunchy ChickenMarch 18, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    Thanks for all the suggestions, there's some good stuff there.

    No, I haven't read Farmer Jane, but I'll check it out!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Robj98168March 18, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    Let me see.. currently I am reading "The Urban Homestead" and "The Essential Wild Food Survival Guide" a foraging book I found through http://ofthefield.com/ and their Forager's Forum. I just got done with "Farm City" by Novella Carpenter- one of the better Urban Homesteading books I have found. That and "The $64 Tomato". Both great reads and humurous

    ReplyDelete
  13. BarbaraMarch 19, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    Ooo I'd love to hear more about your neighbors experience installing solar panels.

    Peace!

    ReplyDelete
  14. April AlexanderMarch 20, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    How did I miss this post?! Thanks for the shout out. Excellent list! I'll have to check these out for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  15. KootenayMarch 22, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    13 page paper on my immediate reading list: Economic Analysis of Various Options of Electricity Generation
    - Taking into Account Health and Environmental Effects

    http://manhaz.cyf.gov.pl/manhaz/strona_konferencja_EAE-2001/15%20-%20Polenp~1.pdf

    For discussion!

    ReplyDelete