Folks, This Ain't Normal

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Title:

Folks, This Ain't Normal

A Farmer's Advice for Happier Hens, Healthier People, and a Better World

Author:

Salatin, Joel

Subject:

Sociology

Health & Fitness

Nonfiction

Home Design & Décor

Description:

From farmer Joel Salatin's point of view, life in the 21st century just ain't normal. In FOLKS, THIS AIN'T NORMAL, he discusses how far removed we are from the simple, sustainable joy that comes from living close to the land and the people we love. Salatin has many thoughts on what normal is and shares practical and philosophical ideas for changing our lives in small ways that have big impact.Salatin, hailed by the New York Times as "Virginia's most multifaceted agrarian since Thomas Jefferson [and] the high priest of the pasture" and profiled in the Academy Award nominated documentary Food, Inc. and the bestselling book The Omnivore's Dilemma, understands what food should be: Wholesome, seasonal, raised naturally, procured locally, prepared lovingly, and eaten with a profound reverence for the circle of life. And his message doesn't stop there. From child-rearing, to creating quality family time, to respecting the environment, Salatin writes with a wicked sense of humor and true storyteller's knack for the revealing anecdote. Salatin's crucial message and distinctive voice—practical, provocative, scientific, and down-home philosophical in equal measure—make FOLKS, THIS AIN'T NORMAL a must-read book.

Publisher:

Center Street

Date:

2011/10/10

Digital Format:

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Kindle

Language:

English

Summary

From farmer Joel Salatin's point of view, life in the 21st century just ain't normal. In FOLKS, THIS AIN'T NORMAL, he discusses how far removed we are from the simple, sustainable joy that comes from living close to the land and the people we love. Salatin has many thoughts on what normal is and shares practical and philosophical ideas for changing our lives in small ways that have big impact.

Salatin, hailed by the New York Times as "Virginia's most multifaceted agrarian since Thomas Jefferson [and] the high priest of the pasture" and profiled in the Academy Award nominated documentary Food, Inc. and the bestselling book The Omnivore's Dilemma , understands what food should be: Wholesome, seasonal, raised naturally, procured locally, prepared lovingly, and eaten with a profound reverence for the circle of life. And his message doesn't stop there. From child-rearing, to creating quality family time, to respecting the environment, Salatin writes with a wicked sense of humor and true storyteller's knack for the revealing anecdote.

Salatin's crucial message and distinctive voice--practical, provocative, scientific, and down-home philosophical in equal measure--make FOLKS, THIS AIN'T NORMAL a must-read book.

Reviews (3)

Publisher's Weekly Review

Salatin, an experienced farmer notable for cameos in Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma and the documentary, Food Inc., contributes a convincing group of essays about the way we fail ourselves and the environment through industrial monoculture farming. Dedicated to producing real food for a local market, much of his written work (he has self-published seven books, including Everything I Want to Do Is Illegal) is concerned with nonsensical government regulations and this book is no exception. Topics range from child-rearing to the importance of herbivores in farming and food cycles; readers will learn more about excrement than they ever cared to know. Perhaps the biggest question threading the collection is one Salatin asks himself: Is this way of living "normal" or anachronistic? Most readers will reach mixed conclusions, but likely feel compelled to make a few lifestyle changes following what he preaches-his handy bullet points for action at each chapter's end make it easy to try. Liberals and conservatives alike will find things to love and hate from this self-described "Christian libertarian environmentalist capitalist lunatic," but that makes this book all the more fun and challenging. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Booklist Review

Salatin continues his defense of sustainable ecological practices on the farm and in the family. Expanding on lessons learned husbanding his thriving Virginia farm, he proposes that much tension surrounding the exploitation of the earth and the management of farm animals can be resolved with fuller education of urbanites, whose remove from their food's sources has spread abroad much disruptive disinformation. In genial, chatty text, Salatin relates stories of well-meaning, but ignorant, charges of animal cruelty on his farm by people who anthropomorphize animals and find suffering and abuse in animal behaviors that are natural and even healthy. Salatin also makes a case that much urban youthful misbehavior, drug use, and gang violence might be avoided if the perpetrators instead had a regimen of farm chores to structure their time and to offer constructive outlet for their energies. An engaging read with plenty for city folk to learn about farming realities.--Knoblauch, Mark Copyright 2010 Booklist

Library Journal Review

Virginia farmer Salatin laments that Americans have lost their "historically normal" agrarian knowledge and, consequently, the ability to make intelligent decisions about their food. Salatin gained prominence in foodie circles after being profiled in Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma and the documentary Food, Inc. He contends that a return to the basics in food production and preparation-including locally sourced food, home gardens, and home cooking-would result in a stronger economy, healthier citizens, and environmental protection. He offers suggestions for adopting a "normal" approach to food and farming, often challenging mainstream environmental principles. Many of Salatin's arguments are thought-provoking, but his tendency to value-judge and mock those with whom he disagrees undermines his credibility. An extensive antigovernment diatribe seems particularly out of place. VERDICT Some readers may be surprised by Salatin's sarcasm and antigovernment tirades, but his book offers valid suggestions for those seeking an alternative to industrial food sources. Because of its lack of supporting data and footnotes, this is not recommended as an academic work.-Kelsy Peterson, Prairie Village, KS (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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Reviews (3)

Publisher's Weekly Review

Booklist Review

Library Journal Review

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