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In the '60s it was called the "back to the land" movement, and in Helen and Scott Nearings' day, it was "living the good life." Whatever the term, North Americans have always yearned for a simpler way. But how do you accomplish that today?
Blending inspiration with practical how-to's, Rural Renaissance captures the American dream of country living for contemporary times. Journey with the authors and experience their lessons, laughter and love for the land as they trade the urban concrete maze for a five-acre organic farm and bed and breakfast in southwestern Wisconsin. Rural living today is a lot more than farming. It's about a creative, nature-based and more self-sufficient lifestyle that combines a love of squash, solar energy, skinny-dipping and serendipity . . .
The many topics explored in Rural Renaissance include:
"right livelihood" and the good life
organic gardening and permaculture
renewable energy and energy conservation
wholesome organic food, safe water and a natural home
simplicity, frugality and freedom
green design and recycled materials
community, friends and raising a family
independence and interdependence
wildlife conservation and land stewardship.
An authentic tale of a couple whose pioneering spirit and connection to the land reaches out to both the local and global community to make their dream come true, Rural Renaissance will appeal to a wide range of Cultural Creatives, free agents, conservation entrepreneurs and both arm-chair and real-life homesteaders regardless of where they live.
Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko are innkeepers, organic growers, copartners in a marketing consulting company, and have previously published books. John is also a photographer. Former advertising agency fast-trackers, they are nationally recognized for their contemporary approach to homesteading, conservation and more sustainable living. They share their farm with their son, two llamas, and a flock of free-range chickens. Rural Renaissance also offers a foreword by Bill McKibben.
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By Bee Girl (Reno, NV)
I enjoyed parts of this book; however, there were several sections which I felt had nothing to do with the "back-to-the-land" premise. Do I really have to wade through the diatribes against George W Bush? I thought the book would have been more effective if it stuck to the initial ideas of self-sufficiency. Then it would have reached a larger audience. I could not read the whole thing due to these rabbit trails.
I found the book _On Good Land_ by Michael Ableman to be much more helpful, or even _It's a Long Road to a Tomato_ by Keith Stewart. Back-to-the-land views are held by many across the political spectrum, as we are all called to be good stewards of this good earth.
By Sadie (WI)
Buy this book - even if you implement just a few ideas from it - you AND the earth will be better off.
By Fred W. Tanner (dahlonega)
As the owner of an eco friendly bed and breakfast inn I found this book to be inspirational and informative. My wife and I follow the philosophy of Inn Serendipity and agreed with many points made.
A great book for someone seeking a simpler eco friendly way of life by starting a "mindful" business. Great advice and strategies for success.
By Larry B. Woodroof (Knoxville, TN)
Good, if somewhat disjointed book that concentrates more on the thought processes behind going back to the land than on the mechanics of it. At times the use of third person narrative grates, but on the whole it is well worth overlooking these minor quibbles.
This is a good starting point for beginning your own journey back to the land, in that you must get your head in the right place to be able to walk the walk, so to speak. The authors give plenty of resources for further investigation of particular topics.
By Liv Palmatier (Nashville, TN)
If you've never done much thinking or research into conservation and a sustainable lifestyle, this may be a good book for you. However, if you have, there is not a lot of new information, and the authors write in a self-congratulatory style that gets a little old. Many of these "novel ideas" are things that most cultured people are familiar with. For example, there is a section about reaching out in friendship to and learning from people who may not seem just like you -- perhaps an older person if you are young or someone who may seem eccentric. Other examples would be the couples' recommendation of staying in hostels when traveling abroad, reusing envelopes, and going to thriftshops. However, I still give the book three stars because there were tidbits of information that were helpful --like the fact that washing dishes by hand uses 70 percent more resources than using a dishwasher.
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