Curator of words & other curiosities
by Sepp Holzer This book marked the official start of my sustainable-farming education. First written in German in 2004 (and translated into English in 2010), Permaculture chronicles Sepp Holzer's 40-plus years of practicing what he calls "alternative agriculture." Holzer is a creative experimenter who happens to farm. On a mountain in Austria, 1100-1480 meters above sea… Continue reading Sepp Holzer’s Permaculture
by Harvey Ussery When I joined my husband's family, I knew I was getting into a totally new experience: these are people who have dinner-table conversations about compost, Johnson grass, and sheep bloat. His parents bought this land as their retirement home, but have turned it into a working small-scale farm that provides all of… Continue reading The Small-Scale Poultry Flock
by Alasdair MacIntyre I read this book at the tail-end of a philosophy kick a few years ago. For three semesters, I audited philosophy classes at my alma mater (which, fun fact, offers one free audited class per semester to alumni!). I sat in on Intro to Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy, and Modern Philosophy. These classes… Continue reading After Virtue
by Avi One of my bucket list goals is to read every Newbery Medal book. So when I find one at 2nd & Charles or a thrift store or a used bookstore (like this gem Charles and I found recently), I snatch it up. (Aside: if you are a book lover and you don't frequent… Continue reading Crispin: The Cross of Lead
by Ruth Benedict My husband insisted I read this book. He read it years ago, and it either created or enhanced (I'm not sure which) his fascination with Japanese culture ~ and rightly so. Written in 1946 by "one of the most eminent anthropologists of the twentieth century" (according to the back cover bio), The Chrysanthemum… Continue reading The Chrysanthemum and the Sword
by Roderick Townley I'm pretty sure I found this book at a thrift store. It's one of those that, despite being an unknown quantity, called to me with such an appealing cover and title that I had to take it home. (I mean, look at that cover illustration! Doesn't it just beg to be wondered… Continue reading The Great Good Thing
by Fynn This book was published in the 1970s and has been rather shrouded in mystery. It is acclaimed on the cover of the sequel as a “worldwide bestseller.” It must have been either a short-lived or a cult-following type of bestseller, because other than the friend who gave it to me (a friend named… Continue reading Mister God, This is Anna
by Nancy Pearcey Christians who feel confused by the modern milieu of sexuality and life issues should read this book. Christians who don’t know how to talk to friends who are embracing transgenderism, abortion, hook-up sex, or euthanasia should read this book. Anyone who wants to gain a vision for the truth, goodness, and beauty… Continue reading Love Thy Body