The Dirty Life: On Farming, Food, and Love

I am a gardener. I prefer vegetables to flowers. If I am going to put all that effort into growing things, I want food to be the result. I have often thought about expanding and growing enough extra to sell and to make a small business of it. After reading this book I feel the effort would be rewarding, but I would be too exhausted to enjoy. These people are young and driven. But they live the dream. The dream of most organic gardeners.
This is a lovely book. Not lovely, pink flowers and butterflys, but lovely in its joy of life, of creation, of respect for tradition, past and future. It is short, but full of appeal to those of us who seek to find fulfillment in working with the soil.

This is a lovely honest description of Kristin's life transition into farming and marriage. Both of those commitments are gritty and difficult at times. As I was hearing Tavia speak Kristin's words I came to appreciate the doubt and hard work that accompanies the choice to farm in a less modern way in a difficult place. The community support was there whenever they seemed to need it. It is a compelling recommendation for getting closer to the earth in whatever way works for each of us.

Little to much of a love story. Wanted to here more about those PIGS!

Sure....If more was about the Farm

Sure

Sure

A well written, engaging book about how two young people turned a run-down farm into a profitable business, providing people with wholesome, organic food. The author gave what seemed like an honest behind-the-scenes account of the hardships--and rewards--of growing vegetables without chemicals and raising and butchering animals without causing them undue stress or pain. It made me appreciate, all the more, the difference between "factory farming" and humane, sustainable farming.

I was quite disappointed within the first 20 minutes of the reading to discover that this was more about a woman's fantasy of a "real man" and what he could do for her than it was about farming or a non-sexual transition from city to country life. Would not recommend at all.

As a farm girl that now lives in the city, I loved this book.... the details and descriptions were spot on. I love the authors style and humor... I have been an Audible customer for several years, and I can honestly say that this is the first book that as soon as I finished it, I started it over again... a very enjoyible calming.... informative listen!

Loved this book, so inspirational! And such a cool way to enjoy a book. I listen to it in the car and around the house when doing chores. Makes my time so much more enjoyable!

Would not. although it does have some good parts, it takes the "bad side" of farm life too far.

probably not

too much of telling how hard life is on the farm.

NOPE

nope.

I was initially turned off by the narrator's voice and was worried it would prevent me from enjoying the book. It didn't take long before I was do into the story that I was driving around the block instead of parking my car (where I do my listening) in order to hear the end of a chapter. I enjoyed how the author weaves together farm information, events, and romance. The balance meant it was never too boring or too sappy.

This is definitely a story, not a how-to. That said, my husband and I both found it inspiring...that we can take our dreams and hard work and do something with them, even if its a little crazy.

I can't wait until her next book comes out!

No, only because I'm not a re-reader. I usually only read books once. But it was a great listen. It could have been longer with more details in many areas...especially their relationship. At the end she touches on them having a child. I would love to hear more about raising a child on a farm.

I enjoyed hearing of how the farm was started from scratch and how much hard work and devotion they put into it. So much so that I bought a share in a local organic farm for the summer!

Her performace was fine but I always prefer when the author reads in a book such as this.