Folks, This Ain't Normal

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

By: Joel Salatin

Narrated by: Joel Salatin

Virginia farmer Joel Salatin, who has been offered a prominent role in President Trump's Department of Agriculture, has become the new voice of clean, local, healthy eating.

From 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 urges people to take a better look at their food: What's in it, where is it coming from and how did it get the table?

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.

A review from a recent convert

Would you consider the audio edition of Folks, This Ain't Normal to be better than the print version?

Joel narrates his own writing so he knows what he intended to say at each point. He is an entertaining speaker and informative writer.

What other book might you compare Folks, This Ain't Normal to and why?

Along the same vein is "Farm City". Another interesting listen about transformational farming.

Everyone should read this

I have already bought a copy as a gift and I am only 3/4 of the way done. It's fantastic- thought provoking and shows sides of the food industry we rarely think about. Food production from a small scale family farmer's point of view. I wish I could make this required reading for all incoming High School Freshmen- and their parents. And then have town how type discussions about it. This man has a lot of good ideas.

I want to be normal!!!!!

This is a life changing amazing work!!!! I really want to be normal in the Historical sense. Joel has inspired me to get even closer to the Earth and to things built into my DNA. Joel has inspired me to get closer to the Lord. Thank you Joel Salatain and God bless you.

Loved it!

Loved it. Joel brought out many many ways we can do better for ourselves and our families concerning food. Honestly, he reminds us of some things we already know deep down about food but don't want to admit.
And the facts on the government's "food safety" : common sense is dead.
Overall, I learned some good stuff about the soil, farm animals and their symbiotic relationship. His personal experiences were interesting too. Very interesting book for anyone who is interested in these topics

An Entertaining Listen

Where does Folks, This Ain't Normal rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the first audible book I have listened to.

What other book might you compare Folks, This Ain't Normal to and why?

Joel Salatin's "The Sheer Ecstasy of Being a Lunatic Farmer".

Which scene was your favorite?

His rants on industrial agriculture.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were many tidbits that stuck with me, for example did you know that factory farm eggs are dipped in chlorine to sanitize them? I didn't.

Any additional comments?

This audible is filled with Mr. Salatin's rantings. It is a mix of opinions, facts, and instructions, but a different read from his "how-to" books. Although I don't agree with all his points he makes, most of them are great. This audible was an entertaining, humorous, and at times endearing listen. I highly recommend this to anyone that wants the perspective of a progressive "lunatic" farmer on America's food systems.