I’m back! Did you miss me? We are still in recovery mode following our 10th annual Happyland Music Fest. I’ll share some photos soon – hopefully tomorrow. We had the most amazing time. Everyone seemed to agree it was the best HMF thus far. But now it’s time to get back to whatever passes for “normal” around here. And since it’s a new month, that means it’s time for the LWD Book Club selections for June. Our theme this month includes gardening, pets/animals, and outdoor living.
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LWD JUNE BOOK CLUB SELECTIONS
Gardening with Chickens by Lisa Steele
When I first started begging David for chickens he thought I was a little nuts. But in recent years it has become an extremely popular hobby. Raccoons got all of mine a few years ago but I’m plotting to get another little flock. Stay tuned.
Join Lisa Steele, chicken-keeper extraordinaire and founder of Fresh Eggs Daily, on a unique journey through the garden. Start by planning your garden and learning strategies and tips for keeping your plants safe while they grow. Plant with purpose, choosing from a dozen plans for theme gardens such as Orange Egg Yolks or Nesting Box Herbs. Or choose a design that’s filled with edibles – sharing the bounty with your family and your feathered friends. Then comes the fun part: enjoy the harvest, even let the chickens graze!
Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools by Victoria Twead
I can’t wait to read this next one. I adore humorous tales of people moving somewhere and exploring a totally new way of life. And if it includes chickens? All the better.
If Joe and Vicky had known what relocating to a tiny mountain village in Andalucía would REALLY be like, they might have hesitated…
They have no idea of the culture shock in store. No idea they’ll become reluctant chicken farmers and own the most dangerous cockerel in Spain. No idea they’ll help capture a vulture or be rescued by a mule.
Will they stay, or return to the relative sanity of England?
Includes Spanish recipes donated by the village ladies.
The Telegraph– “a colourful glimpse of Andalucían life. And a psychopathic chicken or two…charming…funny”
Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer by Novella Carpenter
I became aware of this next selection because I have been following the adventures of the author’s sister for many years. Riana Lagarde used to have a blog which I adored. Now I have to be content with following her via her Flickr account, These Days in French Life. That is where I heard about her sister’s book, Farm City. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope you will, too.
For anyone who has ever grown herbs on their windowsill, tomatoes on their fire escape, or obsessed over the offerings at the local farmers’ market, Carpenter’s story will capture your heart. And if you’ve ever considered leaving it all behind to become a farmer outside the city limits, or looked at the abandoned lot next door with a gleam in your eye, consider this both a cautionary tale and a full-throated call to action. Farm City is an unforgettably charming memoir, full of hilarious moments, fascinating farmers’ tips, and a great deal of heart. It is also a moving meditation on urban life versus the natural world and what we have given up to live the way we do.
Bonus selection:
This comprehensive guide to homesteading provides all the information you need to grow and preserve a sustainable harvest of grains and vegetables; raise animals for meat, eggs, and dairy; and keep honey bees for your sweeter days. With easy-to-follow instructions on canning, drying, and pickling, you’ll enjoy your backyard bounty all winter long.
I’d love to hear what you are reading right now. Leave me a comment!
PREVIOUS LWD BOOK CLUB CHOICES:
Welcome back! Glad the music festival was a success again this year.
Thanks!
Those all look so good! I am still working on Daring Greatly from last month! LoL! I would like to check out Gardening with Chickens though. I have chickens and adore them. I was working on their coop yesterday! I am sorry that you lost your flock, that is so hard. They are quiet fun to watch and when you let them graze it truly does change the color of their yolk! Have a great day!
Want to know a little secret? I am WAY behind on the LWD book club readings…and it’s my own book club – ha!