Novella Carpenter

"Farm City" is the story of two idealistic people who set out to create an urban farm in the middle of the Oakland ghetto. Novella Carpenter introduces pigs and goats, lime trees and vegetables Into this blighted landscape, and amazing things begin to happen. This book will change forever the way you ... (more)think about farms, cities and human potential. There will be refreshments and a city/country tasting in the Reading Garden. This will be lots of fun.

Join us in welcoming Novella Carpenter, who will read and discuss her new book Farm City Carpenter has revisioned susatainability by reclaiming an empty lot in downtown Oakland--chickens, goats and all.

Who: Novella Carpenter What: Discussing and signing her new book, Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer When: Friday, 17 July 2009 at 7 PM How much: $25 -- We're serving a locally-grown, sustainably-raised dinner by reservation only. Make your reservations as soon as possibly by calling the shop ... (more)at (925) 837-7337. Why you should care: 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. All of us here at the shop have fallen in love with this marvelous memoir. We're going to be serving dinner as part of Novella's visit to Rakestraw. Three or four courses of food that could be (but won't be) from her farm: eggs, rabbit, honey, and lots of vegetables for just $25. Make your reservation by calling (925) 837-7337 today.

Tickets are $5 and are available at www.brownpapertickets.com, 800/838-3006 and at the door beginning at 6:30. Town Hall members receive priority seating.