Robin Greenfield

I read this book because I knew about Rob through watching his YouTube videos. I'm grateful that I "met" Rob through his YouTube videos instead of this book first. I was surprised by how much I didn't care for Rob's personality via reading this book. I don't know if it's the blog format or just a lack of explanation in terms of relationships or thoughts, but Rob came off as really insensitive, fanatical, and just annoying. I think that his message of waking people up to climate change and show more our relationship with the environment is so important.

With that in mind, I think the repetitiveness of the narration is not helpful. I think it would have been great if an editor could have worked with him; to make it more about the relationships and the thoughts, instead of just the mundane activities. I forced myself to finish reading it because I do not believe in writing a review without reading the entire book. Also, I wanted to do it justice because I love watching Rob's videos.

I think the message of the book is important. However, there were many times when it felt very abrasive and condescending. I also felt like there isn't enough talk about the privilege that comes along with what Rob was doing. There's no conversation about how most people with children or disabilities or health problems or who are not white-bodied and male would have a difficult time doing what is being asked of people in this book. Also, as an aside, I found it a bit disturbing the lack of empathy that Rob had for people who would not feel comfortable seeing him naked. Rob didn't seem to take into account children who might not have a positive experience seeing a naked man or women who have a past of sexual trauma who would also not appreciate that. And this was again surprising because that's not the energy that I got from Rob from watching his videos. I feel like he tried to address some of these points via blog post links at the end of the book that however his would have been better if it was integrated into the book itself. I think it's something that could have played a larger part in the book. I feel as though I read a rough draft of a book that could be better. show less

Interesting book. It offers advice on sustainability, food independence, and foraging, making it accessible to beginners while emphasizing ecological responsibility and community. However, it can present some challenges, and the advice may not be as practical for those in colder climates or without access to abundant land. Overall, it’s a motivating read that encourages readers to reconsider their reliance on industrial food systems and explore more self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyles.

Interesting read. The author ‘s goal was sharing his experience of growing and foraging his own food to deepen his connection to local food and establish a relationship of reciprocity with the land. In a world of chemically laced processed foods as the easiest way to obtain food, it is very difficult to find alternate sources. The author showed that you can grow your own as one solution or forage from areas like the forest for mishrooms. This will not work in every climate and takes much show more more work then I can dedicate to it but I applaud the efforts of the author. show less

On the track to the future, the author provides a clear view about the challenges, and rewards, of going self-sufficient on food.
Written on a very personal way, easy to connect with the reader, it's a very pleasant book.