Ebook: At Home in Nature: Modern Homesteading and Spiritual Practice in America

Motivated variously by the desire to reject consumerism, to live closer to the earth, to embrace voluntary simplicity, or to discover a more spiritual path, homesteaders have made the radical decision to go "back to the land," rejecting modern culture and amenities to live self-sufficiently and in harmony with nature. Drawing from vivid firsthand accounts as well as from rich historical material, this gracefully written study of homesteading in America from the late nineteenth century to the present examines the lives and beliefs of those who have ascribed to the homesteading philosophy, placing their experiences within the broader context of the changing meanings of nature and religion in modern American culture. Rebecca Kneale Gould investigates the lives of famous figures such as Henry David Thoreau, John Burroughs, Ralph Borsodi, Wendell Berry, and Helen and Scott Nearing, and she presents penetrating interviews with many contemporary homesteaders. She also considers homesteading as a form of dissent from consumer culture, as a departure from traditional religious life, and as a practice of environmental ethics.

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First of all, how could anyone possibly write about homesteading and spirituality without mentioning the Amish or Mennonites even ONCE in the entire book? I understand, the book isn't necessarily about Christianity, but the author refers to the Christianity-influenced writings of several other homesteaders, so why not even a nod in the direction of those who were part of the spiritual "back to the land" movement before the Nearings moved the first stone on their first property? At Home In Nature... is more academic than I thought it would be. It is written as if by a college student doing an ethnographic study for a sociology class. However, if I skip past the author's words and pay more attention to the words of the homesteaders she interviews the book suddenly becomes a very interesting read. And as I venture further into the chapters it gets to be a downright gem. I recommend it with three stars. This comes from someone who has devoured about every book on homesteading and voluntary simplicity you can find.