Customer Reviews

Farewell, My Subaru: An Epic Adventure in Local Living

5 star:		(43)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I started Doug Fine's fun book at about 5:00 PM yesterday and finished it by bedtime while also cooking supper, bathing two children and having several meaningful conversations with my wife. It's a quick read, and better for it. I have read a couple of other books in the "What I did for year to help mother earth" genre of books and this one ranks up with Barbara Kingsolvers "Animal, Vegetable and Miracle."

Doug settles down in an isolated valley in New Mexico and begins his adventures in sustainable living by purchasing some goats on Craig's List, replacing the said Subaru of the title with a F250 vegetable oil powered diesel truck, and going substantially off-grid.

On the way we meet some interesting characters, hear a bit too much about Doug's libido and get some practical advice on living the good life. But don't buy this book if you are looking for a step-by-step instruction on how to set up a eco-friendly homestead. Instead Farewell, My Subaru offers a few recipes, some web site links to get more information, and a good deal of evidence that going through life with good karma really pays off.

This book was so entertaining and motivational that I ended up purchasing the audio book as well to accompany me on my morning commute. I finished it in a little less than 3 days and was sad to have it end. Much of what Doug spoke about are things I've thought about trying or things I've been putting off, but hearing his experiences and the hurdles he went through and the obstacles he overcame made me a little more confident and has motivated me to continue trying to increase the green in my life. Not only is this a good introduction of how to add more green into your life and perspective, it's a hilarious story that will keep you smiling throughout.

Like many of the others who have posted reviews, I was unable to stop reading this book once I opened it (even with three kids running around the house). Doug communicates his successes and failures at turning his ranch into a "carbon-neutral location" very well, often injecting humor into the whole process. The book is not a "how to" for becoming "self-sustaining" but provides factual information, on-line resources, as well as some great recipes to try out...I would highly recommend this book as well as Doug's previous book (Not Really An Alaskan Mountain Man).

I just read Fine's book in an evening, the first time in my life I've read a book straight through without closing it once. FANTASTIC stuff. An informative and entertaining read -- Fine's eco-lifestyle spreads it's influence far and wide!!

I think this is a great book. It touches on many ideas and all in a humorous way. He pulls not punches and he discusses his success and failures. Hopefully everyone that has the chance to read this book will make one small change. We don't have to go whole hog like Doug. But every little step Helps.

There are some truly entertaining anecdotes about trying to live an independent, green lifestyle. I have goats, and his escapades with them certainly ring true. But far too many other things detract from these highlights. Completely unsubstantiated gray fact boxes appear far too often. e.g. "Toyota's 2005 profits were $2.5 billion in 2005". And if it is true, who cares? -- it had nothing to do with the paragraphs it separated. Also there is a limit to the number of times I can tolerate ready such overly cute names as "LVOEsubee", "ROAT", and "Funky Butte Ranch" (which seemed to be on every other page).
He later writes of George Bush has a "coke-headed draft dodger". I guess the author thinks it is better get a quick laugh than to discuss issues. It was a short book, but it could have been made even shorter without subjecting to me hearing about the local women he has slept with --- it gives a new meaning to the word Locavore.

I loved reading "Farewell, My Subaru" and am pretty sure my husband immediately picked up when I finished. I recommended the book to several friends hours after finishing the book.

Doug Fine does a great job in relaying the first year of his adventures in living a greener life. The one suggestion I have for future editions is to put a reference for the boxed facts interspersed throughout the book.

I look forward to reading more of Doug's adventures!

Having recently moved to New Mexico I made a pledge to support local authors by purchasing and reading their books.

I was introduced to Doug and his Fine and funny style through an article in my AAA Magazine. I immediately visited his website (http://www.dougfine.com/), read the dispatches, and ordered the book via Amazon.

Most of my co-workers, friends, and family have heard large portions of the book since I tend to share the particularly funny portions aloud while they are attempting to do other things (like driving and watching TV).

I no longer read the book in public, though, as I got tired of having to explain the outbursts every third page.

Looking forward to more Fine and funny dispatches from the Funky Butte Ranch!

Leslie

My last review was not printed after two days so I am writing another. So, if that one is published and now there are two reviews, please forgive me.
Farewell, my Subaru was a gift, and not the kind of book I would usually read. However, I loved it. Doug Fine brought hilarity to green living with his Bill Bryson style writing. This book, while an enjoying read for anyone, ok anyone that hated the Bush adminstration, is also very informative. I used many of the links to calculate out how much it would cost us to power our house entirely on solar energy and get money back from the electric company! Simply amazing. While I am not ready to take the steps Doug has to live carbon neutral I think it has inpsired me to assess the changes that I am willing to make to stop contributing to green house gas emissions.

I enjoyed this wonderful, witty account of Doug and his move to the Funky Butte Ranch in southwestern New Mexico. It was hard to put down and there were moments I laughed out loud. Now I am recycling this great book among my friend and they love it too.
Pick it up . . . . you won't put it down!!