Folks, This Ain't Normal: A Farmer's Advice for Happier Hens, Healthier People, and a Better World [Hardcover]

Joel Salatin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 2011

From farmer Joel Salatin's point of view, life in the 21^st century just ain't normal. In FOLKS, THIS AIN'T NORMAL, he discusses how far removed we are from the simple, sustainable joy that comes from living close to the land and the people we love. Salatin has many thoughts on what normal is and shares practical and philosophical ideas for changing our lives in small ways that have big impact.

Salatin, hailed by the New York Times as "Virginia's most multifaceted agrarian since Thomas Jefferson [and] the high priest of the pasture" and profiled in the Academy Award nominated documentary Food, Inc. and the bestselling book The Omnivore's Dilemma, understands what food should be: Wholesome, seasonal, raised naturally, procured locally, prepared lovingly, and eaten with a profound reverence for the circle of life. And his message doesn't stop there. From child-rearing, to creating quality family time, to respecting the environment, Salatin writes with a wicked sense of humor and true storyteller's knack for the revealing anecdote.

Salatin's crucial message and distinctive voice--practical, provocative, scientific, and down-home philosophical in equal measure--make FOLKS, THIS AIN'T NORMAL a must-read book.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Joel Salatin might seem like a vision of our agrarian past, but in fact, he's distinctly modern, looking beyond the conventional toward a new "normal" based on community, ecology, and flavor, too. Salatin's book is as practical as it is reflective; as necessary as it is radical." (Dan Barber, Chef/Co-Owner, Blue Hill and Blue Hill at Stone Barns )

"Joel Salatin is a down-to-earth 21st century pioneer, one of those rare contrarian thinkers whose words and work have the power to transform the way a generation thinks. 'Folks This Ain't Normal' will help seed the new nature movement and inspire people everywhere -- especially young people in need of some practical hope. And here's the bonus: The book is great fun to read. Sacred cows beware." (Richard Louv, author of "The Nature Principle" and "Last Child in the Woods" )

"In Folks, This Ain't Normal, Joel Salatin says it's high time we stopped taking our industrialized food system as a given and instead consider local, sustainable food production as the norm. Good plan. Whether or not you agree with his contention that we would be better off if the government got out of food regulation, his ideas are compellingly written, fun to read, and well worth pondering." (Marion Nestle, Dept. of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, NYU, and author, Food Politics )

"Chances are slim you'll agree with everything in this wonderfully cranky book. But I'm almost certain you'll agree that Joel Salatin has earned the right to his convictions, and that they shine a powerful light on some of the paths out of the predicament we find ourselves in as a world." (Bill McKibben, author Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet )

"Joel...is one of the most creative, productive and sustainable farmers working in America today...His message is that we eaters can change the world, one meal at a time." (Michael Pollan, in the introduction to Holy Cows and Hog Heaven: The Food Buyer's Guide to Farm Friendly Food )

About the Author

Joel Salatin is a third generation family farmer working his land in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley with his wife, Teresa, son Daniel, daughter Rachel and their families. The Salatin Polyface Farm, an organic grass-fed farm, services more than 3,000 families, 10 retail outlets and 50 restaurants through on-farm sales and metropolitan buying clubs. Joel Salatin writes extensively in magazines such as Stockman Grass Farmer, Acres USA, and American Agriculture.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Center Street; 1 edition (October 10, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892968192
• ISBN-13: 978-0892968190
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 1.3 x 9.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (152 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #53,180 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

85 of 90 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read! October 11, 2011

By Jamé

Format:Hardcover

Why do I love this book? There are so many reasons. It's a book I was not able to put down or stop thinking about. It made me feel frustrated and hopeful all at the same time. It is funny and insightful. I care about my food and how it is raised. I want my kids to be allergy free and play in the woods. I want to curl up next to a real wood fire after a long day of working hard and sweating. I want to eat eggs from happy chickens that I raise free from corn and gmo soy. This book makes me feel like those things are possible. It was a paradigm shift for me. I hope a lot of people read this book and take up the fight for the small local farm.

52 of 57 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars everyone on Xmas list getting this book October 13, 2011

By homesteader

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Yes folks, we have decided to give this book to everyone on our Christmas list this year. I am reading this book on my Droid in Kindle format and can not put it down. I have known Joel personally for more than a dozen years and he was one of my mentors as I started my own pastured poultry farm coming from a CAFO poultry background. So needless to say, there is little in this book which is new to me but he tells it in style and in a way which is so much more effective than any way I could say it. But for the average person this book will be a different perspective. What he says has great universal truth, from how to raise children to how to heal the planet.

For me, my great hope is that this book does become number ONE on the NY Times best seller list for the more people who read this book, then a better world we will have. This book is a must read by all who want a better world.

58 of 65 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE LOVE LOVE! October 10, 2011

By Rashel

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Greatest book. We pre-ordered this book expecting it to be awesome, and it is! My husband and I have been reading it aloud every morning during coffee time. It's an inspiring book. Encouraging us to get off our hineys and do something! Anything, just get off the couch and stop accepting the status quo and THINK! :)