Amazon.com Review
Sue Robishaw takes an unusual approach in her examination of of homesteading. She converses with two imaginary characters, J. J. and CindyLou, to tell the story of Robishaw's and her husband's move to rural Northern Michigan nearly two decades ago. The three commiserate about the Robishaws' trials, learning experiences, and misconceptions. With the help of J. J. and CindyLou, Robishaw simply, often hilariously, tells her story and offers no one-size-fits-all approach to homesteading. She also describes, in great detail, gardening tips, how to construct a solar oven, recipes, ways to become more self-sufficient by growing your own food, how to build a simple structure such as a home or outbuilding, and how to deal with critters. While filled with practical how-to information, the real joy of Homesteading Adventures is the story of the Robishaws life and experiences, told with gentle humor and affection, and mercifully free of self-righteousness. It's a real treat to read.
Review
"A practical and entertaining look at self-sufficient living. More than a how-to manual, Robishaw offers an enjoyable and insightful introduction to homestead living and philosophy "Homesteading Adventures" to be an inspiring and useful book for improving the quality of their lives." -- Michael Emerson, Independent Publisher, Mar/Apr 1998
"Her book is the perfect gift to inspire someone to take the first step to the Goodlife . . . She is truly a kindred spirit with the earth." -- Greg Prange, Northern Lights, Dec. 1997
"Seed Saving, the outhouse, making maple syrup and the greenhouse, it's all here, making this one of the most comprehensive manuals on homesteading we have seen. And yet . . . it's much more readable and interesting than a manual . . . Anyone interested in homesteading is sure to enjoy, and benefit from, this very readable book." -- Countryside magazine, Jan/Feb 1998
"This book is fun to read yet has a lot of good information; it would be a good one to read out loud to the family." -- Bountiful Gardens, Dec. 1997
Based on two decades of homesteading in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Sue Robishaw's Homesteading Adventures is a practical and entertaining look at self-sufficient living. More than a how-to manual, Robishaw offers an enjoyable and insightful introduction to homestead living and philosophy through her amusing conversations with two fictional neophyte homesteaders, J.J. and CindyLou. With 20 extensive chapters, Homesteading Adventures covers a wide range of topics, including building a home, solar cooking, outdoor and greenhouse gardening, cooking, wine-making, solar electricity, windmilling and making maple syrup. Robishaw provides a wealth of practical information, photographs, drawings, and references to other homesteading books and resources which she and her husband, Steve Schmeck, have used over the years. As the subtitle promises, this is a book for those who have experimented with a homesteading lifestyle, as well as anyone who has dreamed of growing their own food, using solar power, or connecting to the seasonal rhythms of the earth. Whether rural or suburban, young or old, readers will find Homesteading Adventures to be an inspiring and useful book for improving the quality of their lives. -- From Independent Publisher
"Her book is the perfect gift to inspire someone to take the first step to the Goodlife . . . She is truly a kindred spirit with the earth." -- Greg Prange, Northern Lights, Dec. 1997
"Seed Saving, the outhouse, making maple syrup and the greenhouse, it's all here, making this one of the most comprehensive manuals on homesteading we have seen. And yet . . . it's much more readable and interesting than a manual . . . Anyone interested in homesteading is sure to enjoy, and benefit from, this very readable book." -- Countryside magazine, Jan/Feb 1998
"This book is fun to read yet has a lot of good information; it would be a good one to read out loud to the family." -- Bountiful Gardens, Dec. 1997
Based on two decades of homesteading in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Sue Robishaw's Homesteading Adventures is a practical and entertaining look at self-sufficient living. More than a how-to manual, Robishaw offers an enjoyable and insightful introduction to homestead living and philosophy through her amusing conversations with two fictional neophyte homesteaders, J.J. and CindyLou. With 20 extensive chapters, Homesteading Adventures covers a wide range of topics, including building a home, solar cooking, outdoor and greenhouse gardening, cooking, wine-making, solar electricity, windmilling and making maple syrup. Robishaw provides a wealth of practical information, photographs, drawings, and references to other homesteading books and resources which she and her husband, Steve Schmeck, have used over the years. As the subtitle promises, this is a book for those who have experimented with a homesteading lifestyle, as well as anyone who has dreamed of growing their own food, using solar power, or connecting to the seasonal rhythms of the earth. Whether rural or suburban, young or old, readers will find Homesteading Adventures to be an inspiring and useful book for improving the quality of their lives. -- From Independent Publisher
