Customer Reviews

MaryJane's Ideabook, Cookbook, Lifebook: For the Farmgirl in All of Us

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I believe that I first heard of MaryJane from the Food Network's "Food Finds" show. Intrigued, I checked out her website, and ordered a few products, along with an issue of her magazine. I was pleased with what I received and ordered more of both. And when I heard that she would be coming out with a book, I put it on my wish list before it was published...but then I sort of forgot about it. Recently, I was perusing my wish list, looking for an item to fill up an order so that it would qualify for free shipping, and I spied this book. It was considerably more than I needed to spend, but for some reason, it felt right. So I ordered it, not knowing exactly what to expect -- would it just be a rehash of the magazine? How can something be an "Ideabook, Cookbook, Lifebook"? Having received it, now all I can say is "WOW"! I am definitely more than pleased with my purchase. While not an exhaustive report on any one subject, it is overflowing with tidbits about such a variety of topics that I am truly amazed. And I can see why it was named "Ideabook, Cookbook, Lifebook". MaryJane touches on everything from her daughter's beautiful farm wedding, to ways to easily sprout seeds, to a how-to on building your own "wall tent", to vintage embroidery patterns for kitchen towels. There's a primer for most of the basic stitches in sewing. There are recipes and reminiscences. Advice on cutting kindling. Vacation ideas. Breathtaking photos. And most importantly, there is inspiration. If you want to buy a few acres and start your own farm, this book gives you some ideas to explore. If you want to sell your produce, this book gives you sources for supplies. If you want the best garden hoe, the best food dehydrator, the purest jam -- this book tells you where to go. And if you're just a "farmgirl" at heart, this book feels like your best friend. There are so many tidbits tucked here and there throughout the book that I imagine that most people would find something to pique their interest. As a matter of fact, when I was flipping through the book, trying to find an item I had seen before and wanted to share with my husband, he stood over my shoulder, repeatedly stopping me when he spotted something that caught his eye. Trust me, that usually doesn't happen. Our reading interests don't often overlap. (But I'm pretty sure I could talk him into building a wall tent now!) All in all, if you're at all interested in this topic, I really don't think you could go wrong with this book.

This book was not what I expected, it was so much more!! This is a gorgeous book fit for the coffee table. After reading it, rereading it and referencing it several times, I am hard put to decide where to keep it on the shelf in the library. It could easily go with the cookbooks, gardening, farming, etc. I finally just put it by itself where it's easy to find since I refer back to it so often. This book has wonderful ideas, great recipes and many helpful hints. It is also worth the money just for the glimpse into Mary Jane's life. I can't wait for her next book.

This is more than a book, which is why the title is composed of Idea,Cook and Life. It's hefty, filled with evocative, inspiring photographs, good recipes, and the encouraging story of MaryJane Butters' journey to her life today in Idaho. Along the way: working as a park ranger, farming organically, surviving as a single Mom, and establishing today's business. I had ordered this book as a 55th birthday gift for a friend, but will need to order another copy for her (this one is now "used": coffee rings and recipe notes...try hers for watermelon salsa.) And even though it's big, you CAN read it in bed!

First I want to say of "jefffsdate's" negative review: Get a clue! I grew up in small town Texas and though there were a very few Mexican people, we generally had no "people of color". Ever been to Idaho? Not many people of color running around there either, nor are there where I live now in a rural area on the east coast. Also, duh! The magazine was made to be a product catalog which is clearly stated.

Aside from that comment, I want to say this book is lovely. I identified strongly with it. I am multiracial too. Imagine that! The photos, the ideas, the feel, everything reminded me of my country small town upbringing.

I've ordered many of MaryJane's products and she and her husband answer the phone on occassion. Nothing I've ordered from MaryJanes Farm hasn't been wonderful.

I like to be sure of a few things before buying a pricey book like this one:

Is it full of useful content?
Is it pretty to look at?
Is it big?

Yes to all of those regarding this book! It is full of useful content such as recipes (my one problem with the book is that many of the recipes require an ingredient purchase from Mary Jane) and craft projects and many little reads that make my heart feel warm and fuzzy.

It is pretty to look at...no, make that breathtaking. Mary Jane's farm is in Moscow, Idaho, which is very near Gold Hill, Idaho, where my father grew up. I love to visit the family's homestead site, with the nearby one-room schoolhouse and tiny church. Mary Jane's photographs bring me back to Gold Hill each time I look at them.

And, yep, the book is big, with 416 pages of 8-1/2 by 11" paper.

I've only had the book for a few days but already I am loving it. It will make a wonderful gift for the women in my life who love the home and garden as I do.

by Lori Seaborg

OK, so I never take the time to write reviews for anything I buy, but this gem is worth taking the time to let you all know about. It truly is a "lifebook," as advertised. Dripping with gorgeous color photos, it speaks to that place in your heart that longs for all things simpler, cleaner, more honest, and more neighborly. It has been a comfort to read in times where, if you're like me, you avoid watching the news or reading the front page of the newspaper because it never has anything positive or helpful to add to life. Take the time to flip through it leisurely - pick it up, put it down, pick it up again where you left off yesterday, if you can wait that long to pick it up again. I particularly like that it reminded me how to play engaging games from my childhood that I had forgotten. These are the things I am always thinking, "Gees, shouldn't I be bringing something more meaningful to my kids than Dora The Explorer?" Every child should know how to play some version of kick the can, and other old time, easy favorites that don't require you to drop any money at the toy store. In short, I think this book has helped me to reconnect to the things that are important to me, as well as help me to understand more about organic living and eating, something I know I need to bring more to my daily life.

This is not only a great resource...but it is inspiring...beautifully illustrated...took me on a journey of what is really important in life..to simplify...experience and create.

I love this book! Just reading it makes me feel like I've taken a trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city! Beautiful photos, interesting information, and some great recipes to boot. This is less of a cookbook though - so if you're looking strictly for recipes more than anything else, this may not be the book for you. It is a great coffee table book and one that I will enjoy reading again.

I stumbled upon MaryJane's magazine a few years ago while I was collecting stories about women working in the wilderness, and I knew I had to track this woman down. You see, before MJ's farmgirl days, she was one of the first female backcountry rangers for the US Forest Service, and she knows how to spin a yarn with the best. Long story short, her funny fishing tale "Caught for Sure" appears in my anthology, A MILE IN HER BOOTS: WOMEN WHO WORK IN THE WILD, and I was thrilled to read more about her wilderness days in the "Outpost" section of her own beautiful book.

MARYJANE'S IDEABOOK...is chock full of luscious photos and inviting, bite-sized vignettes, begging to be devoured the minute you get your hands on it. Then, even when you think you've had your fill, you'll find yourself coming back again and again to savor bits of hands-on wisdom. There is something for everyone among these pages: traces of lace and garden soil, sawdust and apple pie. Us girls are reminded that we can, and should, tie a ribbon in our hair before we dig into a hard day's work. It's what makes us women, and we ought to revel in it.

With this sumptuous book, her own magazine, and a line of self-produced organic backpacking food, MaryJane is at the helm of the burgeoning organic agriculture movement. She is a powerful and eloquent voice for small farms (and the women who either own or dream of owning them). She's as generous as she is smart, and she absolutely embodies the phrase "down to earth." Lucky for the rest of us, she's writing it all down. This is not a book to borrow, it's a must-buy staple for your kitchen, garden shed, sewing room, workshop, night stand...you get the idea. Yes, it is that good!

I've been living a farming, back to nature lifestyle for 30+ years. I have many books on preserving, crocheting, bird watching, decorating, homeschooling etc. My husband of 27 years and I like to think of ourselves as homesteaders. So to be fair to MJB I'm giving a 3 star since to many who have never had a garden, this book would be revolutionary.

BUT...this book is not all about farming/crafting/cooking. It is full of a philosophy I don't hold to: New Age mentality. I wish she would have left this out. Her little "Buddah Bursts" and the "Church of Each Other" is not what I believe in. My lifebook is my Bible and my life coaches are Joyce Meyer, Max Lucado, John Maxwell, Dr. Dobson. If you're like me, you may want to buy another book specific to what you're wanting to learn.

She also says she couldn't fit everything in one book...hence all the other books coming out (marketing). If all the glossy family photos were taken out there would be room. Her daughter's wedding was very pretty and cool, but I didn't pay money to see the family photo album. If she was a famous historical person I could maybe see it, but I just found out who MJB was 2 months ago! It's very self-promoting.

Like I said, my hubby and I have been married for 27 years and have 4 kids. He was the nature nut/Eagle Scout/Grizzly Adams sort of guy when we met. I was a city dweller. We talked BEFORE our marriage about this. We loved each other and our kids to work out this differnce. We had to move within 5 miles of a major town because we lived too remote and it depressed me. We worked it out! (Thank you Dr. Dobson!) Butter's view on her divorce made me very sad. It seems so selfish. Her view that it all worked out for the best and we're all just one big "extended" family now...wow...google "the 25 Year Study on Divorce" and you'll see how damaging it is.

I've been long winded and apologize for that, but my hopes were so high for this book. I want a farming book that's not preachy, just facts.