Customer Reviews

Starting A New Life In Rural America: 21 Things You Need to Know Before You Make Your Move

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

 

 

This is a great book to start with if you think you want to move to 'the sticks', as the author puts it. Benson's writing is strightforward, easy to read, and right to the point. This is not a detailed everything-about-everything book, but he does give links to useful information if you choose to pursue a certain topic further -- one reason it might be wise to start with this book as a means to see which (if any) more books you might need to purchase.

Benson covers everything from picking your land, real estate issues, dealing with pesky 'critters' and managing your septic tank, to integrating smoothly into rural community life and rural etiquette. I have extended family that grew up and reside in the country, but I didn't know nearly as much about their lives as I thought I did. This book helped me realize there is a big difference between country living on an acre or two, with a little extra grass to mow and room for a garden, and truly RURAL living. After reading this book, you will know without a doubt whether or not rural living is for you. I highly reccommend this book as a great place to start.

In 1986, I left the Marine Corps and moved to a sparsely settled county in the mountains of Appalachia. I've lived here ever since. Having that experience, I can say that Benson is very astute at pointing out issues that can arise in a rural environment, and in suggesting methods of dealing with them. The book costs very little, and if it saves you from just one gaffe in your new surroundings, it will be money well spent.

Excellent starting point for those contemplating a move, as well as a great tool for review for those who are well along in their preparations. The chapters are thorough enough to cover the essential aspects of each step (energy, food, transportation, etc.) and give sufficient information to point one in the right direction for further study. As with all of Benson's books, lots of hard-won, practical advice.

I liked this very small book. It did teach me several things that I didn't know. I hope to someday move from Georgia to the State of Oregon and there was some information in this book that made the buying of this small book worth the price. The book is "a matter of fact" type of book and the style of writing is a little dry but it offers good advice. Moving to Rural America should take more thought than most people are willing to give. Remember the TV show "Green Acres" in the 1960's? This author gives you some thoughts about what you should do and consider before you move to the country. It's not all roses. Regards, Keith Renick, Peachtree City, Ga.

This book has alot of info for those who are leaving the city to live in the country. I didnt really need to own this book as i have never lived in a big city. Im a huge fan of Ragnar's other books, as always, theres some funny stories in there that are sure to make you laugh.

If you dont know how people get along in small communties and you want, or need to know and learn, this book is a must for you. Alot of do's and dont's in there for the people who dont know.

I would rate the book 4.5 stars if I could. Author likes to write small books, I wish the book was twice as long. He also mentions (several times) a neighbor several miles away. It is difficult to believe that average spread by a transplant amounts to several thousand acres. As a whole the book is great; sometimes it have given me a new perspective on things. I wish I found the book sooner (would have saved me some hurdles).

I would have given it 4.5 stars, but I didn't think it was perfect. I would say if you are thinking about building or buying a place out in the country and have never lived there, this is a MUST read. Very easy conversational style, full of practical considerations and solutions to help you understand what kinds of things you need to think about before buying or building a place out in the sticks. I think this book will save a city slicker a lot of unnecessary grief when moving out to the country. Great book.

I think Ragnar did an excellent job at describing the nuances of Country living that we suburbanites just don't think of. There are a lot of unwritten rules and "understandings" people in the country share, that you need to understand before you move. If you're a city person you really need to read this before you go looking for a country place!

For a city dweller, this could be some handy information to have before you head out to a new home in a rural area.
If you already have had significant contact with rural America, this book doesn't need to be on your "must buy" list.