Customer Reviews

Voices from the Farm: Adventures in Community Living

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ironically, I grew up in a small town close to The Farm, but never knew much about it. A friend asked me about it, and when forced to confront my ignorance on the subject I purchased the book to correct that shortcoming. Little did I know how much I was about to be entertained!

Voices from The Farm is written--as a book on the communal living experience should be--by a number of the folks who participated. It is a collection of stories that together summarize the experience of the members, and the life-cycle of the community.

The Farm and its various off-shoots accomplished some great humanitarian feats in the face of the suspicion and prejudice of its neighbors. Winning over those neighbors provides some of the most entertaining tales in the book. However, the biggest obstacles seem--as with human society in general--to be rooted in the human nature of the members of The Farm community.

This book is a great, entertaining collection of stories that together tell the tale of a marvelous exercise in social science and community economics. Excellent work by the editors in preserving, selecting, and arranging the individual contributions to tell the story of The Farm.

This book gave me a glimpse at life on The Farm, as described by people who'd actually lived there. While no book can EVER be a substitute for the daily reality of living on the land, trying to build a community, take care of children, raise food and get through cold winters, reading this book was still a very powerful experience. It made me think about my spiritual values and what it must have been like for those who were trying to live with a commitment to living gently on the earth, not hurting wild creatures, not using leather.
I appreciated the honesty as well - as varous people would talk of giving into corruption and sneaking Dr. Pepper soda on a trip to town and other acts that went against general group values. Some of these values, of course were not overtly stated...but most were understood. Others were in a state of transition.
Ultimately, the Farm broke up but this book is a powerfl reminder of all that was good about it and of the yearning for finding new ways of building stronger community lives. I have no way of knowing for sure, but I have a feeling many members of The Farm continue to live with similar values as they had back then, when they were simply thought of as crazy "hippies".

This book contains true accounts from former residents of probably the best known intentional community, The Farm. This book can show the reader how to make a commune successful, as well as what things to avoid. It is funny at times and very interesting and educational. Take notes!

I really liked hearing from my old friends. The Farm was a great learning experience and is still relevant. It's unfortunate that the pictures that had been planned for this book were left out at the last minute.

Gave me a detailed vision of day to day life in a commune that is still in existence today. Very interesting, quick, delightful read!

Brought back warm memories of my brief stay at The Farm in the late 70's. Wonderful place, people, and philosophy. Often wished I'd decided to take up residence there! A great little book, quick read. Peace, Love & Blessings to y'all! (Write on, Rupert!)

loved this book, first hand accounts, blazingly honest about the good and bad aspects, will make you want to go visit!

Inspirational, informative, warm in places, funny in others. Having so many former residents' stories gives a well rounded, neatly edited report. Enjoyable, fun read.