The Year of the Goat: 40,000 Miles and the Quest for the Perfect Cheese [Hardcover]

Margaret Hathaway (Author), Karl Schatz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2007

From Maine to Arizona, and back again, Margaret and Karl and their dog, Godfrey, travel across America in search of green pastures, simple tradition, and the perfect goat cheese.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Hathaway and Schatz were happy living together in New York City—Schatz was Time.com's picture editor, and Hathaway a former manager of Magnolia Bakery. Still, they wondered what sort of people they'd be if they lived in the country, and in this offbeat memoir Hathaway narrates their search. The idea of raising cows wasn't affordable or appealing, but goats were intriguing, especially since their cheeses were so tasty. Before long, the couple decided to leave New York for a yearlong goat odyssey, searching out everything goat that struck their fancy. Starting in New York with a tasting session with maître fromager Max McCalman, they traveled the country visiting goat farms, auctions and shows. While they had a lot to learn—how to milk goats, how to trim their hooves—they were also trying to find a model lifestyle for themselves. Eventually, they realized they wanted a farm with some vegetables and some animals, but not so many that the farm would become a factory. More than anything, they wanted a modest life surrounded by people they loved. Back-to-the-land fantasies aren't new, but Hathaway gives theirs a modern twist by emphasizing terroir, the idea that food is rooted in the land, and of connecting the palate to the place. Local-eating, slow-food activists will find much to chew on here. (Aug.)
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From Booklist

Burned out by the rigors of New York City, Hathaway and her boyfriend imagined an agricultural life. Self-described foodies (Hathaway managed Manhattan's famed Magnolia bakery), the couple thought about making goat cheese, and after agonizing about how best to realize their dream, they decided to spend a year researching and visiting goat operations throughout the country. In the Year of the Goat, according to the Chinese zodiac, they quit their jobs and set off, camping along the way. Their travels introduce them to goat conventions and festivals (goat chariot races are the headlining attraction at one), world-renowned chefs and cheese experts, and cheese makers at dairies large and small. Hathaway pokes fun at her naive notions of rural life with a sly humor that nicely balances the naked earnestness of the endeavor. The details of animal husbandry and cheese production will intrigue those interested in food's origins, and many readers, particularly city dwellers, will also be captured by the personal story of a young couple's unusually thoughtful efforts to build a meaningful life together. Engberg, Gillian

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Lyons Press; First Edition edition (August 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599210215
• ISBN-13: 978-1599210216
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #917,614 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Mind-Opening Read, August 17, 2007

By 

L. Torrence - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Year of the Goat: 40,000 Miles and the Quest for the Perfect Cheese (Hardcover)

"The Year of the Goat" is a wonderful exploration of the choices available to those of us with education, access to funds, and mobility. As Hathaway crosses the US with her fiancé Karl, a journey about goats and cheese evolves into a journey exploring them and us and ends with the discovery of a common we.

I was deeply touched by Hathaway's thesis that we are not a country of Red vs. Blue; easily categorized, divided, and conquered by corporations and politicians. We are communities of like-minded individuals all willing to share and give a hand when needed. Sure, there is lots of info on goat breeds and cheese, but to me, the core of this story is a celebration of the people who shepherd Margaret and Karl on their journey to find home.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for all who love Goats, October 22, 2007

By 

Christina Beamon Freeman (Laurel Springs,NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Year of the Goat: 40,000 Miles and the Quest for the Perfect Cheese (Hardcover)

The Year of the Goat by Margaret Hathaway. The Year of the Goat: 40,000 Miles and the Quest for the Perfect CheeseI have lived a lifetime loving goats. It is nice to read a book written by an author who is captured by their charm as much as I am. This book combines all the recent movements (slow food, sustainability, and thinking locally) that will be our foundation for the future. It is a book that can support people thinking about farming as well as give a new perspective for lifetime farmers. It is a beautiful journey and adventure that we are lucky that Margaret and Karl shared with the world. My it inspire you to grab your dreams and live them, and not be afraid to change your life (It may just answer some questions that will lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling life)

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Vicarious Exploration, October 25, 2007

By 

MagickalNurse (Idaho, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Year of the Goat: 40,000 Miles and the Quest for the Perfect Cheese (Hardcover)

My husband and I, and engineer and healthcare provider respectively, have been contemplating the idea of "opting-out", changing to a simpler lifestyle, and trying to live more sustainably on our own. When I picked up Margaret Hathaway's book, I felt like she was embarking on the journey that we have been taking in our minds. Without the means to make such a journey ourselves, I felt like I was able to explore some of the self-questions Margaret and Karl faced. I was also able to gain greater insight into the world of goats and cheesemaking than you can find in the pages of straight "How-To" books. She also visited farms that are close to our current home and to our future homestead (which are 2000 miles apart!). After reading, I feel less "insane" about choosing this lifestyle and ready more than ever for the next step. Thank You, Margaret, for bringing us on your journey.