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lyrareadsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
. The narrator is at times irritating but always entertaining in her tale of urban farming. Restart in December. The term "squat garden" is still annoying. Ultimately, I appreciate the tremendous respect Novella Carpenter shows to her food and the effort it takes to provide nourishment.
ris_stitches's review against another edition
4.0
Great book. Unfortunately I had to deduct a star for her using “hay” and “straw” interchangeably toward the end. Not. The. Same. Thing. Yes, I am such a pedant, but this really bothered me given that she is raising animals and should really know the difference. Perhaps I should choose to believe that it was an editor’s doing.
sidewriter's review against another edition
4.0
With bemused frankness, Carpenter opens the doors and gates to her urban farm and invites the reader to come in from where her life of raising bees, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits, and finally pigs in an abandoned lot in an Oakland ghetto seems crazy and chaotic, to a place where it seems completely normal, and only a little crazy. The first chapters are bumpy, but by the fourth or fifth, Carpenter hits a stride that is the perfect blend of narrative, fact, and insight, without any of the self-righteousness to which this genre is prone. Farm City will fascinate and amuse you, while also leading you to a new understanding of your food and your connection to it.
Perhaps even more notable than the main narrative though, are the subtle underground narratives throughout: of a loving, feminist relationship, of a neighborhood wrapped in poverty and also a fierce sense of community and acceptance, of a network of political activists who are friends first, just people living their lives and pursuing happiness. Farm City lets the reader decide her experience of it -- as a light-hearted, quick read about the trials and tribulations of a quirky urban farmer, or also as a deep meditation on the interconnectedness of people, animals, and the land they share.
Perhaps even more notable than the main narrative though, are the subtle underground narratives throughout: of a loving, feminist relationship, of a neighborhood wrapped in poverty and also a fierce sense of community and acceptance, of a network of political activists who are friends first, just people living their lives and pursuing happiness. Farm City lets the reader decide her experience of it -- as a light-hearted, quick read about the trials and tribulations of a quirky urban farmer, or also as a deep meditation on the interconnectedness of people, animals, and the land they share.
cbendixe's review against another edition
4.0
Humorous account of one woman (and her boyfriend) starting a farm in the blight of Oakland. The farm starts with chickens, some bees, and a vegetable garden, and grows to include turkeys, ducks, rabbits and pigs! Novella's goal of being close to her food source (and her fantasy of making her own salami, prosciutto, and other delicious pork products) is one I admire but could never pull off. She has some funny tales to tell about her animals, and some poignant ones about her neighbors; you will laugh as well as think when you read this book. Now I'm off to find some fresh smoked bacon....
mehitabels's review against another edition
3.0
this was pretty interesting. a girl in Oakland raising vegetables and animals for food. a bit extreme for me, I'm awfully proud of my tomato plants, but raising and killing my own meat . . . I'm just not that cool.
really enjoyable reading
really enjoyable reading
amysbrittain's review against another edition
4.0
I love books like this, but sometimes the circumstances feel put on for the sake of the author's having a book to write. In this case, Carpenter's legit, with hippie-farmer parents (one of whom is still living off the land and off the grid). She grew up helping her parents raise plants and animals for the family's food. So it shouldn't be surprising that not only does she plant a garden and raise bees, but that chickens become her "gateway drug" to raising (and eating) more serious livestock, and that she creates this urban farm in the Oakland, CA, ghetto. Really intriguing and a fast read.
audaciaray's review against another edition
2.0
A fun and interesting read about urban farming (including the raising and butchering of animals) but OMG the casual racism! Lots of comparing Oakland to the third world, excessive use of the word "abandoned" when not actually describing abandoned areas, and imagery of poor artsy white people as pioneers. While also at the same time the author attempts generosity and understanding with her neighbors across the race and class divide. A pretty great example of well intentioned racism if you're looking for that.
I'm finding myself interested in small farms and permaculture but observing the ways that whiteness links to and generates all the problematic aspects of this way of life, too.
I'm finding myself interested in small farms and permaculture but observing the ways that whiteness links to and generates all the problematic aspects of this way of life, too.
amibunk's review against another edition
3.0
I'd give this unique book 3 and 1/2 stars if I could. It had a very different flavor than your typical garden/farm/locavore reading. The closest comparison I can give is Barbara Kingsolver crossed with Boyz 'N the Hood. (Which, of course, doesn't begin to describe this well written, yet gritty, account of gardening and farming in the ghetto.) Despite some colorful language, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Carpenter's escalating attempts at farming 13 blocks from downtown Oakland. It made me want to run out and raise some chickens. And a pig. And possibly a cow.....
emromc's review against another edition
3.0
Loved the wacky stuff going on in this book, but some of the author's attitude rubbed me the wrong way. Couldn't tell you why.
I do feel inspired (and maybe a bit empowered) though. If she can grow a massive garden and raise animals in the ghettos of Oakland, I can be an "urban farmer" in my townhome too.
I do feel inspired (and maybe a bit empowered) though. If she can grow a massive garden and raise animals in the ghettos of Oakland, I can be an "urban farmer" in my townhome too.
elaga's review against another edition
4.0
I wanted this book to be about gardening and it was definitely an urban farming memoir. This book maybe isn’t for vegetarians, and some of the turkey and rabbit sections floundered, but the pig section was beautiful. It made me appreciate how much work goes into properly feeding an animal that will then be eaten for its meat. The cameo by the one and only SamIn was such a pleasant surprise. And the integration of urban Oakland culture was a pleasure to read. I would recommend this book.