A review by zade
Folks, This Ain't Normal: A Farmer's Advice for Happier Hens, Healthier People, and a Better World by Joel Salatin

5.0

Joel Salatin is an icon of the sustainable agriculture movement. His Polyface Farm enjoys international renown and Salatin is in great demand as a speaker and educator. He is also quite personable and down-to-earth, having not let his celebrity go to his head.

If you have a chance to listen to this book on audio, I highly recommend doing so. Saladin narrates it himself and his irascible humor comes through so clearly in the recording that for once, I think the audio book is at least as good as the print text--not a claim I make for many non-fiction books.

Now, I recommend all of Salatin's books, even for non-farming people. He has earned through hard work a great deal of insight into farming, animals, ecology, and economy. This book, however, is particularly good because he addresses such a wide variety of topics, all linked by the theme that our culture has strayed from what is "normal" (meaning sustainable and healthy). He is by no means a Luddite, but he definitely takes issue with a lot of the core values (or lack thereof) in modern American society. Because he covers so many different topics in these essays, there's something of interest for everyone here. And because he does such a good job of linking apparently diverse subjects, you'll likely find out you're interested in things you didn't think you would be.

A word of caution: approach this book with an open mind and be willing to listen to what Salatin says even when you disagree with him. And you will disagree with him more than once. Saladin is an independent thinker and does not easily fit any mold. He is a conservative Christian, Libertarian, Eco-warrior farmer who expresses himself bluntly and without apology. He also has a great sense of humor, a deep humanity, and a willingness to learn from others and admit his mistakes.

This book is great fun to read and full of fascinating stories and great information. It will make you laugh, make you angry, and inspire you to think seriously about how you live and what you value.