I savor a good, smart, entertaining book…..so, when Herrick Kimball sent me a copy of his latest title “The Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian” I was in literary heaven, it is SUPERB. This book chronicles Mr. Kimball’s deliberate choice of living a simple, agrarian family life, his love of God’s creation, and what we’d both agree is “The Good Life” ! Living under the wings of the Father, enjoying the simple things of this life, and spending each moment savoring them. I could so identify with Mr. Kimball’s points of view, his enjoyment of picking strawberries in the early mornin’, really watching his children grow, sweet moments with his spouse…his love of a life ’set apart’ from the commerical, worldy, self centered society of today. Self sufficiency (which in “my” book equates to ‘depending on God’, His word and the common sense and heart He gave us), good friends, neighbors…the simple joy of eating a meal together of food grown by the family, or locals from the Farmers Market…taking a peaceful deep breath to ‘take in’ that moment in time that the good Lord has given us.
Just a few quotes from Mr. Kimball himself, on his book. “Many of my stories are humorous or joyful vignettes of the agrarian good life. A few were written with righteous indignation. A couple are so poignant they may put a lump in your throat, or even bring a tear to your eye. I should also warn you that some of my writings could be classified as “politically incorrect,” even though I do not address specific political issues. My biggest crime in this regard is that one cannot define the good life without making judgments about what is good and bad, which is another way of saying right and wrong. And, as I’m sure you realize, we mustn’t do that sort of thing in this age of “enlightened” moral relativism! Nevertheless, that is exactly what I do. I do it nicely (without being dogmatic) but I do it without hesitation.”“I shined a light on the rottenness of our modern culture. I pointed an accusing finger at the failures of industrialism and the evil of corporate control over every area of our lives. I spoke of the dangers of relying on the “industrial providers” to supply all our needs in life. Then I wrote about the sweet and wholesome fruit that is produced in a life when modernism is rejected and faith, family and simple agrarian values are embraced. “
I have so enjoyed this title, I am re reading it already~YES–it’s that good! I think this book is A MUST read. Sadly, we live in a day and time when so many families are so fragmented so frazzled and SO stressed……this book is like a breath of fresh air. You will thoroughly enjoy it. (Unless of course you love your fragmented, frazzled, stressed out existence!).
Mr. Kimball has other titles as well, and is the “Whizbang Chicken Plucker” guy too….if you are now scratching your head saying “WHAT?” Check out his site…..you’ll understand what I am talking about….. www.TheDeliberateAgrarian.com I hope he continues to write books such as Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian in the future, it’s absolutely refreshing to find such a GEM of a book!!
Like a copy for yourself? We sell this title right here at Homestead Originals!
Lisa
