Medi-yoker

The memoir was compelling and the wordsmithing was refreshing, however, I was put off by the vulgarity and frequent innuendo. This is not a family friendly book. There are many other books out there telling a similar story with more uplifting content. This is a story of hardship and mediocre success with many pitfalls and few real gratifying achievements. Not on my top 1000 list.

8 people found this helpful

Big facts candy coated

I was hoping to pick up pointers on poultry but found bits of the answers to two of my BIG questions. The author mused on EVERYTHING.

One was that most sustainable farmers are tiny and support themselves with off-farm earnings. So, it's not just me. It's most of us. That is, maybe what I'm doing with my market garden is OK. That my hanging in there is OK. That I am not wasting my time, but instead doing the Right Thing.

Another gem. She summarized an interview with an economist/farmer/professor who said many or most economists don't believe in resource depletion. Specificially that neoliberalist economists believe that resources cannot be destroyed, only converted. This implies that the neoliberal economists don't believe in soil depletion, a big contributor to global warming. That in their Ivory Towers, they take soil for granted and thus abuse it.

6 people found this helpful

Unnatural Narration

I couldn't take it any longer. I made it about a third of the way through and was so distracted by the unnatural sound of the narrator I couldn't hear the story. Unfortunately, the story didn't seem interesting enough to suffer the narration. I had to return this one to Audible.

4 people found this helpful

Great and Honest Story

As a husband always seeking to do more and better, with a wife often exacerbated by me, I can relate to the story. More than two that though, it is a great telling of the challenges of entrepreneurship, farming, family, and way to share with the world more information about sustainable agriculture and farming. Keep it up!

2 people found this helpful

Loved it!

I've been researching eating more locally and this book was very informative. It had humor and facts, was well organized and easy to listen to.

2 people found this helpful

Entertaining

Both entertaining and a great read. A real life experience of the family starting a pasture raised egg business.

2 people found this helpful

Great Story, Inspiring

Looking for an inspirational and informative book on the local food movement and the struggle of producers? Look no further. Great writing, great narration. You won't be disappointed. I laughed out loud many times and have a greater appreciation for what it takes to do the right thing when it comes to buying local.

2 people found this helpful

Took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions

Would you listen to Locally Laid again? Why?

Yes, because it was so entertaining. And also some good information about agribusiness is included. Anyone who eats or pays taxes should be interested in agribusiness

What was one of the most memorable moments of Locally Laid?

There were so many.
Mostly Lucie's tales of the family's tribulations.

Lucie crying at a restaurant when Jason tells her of his dream.

-The Amundsen’s mixing with cultures other than their own, like their visit to Amish farmers; and the visit from glitzy California PR to the egg farm in Minnesota.

The city of Duluth rallying around the Amundsens.

After receiving business advice from a group of mentors, Lucie "losing her cookies" in the parking ramp on her way to her car as she ponders that it is better to give than receive.

What about Kate Reading’s performance did you like?

Kates' reading voice was pleasant, easy to understand and believable

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would have if I had the time it is too long for that.

Any additional comments?

It's a fun memoir packed with information about food and business.

2 people found this helpful

Memoir top notch!!

I half expected an instructional book but was instead delighted with an amazing memoir. Currently I’m taking in education by the gallons. This book offered background education in a memoir style that kept me listening and hanging on for more. Did they win the contest?!??? Did she love the farm ideas??? This book keeps you on the edge of your seat, and offers real life struggles that we all navigate in a humorous way that you can’t help see yourself in some aspect of the story. I’m sure there is at least one (real) character that you will identify with. Thank You for a super fun book.
From an “I can farm after reading 1 of Joel Saltine’s books” lady.
Blessings! RG

1 person found this helpful

New Farmers - The Spouses Perspective

Awesome and well written. 5 years into our farming journey, I heard our story echoed, felt every word, and burst into laughter startling our own livestock more than once.