Lynda Hopkins

This was another book I could not finish. As a lifelong gardener, I found myself irritated by the assumptions of the author that growers are hippy dippy types. There is such a variety in farmer/gardeners that I was turned off by her weird assumptions. She also categorized everyone selling at the farmer's market. It was more than the usual descriptions of people but outright admitted judgement of her fellow farmers, even she admitted she was off-base. I think I need to read some fiction for awhile because I find myself tired of nonfiction's blatant dramatizations. I might as well go for outright drama. That being said, I admit my own biases and others might enjoy reading the author's journey because her account is entertaining.… (mere)

Those of you enamoured with green living, sustainability, and organic foods may have once harbored a wish to move out to the country and start a little farm of your own. In this book, Lynda Hopkins pulls no punches as she describes her and her boyfriend's attempt to do just that. Starting with two acres on a relative's vineyard, Hopkins narrates their struggles with seedlings, worms, beetles, chickens, squash, beans, and a plethora of produce and livestock. Their failures and successes are listed with a sense of good humor and biting sarcasm, depending on the situation; the despair of a flooded field or infestation of lettuce-eating bugs, the pride in having a full array of produce at their farmers' market booth.

This book gave me a greater appreciation and respect for the farmers that I see at the markets; I admit that I have sometimes prevaricated at the prices which are charged, but as Hopkins describes her dilemma when trying to price her wares at the market, it begins to make more sense. A great read.… (mere)