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| Author: Doug Fine
Publisher: Villard
Category: Book
List Price: $24.00
Buy New: $12.81
You Save: $11.19 (47%)
New (43) Used (9) from $11.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  25 reviews
Sales Rank: 14931
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 224
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 8.4 x 5.7 x 0.9
ISBN: 1400066441
Dewey Decimal Number: 333.72092
EAN: 9781400066445
ASIN: 1400066441
Publication Date: March 25, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand New - Unread - Perfect Condition!
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| Customer Reviews:
 Pretty practical, if a little too wrapped up in emotion and politics June 22, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Doug Fine writes a good book, and for all of his North East liberalism has learned how to live a simpler life. Not practical for us all of course, but at least Doug is willing to put his money where his mouth is...something the liberals in Congress should try doing sometime. Doug's a little to wrapped up in "evil Republicans/Conservatives" and "I'm doing this to save the world and prove my own magnificence to those around me" for my taste. If you want to live on a ranch in the Southwest, do it because you want to do it. Don't do it because you feel guilty for being alive, being an American, or for living in a post-industrial age.
 Disappointing June 14, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
I'm as green as they come, and therefore figured I'd thoroughly enjoy this book and find it informative, but I was mistaken.
The problem starts with the author, who obviously believes himself to be hilarious. Unfortunately, he isn't the slightest bit funny. Time and time again he forces similes and metaphors into the writing that aren't the least creative or, in many cases, even apt. All of his attempts at colorful language and humor fall completely flat. It's actually painful to read. Even if you don't mind your humor served up as heaping doses of bland cliche, you'll still have to tolerate the author's obsession with his upbringing. Time and time again he mentions he's from the East, a Long Island kid, a suburbanite. He desperately wants his readers to understand how "wild and nutty" he is for giving it all up and moving to, of all places...gasp...New Mexico!
Worst of all is that you'll learn almost nothing from the book, other than it's difficult to raise goats (what a revelation), and converting your truck to burn vegetable oil is, apparently, problematic (what a revelation).
If the author wants to be taken seriously, then he has to take his craft seriously. Readers looking for information about going green could get infinitely more help by spending five minutes talking to an organic farmer or alternative energy specialist.
How this book could possibly collect a bundle of 5-star reviews is beyond me. It's barely a step above terrible. Spend your book money and time wisely...by spending them elsewhere.
 Easy Read on Going green June 4, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This book was very easy to read. If you have the time most people will read it in one sitting.
The author is very funny while documenting his move from the city to rural New Mexico in attempts to reduce his impact on the environment. The author's many tales about dealing with animals, plants, adding self sustaining resources, and converting a pickup truck to run on vegetable oil all get you thinking on what can I do for the environment. Even those who don't put much stock in global warming, carbon footprint, etc can take away ways to decrease stress on our environment while also decreasing spending.
The author's one flaw is his bashing of George W. Bush. (some may see this as a plus). The author randomly throws in slander regarding Bush and the environment without backing them up with research. (most of his other points are well researched and supported). In my mind, the author was telling me that Bush was standing on the white house stps, grinning while spraying aerosal cans into the air. No matter your opinion of Pres. Bush, this detracts from an awesome book. The reason I say that is this book should be read by all walks of life. Those who are staunch supporters of Bush may be turned off by these kid like jabs and put down the book prematurely. This would prevent that sector from reading a book we all should read.
The author pretty much blames all Republicans throughout the book then tries to save face stating he's no political party. Again, staying neutral politically keeps all readers reading.
The book would have been 5 stars had the above mentioned been left out.
If you can ignore the Bush/Republican jabs and mentions of evolution without getting distracted, then this book can easily be read in a few hours and inspire you to do your part for the environment.
It's life changing June 3, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I first got my hands on this book at 8 PM and had read it by 12 noon the following day. A wonderful, life-changing read! You might not run out and buy a ranch in New Mexico right away, stocking it with goats and chickens. But you will be motivated to live more green-ly, even in a suburban existence. Plus, it's damned funny.
Entertaining May 30, 2008
This book is very entertaining. Doug Fine has a very sarcastic sense of humor that is reflected throughout the book from everything to his decision to no longer shop at "box-stores" such as Wallyworld, to the naming of the coyote that roams free-to-kill on his land.
There are numerous facts generously intertwined throughout the narrative of his year's trial along with recipes, if you can believe it!
Overall, I found the book to be an inspiring struggle that everyone faces if they are attempting to transform their lives to a ecofriendly one. It's an enjoyable read that makes you feel that you are not alone in your confusion or difficulty in making these changes and that you to can do it!
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