Product Review Monday ... on Sunday

I'm pushing Product Review Monday up by a day because I have a special post planned for tomorrow (Monday).

For this week's book review, I'd like recommend "Homestead Tsunami" by the incomparable Joel Salatin.

I quote the Amazon blurb:

From his 66-year farm, food, and family experience, Joel Salatin explains why thousands of Americans are selling their urban homes, cashing out retirement funds, and heading to the country. The exodus is both a goodbye to one life and an embrace of another.

When society breaks down, people head away from the city. For food security, health, and satisfaction, homesteads offer a haven of hope and help when much seems hopeless and helpless.

While fear motivates people to change, only faith sustains. This book offers multiple reasons for modern homestead living. Some are:

• Secure, stable, safe food.
• Healthy, happy children.
• Superior immune function.
• Community and connections.
• Meaningful work.
• Creation stewardship immersion.

Salatin offers the homestead why to those contemplating the jump, those trying to dissuade their friends from jumping, and those who regret having jumped. Despite its sweat and disappointments, homesteading offers incalculable benefits that feed the soul, soil, and spirit.

Homestead Tsunami digs deep into the ethos of today’s best pension plan: living and learning proximate to people who know how to build things, repair, things and grow things. A better life awaits.

I purchased this book last year and let me tell you, it doesn't disappoint. Salatin never does. The guy is legendary in homesteading circles for a very good reason. Highly recommended.

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I have another book recommendation, but I hesitate to link it on Amazon because not many copies are available: "Cheaper and Better" by Nancy Birnes. I've owned this book for years, and recently found another copy at a thrift store which I snapped up.

(Check out that 80s hairdo!)

Dated hairstyles aside, Nancy Birnes' book is genius. It offers hundreds of homemade versions of useful things. This is the source of my Irish Cream recipe I frequently make at Christmas. The Table of Contents divides the book into twelve categories:

• Pantry stockers
• Convenience foods
• Snacks and sweets
• Gourmet and gift items
• Beverages, wines, liqueurs
• Health and personal care aids
• Clothing care and closet items
• Gardens, pets, pests
• High-tech toys
• Children's play and rainy-day items
• Craft, holiday, and decorating items 

My only gripe with this book is the Table of Contents doesn't get any more specific about what is included in each category, which is a shame because this book is an incredible resource for homemade versions of everything from copper cleaner to peanut butter to aftershave to fly repellents.

I'm supplying two Amazon links (here and here) for used copies. If you can find this book, new or used, get it.

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For this week's product review, I'd like to highlight something I purchased last year: A push-pull hoe.

Similar to a hula hoe, this gardening tool rips out weeds by the roots. I was using it this week and it suddenly hit me that this is a perfect tool to recommend. It's a great help in preparing raised garden beds for planting. If planting in the ground, it can rip out weeds between the rows.

An excellent addition to a homestead or backyard garden.

(Obligatory disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, we earn a small commission.)