Growing a Farmer: First Impressions

So far, I have very much enjoyed reading Growing a Farmer. I had a feeling the book was going to be nothing like the books I have read before, and it turned out to be just as quirky and unique as I had expected. Although he sometimes goes into so much detail describing his various machines that I have difficulty picturing them in my head, I liked learning about the different processes that go into making honey, cider, butter, cheese, etc. I think that, at least in my case, Timmermeister has succeeded in his goal in making the reader appreciate the work that goes into making real food, because I certainly do appreciate it more now. And there is something about his mentality---his desire to leave the trifling "struggles" of the city and go back to the basics---that I can relate to. I could kind of see myself doing the same thing but later in life, more like what the old accountant-turned-farmer did.

One elements of Timmermeister's writing that I really like is his many reflections throughout the book. I can't help but admire his ability to appreciate and see the beauty in simple things. He seems to really enjoy waking up in the morning to milk his cows; watching his knobby and worm-eaten apples get transformed into a beautifully golden, clear, sweet juice; and cooking delicious meals using butter and vinegar he has made himself. For some reason, I also liked his reflections about what goes on in the minds of his animals. He reflects on whether the worker bees are bitter at the division of labor in the hive; if the runaway goats intentionally eat the flowers most dear to him as a way of punishing him; and whether his cows are as stupid as they seem or are fully aware of what is going on and are just playing along to convince him to feed them and take care of their every need. I thought these little reflections were quite amusing.