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I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak: Leaving High Tech for Greener Pastures
Have you ever wanted to ditch the nine-to-five job and move as far away as possible from the rat race?
Have you ever just wanted peace and quiet in a rural setting away from the sprawl of suburbia?
Have you found yourself daydreaming about pasture lands and farm animals on a daily basis?
That's exactly what the author found herself contemplating - more often then not - while working at a high tech job in Seattle.
With her husband 3,000 miles away in Florida and the passing of her father, she knew it was time to make some serious changes in her life. She was ready for an adventure, but little did she know what lay in store for her at the 'fixer upper' farmhouse she and her husband would soon become the owners of.
S.A. Molteni has spent over thirty years in the Information Technology field working for various Fortune 500 companies. During those years, she and her husband had always dreamed of living on a farm once they became retired from the rat race.
This collection of essays follows the author in her sometimes humorous transition from "I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak" and depicts the lessons that are learned along the way once farm animals become a large part of her life.
Have you ever just wanted peace and quiet in a rural setting away from the sprawl of suburbia?
Have you found yourself daydreaming about pasture lands and farm animals on a daily basis?
That's exactly what the author found herself contemplating - more often then not - while working at a high tech job in Seattle.
With her husband 3,000 miles away in Florida and the passing of her father, she knew it was time to make some serious changes in her life. She was ready for an adventure, but little did she know what lay in store for her at the 'fixer upper' farmhouse she and her husband would soon become the owners of.
S.A. Molteni has spent over thirty years in the Information Technology field working for various Fortune 500 companies. During those years, she and her husband had always dreamed of living on a farm once they became retired from the rat race.
This collection of essays follows the author in her sometimes humorous transition from "I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak" and depicts the lessons that are learned along the way once farm animals become a large part of her life.
- GenresNonfictionMemoirAnimals
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
44 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
S.A. Molteni
9 books36 followersS.A. Molteni can be found on the following social media sites:
Amazon Author Page - http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00HXPZKAU
Blog - http://samolteni.blogspot.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/author.samol...
Twitter - https://twitter.com/samolteni
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 21, 2015
When I read a memoir I hope to learn or gain something to help in my own journey through life. That might be coming to a better understanding of a group of people much different than me. It could be getting a different perspective on experiences I share with the author (or even validation if we see comparable experiences in the same way). Sometimes it's inspiration. It could even turn into a bit of a how-to book, if the experiences chronicled are something you'd like to do.
As an I.T. Geek who wouldn't mind escaping the corporate rat race, I'd have loved it if I'd have found the last of these. (Even though a farm would be the absolute last place I'd seek refuge.) That wish was probably too much to hope for. (And to be fair, what is required to make the escape is fairly obvious, albeit, not easy to accomplish.) Instead what I gained from reading this short memoir was more generic and more applicable to the average potential reader as well.
The book is a collection of essays the author wrote about her experiences making the transition from I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak with the majority of the stories about adapting to her new life on the farm. At the end of most of these essays or stories the author tells the reader what the “life lesson learned” was for her. For example, one is “You never know what you are capable of until you try.” Really the lessons to be gleaned are two-fold. The generic lesson the author lists is the first, but I found that by combining her stories with my experiences, I could also find additional lessons of my own. Maybe you'll find the same.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
As an I.T. Geek who wouldn't mind escaping the corporate rat race, I'd have loved it if I'd have found the last of these. (Even though a farm would be the absolute last place I'd seek refuge.) That wish was probably too much to hope for. (And to be fair, what is required to make the escape is fairly obvious, albeit, not easy to accomplish.) Instead what I gained from reading this short memoir was more generic and more applicable to the average potential reader as well.
The book is a collection of essays the author wrote about her experiences making the transition from I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak with the majority of the stories about adapting to her new life on the farm. At the end of most of these essays or stories the author tells the reader what the “life lesson learned” was for her. For example, one is “You never know what you are capable of until you try.” Really the lessons to be gleaned are two-fold. The generic lesson the author lists is the first, but I found that by combining her stories with my experiences, I could also find additional lessons of my own. Maybe you'll find the same.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
May 10, 2015
"I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak" is a fabulous book, especially in times like these. This book is a follow up book to Sherry Molteni's book, "Her Name was Half-Calf", which I read some time ago. While the news on the internet make us believe that the majority of people is yearning to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous, whose wardrobe and houses we can see now up close Sherry Molteni shows us the charm of living with nature and animals, up close and personal.
The interesting thing is Molteni makes a 180 degrees change to get to this junction. She worked in IT in a high midlevel position; thus, for her, rearing baby cows (Jersey cows and Angus cows), chicken, bunnies, hens and adopting Jasmine the dog, who is supposed to watch the animals is anything but the good old of anything. My favorite story in the book, is "the Chicken and the Eggs". It all begins with a phone call from an annoyed postmaster and ends with beautiful hens. I was particularly thrilled to find confirmation that these organic eggs taste differently than what stores sell. I have been saying for a long time that foods used to taste differently when I was a child. Now I found confirmation from an expert who knows.
Readers will be delighted to read about cows , Sweet Pea, the duckies, Tom-Tom, Tyler and Tanner, and so many other animals. Molteni has added pictures, which show the adorable bunch. I would be surprised if the book would not make a few readers wonder, if they should not up for a life on a farm.
Loved it.
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
The interesting thing is Molteni makes a 180 degrees change to get to this junction. She worked in IT in a high midlevel position; thus, for her, rearing baby cows (Jersey cows and Angus cows), chicken, bunnies, hens and adopting Jasmine the dog, who is supposed to watch the animals is anything but the good old of anything. My favorite story in the book, is "the Chicken and the Eggs". It all begins with a phone call from an annoyed postmaster and ends with beautiful hens. I was particularly thrilled to find confirmation that these organic eggs taste differently than what stores sell. I have been saying for a long time that foods used to taste differently when I was a child. Now I found confirmation from an expert who knows.
Readers will be delighted to read about cows , Sweet Pea, the duckies, Tom-Tom, Tyler and Tanner, and so many other animals. Molteni has added pictures, which show the adorable bunch. I would be surprised if the book would not make a few readers wonder, if they should not up for a life on a farm.
Loved it.
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
January 6, 2016
Originally posted on my blog www.thecountrybookworm.com
I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.
I.T. Geek is a short memoir about escaping the never ending rat race of the corporate world, for an idyllic life on the farm. Or so that’s what the author originally thought. Although it is a quick read, Molteni manages to pack in a dozen life lessons gained through this experience. She starts off with an overview of how she went from a computer IT geek, to retiring early and buying a 15 acre farm for cows, pigs, goats and poultry.
She touches on many fundamental ideas central to human life and happiness. Pursuing money versus happiness. Setting priorities and what comes first, career, family or your dreams? Each chapter ends with a 1 sentence summary of the lesson she learned.
Here is a quick synopsis that was sent to me along with this book to review from After Dark Reading Nook.
Have you ever wanted to ditch the nine-to-five job and move as far away as possible from the rat race? Have you ever just wanted peace and quiet in a rural setting away from the sprawl of suburbia? Have you found yourself daydreaming about pasture lands and farm animals on a daily basis?
That’s exactly what the author found herself contemplating – more often then not – while working at a high tech job in Seattle.
With her husband 3,000 miles away in Florida and the passing of her father, she knew it was time to make some serious changes in her life. She was ready for an adventure, but little did she know what lay in store for her at the ‘fixer upper’ farmhouse she and her husband would soon become the owners of.
S.A. Molteni has spent over thirty years in the Information Technology field working for various Fortune 500 companies. During those years, she and her husband had always dreamed of living on a farm once they became retired from the rat race.
This collection of essays follows the author in her sometimes humorous transition from “I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak” and depicts the lessons that are learned along the way once farm animals become a large part of her life.
I am sure many Americans have had these exact thoughts. Too many of us are going to a job we hate and dreaming of what we would do if we had the chance to start all over again. This book resounded with me personally as I am currently going through a bit of a crisis like this. I just about loathe going to my job every week and we recently bought a 25 acre farm. Along with the land and the animals comes a big learning curve and many responsibilities. I am hoping to somehow turn the farm into my full time job at some point. So I was very excited to read this memoir and see what tips I could gain, and see how a fellow hobby farmer made the transition.
I had a difficult time putting together my thoughts for this. There were two ways I could go about reviewing it, as just a reader looking for a short, interesting read. Or, I could look at it through the lends of a fellow animal lover and hobby farmer. I chose the animal lover/farmer perspective, but will include some short thoughts as just a reader at the end.
In my opinion, if you are reaching for this book, then you already have some interest in buying a farm or farm animals. People may use this as a reference and starting point, and looking for tips on how to get started. From that perspective, I was left disappointed.
I was hoping Molteni would go into greater detail about the particulars of animal husbandry and the day to day workings of the farm. The first half of the book glossed over a lot of this, and made it almost seem too easy of a transition from corporate Seattle to rural Florida. Eventually the second half of the book picked up. At one point the author hits her stride and really describes the gory details involved in this lifestyle (using chains and a winch to help birth a calf). But the first half just seemed…cobbled together and all about how cute the animals were.
A few things stood out to me that I really can’t let go. The lay person with little to no animal husbandry knowledge wouldn’t even notice, but if people are reading this looking to follow in the author’s footsteps, then I have to mention the following events that bothered me.
Molteni explains in one chapter that they got two different types of cows hoping to breed them and milk them. Unfortunately she got one breed, the Angus, that is meant for beef and not dairy. I am confused why she didn’t research what types of breeds are best for milking versus beef.
Next she has a chapter about getting baby chickens. We got our chicks from the same hatchery, and they actually do come in the mail! I wish she had gone in to more detail about the brooder box, managing temperature, socializing the birds etc. Also, I’m not sure why she got bantams for eggs. Bantams are small chickens that lay very small eggs.
Next, they tried to add a farm dog to their menagerie. Molteni and her husband rescued a Border Collie named Jasmine. I’m not sure if they wanted a dog for a general companion, herding or livestock protection. She never really explains. Different breeds are used for different purposes. We have a Great Pyrenees for a livestock guardian, but would never use a herding breed for this purpose. Again this seemed like a lack of research. Border Collies must be brought up with the animals from a young age, something you can easily read about online. At one point the dog scared the cows into a dangerous stampede. Jasmine did not work out and eventually had to be re-homed.
The biggest concern I had with this book was the chapter about the goat Sweet Pea. Now, if you do any research into preparing your farm for goats, the #1 thing you will find is the importance of proper fencing. Sweet Pea had a knack for getting out of the improper fencing, as goats will do. They are notorious for this. The problem got so bad for them, the author taped pvc pipe to the goats horns so she couldn’t stick her head through the fencing. This made me so mad. Just get proper fencing, or don’t get goats if you aren’t set up for them. Instead they tape pvc pipe to the animal and make light about her escaping and leading a rogue band of goats down the road. I don’t find it funny when animals escape into the road. I just don’t get it.
I don’t mean to be too harsh. I don’t doubt she loves and cares for these animals. Other parts of the book she goes into lots of detail about researching and preparing for the animals. So maybe in these chapters she forgot to mention it? I wish she would have at least acknowledged the mistakes she made with the goat and the dog, so that people reading this book don’t try the same thing.
I loved the later chapters with the explanation of bottle feeding the calves and having to medicate and tube feed them. That must be the aspiring vet in me. I just wish all the chapters had been written in the same vein.
Now, when looking at this book from just the average reader perspective, I was still a tad disappointed. It just seemed like the first and second half were disjointed. The first half of the stories really didn’t have much detail. I kept thinking I would get to the good stuff, but before I knew it, the book was almost over. The whole time I was just thinking “where’s the meat?” Where’s the substance? Instead it just kind of seemed like she took a handful of tidbits about her animals and tried to turn them into poignant moments. And some of them really were. The sad circumstances of Half-Calf’s death most certainly deserved it’s own chapter. But the same cannot be said for the first half of the memoir.
Overall, this was a quick (less than 1 Hour) read about a topic near and dear to my heart. I wish there had been more detail and lessons learned specific to mistakes made with the animals. The anecdotes themselves are entertaining, but I’m not sure these stories were best suited for a book, maybe for a blog series. f you are looking for a light, short read about hobby farming then check this out. If you are wanting a more in-depth look at transitioning from corporate to farm life, look elsewhere. S.A. Molteni seems like somebody I would like to get to know and discuss the foibles of starting a hobby farm, but the book unfortunately fell flat in my opinion.
I give I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak 2.5/5 stars.
I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.
I.T. Geek is a short memoir about escaping the never ending rat race of the corporate world, for an idyllic life on the farm. Or so that’s what the author originally thought. Although it is a quick read, Molteni manages to pack in a dozen life lessons gained through this experience. She starts off with an overview of how she went from a computer IT geek, to retiring early and buying a 15 acre farm for cows, pigs, goats and poultry.
She touches on many fundamental ideas central to human life and happiness. Pursuing money versus happiness. Setting priorities and what comes first, career, family or your dreams? Each chapter ends with a 1 sentence summary of the lesson she learned.
Here is a quick synopsis that was sent to me along with this book to review from After Dark Reading Nook.
Have you ever wanted to ditch the nine-to-five job and move as far away as possible from the rat race? Have you ever just wanted peace and quiet in a rural setting away from the sprawl of suburbia? Have you found yourself daydreaming about pasture lands and farm animals on a daily basis?
That’s exactly what the author found herself contemplating – more often then not – while working at a high tech job in Seattle.
With her husband 3,000 miles away in Florida and the passing of her father, she knew it was time to make some serious changes in her life. She was ready for an adventure, but little did she know what lay in store for her at the ‘fixer upper’ farmhouse she and her husband would soon become the owners of.
S.A. Molteni has spent over thirty years in the Information Technology field working for various Fortune 500 companies. During those years, she and her husband had always dreamed of living on a farm once they became retired from the rat race.
This collection of essays follows the author in her sometimes humorous transition from “I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak” and depicts the lessons that are learned along the way once farm animals become a large part of her life.
I am sure many Americans have had these exact thoughts. Too many of us are going to a job we hate and dreaming of what we would do if we had the chance to start all over again. This book resounded with me personally as I am currently going through a bit of a crisis like this. I just about loathe going to my job every week and we recently bought a 25 acre farm. Along with the land and the animals comes a big learning curve and many responsibilities. I am hoping to somehow turn the farm into my full time job at some point. So I was very excited to read this memoir and see what tips I could gain, and see how a fellow hobby farmer made the transition.
I had a difficult time putting together my thoughts for this. There were two ways I could go about reviewing it, as just a reader looking for a short, interesting read. Or, I could look at it through the lends of a fellow animal lover and hobby farmer. I chose the animal lover/farmer perspective, but will include some short thoughts as just a reader at the end.
In my opinion, if you are reaching for this book, then you already have some interest in buying a farm or farm animals. People may use this as a reference and starting point, and looking for tips on how to get started. From that perspective, I was left disappointed.
I was hoping Molteni would go into greater detail about the particulars of animal husbandry and the day to day workings of the farm. The first half of the book glossed over a lot of this, and made it almost seem too easy of a transition from corporate Seattle to rural Florida. Eventually the second half of the book picked up. At one point the author hits her stride and really describes the gory details involved in this lifestyle (using chains and a winch to help birth a calf). But the first half just seemed…cobbled together and all about how cute the animals were.
A few things stood out to me that I really can’t let go. The lay person with little to no animal husbandry knowledge wouldn’t even notice, but if people are reading this looking to follow in the author’s footsteps, then I have to mention the following events that bothered me.
Molteni explains in one chapter that they got two different types of cows hoping to breed them and milk them. Unfortunately she got one breed, the Angus, that is meant for beef and not dairy. I am confused why she didn’t research what types of breeds are best for milking versus beef.
Next she has a chapter about getting baby chickens. We got our chicks from the same hatchery, and they actually do come in the mail! I wish she had gone in to more detail about the brooder box, managing temperature, socializing the birds etc. Also, I’m not sure why she got bantams for eggs. Bantams are small chickens that lay very small eggs.
Next, they tried to add a farm dog to their menagerie. Molteni and her husband rescued a Border Collie named Jasmine. I’m not sure if they wanted a dog for a general companion, herding or livestock protection. She never really explains. Different breeds are used for different purposes. We have a Great Pyrenees for a livestock guardian, but would never use a herding breed for this purpose. Again this seemed like a lack of research. Border Collies must be brought up with the animals from a young age, something you can easily read about online. At one point the dog scared the cows into a dangerous stampede. Jasmine did not work out and eventually had to be re-homed.
The biggest concern I had with this book was the chapter about the goat Sweet Pea. Now, if you do any research into preparing your farm for goats, the #1 thing you will find is the importance of proper fencing. Sweet Pea had a knack for getting out of the improper fencing, as goats will do. They are notorious for this. The problem got so bad for them, the author taped pvc pipe to the goats horns so she couldn’t stick her head through the fencing. This made me so mad. Just get proper fencing, or don’t get goats if you aren’t set up for them. Instead they tape pvc pipe to the animal and make light about her escaping and leading a rogue band of goats down the road. I don’t find it funny when animals escape into the road. I just don’t get it.
I don’t mean to be too harsh. I don’t doubt she loves and cares for these animals. Other parts of the book she goes into lots of detail about researching and preparing for the animals. So maybe in these chapters she forgot to mention it? I wish she would have at least acknowledged the mistakes she made with the goat and the dog, so that people reading this book don’t try the same thing.
I loved the later chapters with the explanation of bottle feeding the calves and having to medicate and tube feed them. That must be the aspiring vet in me. I just wish all the chapters had been written in the same vein.
Now, when looking at this book from just the average reader perspective, I was still a tad disappointed. It just seemed like the first and second half were disjointed. The first half of the stories really didn’t have much detail. I kept thinking I would get to the good stuff, but before I knew it, the book was almost over. The whole time I was just thinking “where’s the meat?” Where’s the substance? Instead it just kind of seemed like she took a handful of tidbits about her animals and tried to turn them into poignant moments. And some of them really were. The sad circumstances of Half-Calf’s death most certainly deserved it’s own chapter. But the same cannot be said for the first half of the memoir.
Overall, this was a quick (less than 1 Hour) read about a topic near and dear to my heart. I wish there had been more detail and lessons learned specific to mistakes made with the animals. The anecdotes themselves are entertaining, but I’m not sure these stories were best suited for a book, maybe for a blog series. f you are looking for a light, short read about hobby farming then check this out. If you are wanting a more in-depth look at transitioning from corporate to farm life, look elsewhere. S.A. Molteni seems like somebody I would like to get to know and discuss the foibles of starting a hobby farm, but the book unfortunately fell flat in my opinion.
I give I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak 2.5/5 stars.
January 27, 2020
Farm Girl
This is a short book with each chapter telling about the various farm animals on their hobby farm. The stories were all either entertaining or interesting or both. I believe there is a 2nd book. I personally would have preferred one bigger book .
This is a short book with each chapter telling about the various farm animals on their hobby farm. The stories were all either entertaining or interesting or both. I believe there is a 2nd book. I personally would have preferred one bigger book .
December 18, 2015
Favorite Quotes:
“I met my future husband in a computer programming class. I would like to say that it was love at first sight. But honestly, he irritated me quite a bit and I was not interested in him at all as a potential partner.”
“We had never had goats before and thought that rescuing one was a good thing… After a few weeks, she regained her strength and became a bossy little handful of horned stubbornness.”
My Review:
I rarely – meaning never – read nonfiction for pleasure, as I do far too much of that on the job and want to spend my off hours reading for entertainment. However, I don’t recall ever reading a more simply written and entertaining non-fiction accounting or memoir in my long and varied life. The Molteni’s are a successful professional couple who decide to retire early from the IT sector and establish a “Hobby Farm,” which is something I was not aware even existed in the real world. These intelligent and lovely people knew next to nothing about the animals they decided to raise and care for, and dutifully went about researching and studying each species as they took them in. They were soon experts on everything hoof, feather, and fur related. They amassed a veritable Noah’s Ark as they deemed the best course of action to slowly start with two of everything. However, given their willingness and soft hearts, they seem to have a hidden knack for selecting special needs animals. Each addition to their menagerie was quickly found to have a unique problem or issue that required special or additional accommodation, modification, research, treatment, and or handling. Their veterinarian probably put his children through college or bought a vacation home from their fees alone.
Despite their best efforts and good intentions, they were never able to obtain milk from the cows they hoped would provide them with dairy products. They also dealt with a lonely goat with an attitude who demanded an intimate dining experience, a grieving pig, quackless and runaway ducks, a quarantined and confused turkey, and hearing impaired bunnies. I particularly enjoyed the accompanying pictures and maxims at the end of each chapter, summing up the lesson learned from each species adopted. While not highly stylized or literary prose, their story was a quick and enjoyable read that will leave a smile on the face of any animal lover.
“I met my future husband in a computer programming class. I would like to say that it was love at first sight. But honestly, he irritated me quite a bit and I was not interested in him at all as a potential partner.”
“We had never had goats before and thought that rescuing one was a good thing… After a few weeks, she regained her strength and became a bossy little handful of horned stubbornness.”
My Review:
I rarely – meaning never – read nonfiction for pleasure, as I do far too much of that on the job and want to spend my off hours reading for entertainment. However, I don’t recall ever reading a more simply written and entertaining non-fiction accounting or memoir in my long and varied life. The Molteni’s are a successful professional couple who decide to retire early from the IT sector and establish a “Hobby Farm,” which is something I was not aware even existed in the real world. These intelligent and lovely people knew next to nothing about the animals they decided to raise and care for, and dutifully went about researching and studying each species as they took them in. They were soon experts on everything hoof, feather, and fur related. They amassed a veritable Noah’s Ark as they deemed the best course of action to slowly start with two of everything. However, given their willingness and soft hearts, they seem to have a hidden knack for selecting special needs animals. Each addition to their menagerie was quickly found to have a unique problem or issue that required special or additional accommodation, modification, research, treatment, and or handling. Their veterinarian probably put his children through college or bought a vacation home from their fees alone.
Despite their best efforts and good intentions, they were never able to obtain milk from the cows they hoped would provide them with dairy products. They also dealt with a lonely goat with an attitude who demanded an intimate dining experience, a grieving pig, quackless and runaway ducks, a quarantined and confused turkey, and hearing impaired bunnies. I particularly enjoyed the accompanying pictures and maxims at the end of each chapter, summing up the lesson learned from each species adopted. While not highly stylized or literary prose, their story was a quick and enjoyable read that will leave a smile on the face of any animal lover.
July 29, 2015
A good book if you're looking for a short read, written memoir style, about someone who started a hobby farm.
Read
October 7, 2015I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.
I.T. Geek is a short memoir about escaping the never ending rat race of the corporate world, for an idyllic life on the farm. Or so that’s what the author originally thought. Although it is a quick read, Molteni manages to pack in a dozen life lessons gained through this experience. She starts off with an overview of how she went from a computer IT geek, to retiring early and buying a 15 acre farm for cows, pigs, goats and poultry.
She touches on many fundamental ideas central to human life and happiness. Pursuing money versus happiness. Setting priorities and what comes first, career, family or your dreams? Each chapter ends with a 1 sentence summary of the lesson she learned.
Here is a quick synopsis that was sent to me along with this book to review from After Dark Reading Nook.
Have you ever wanted to ditch the nine-to-five job and move as far away as possible from the rat race? Have you ever just wanted peace and quiet in a rural setting away from the sprawl of suburbia? Have you found yourself daydreaming about pasture lands and farm animals on a daily basis?
That’s exactly what the author found herself contemplating – more often then not – while working at a high tech job in Seattle.
With her husband 3,000 miles away in Florida and the passing of her father, she knew it was time to make some serious changes in her life. She was ready for an adventure, but little did she know what lay in store for her at the ‘fixer upper’ farmhouse she and her husband would soon become the owners of.
S.A. Molteni has spent over thirty years in the Information Technology field working for various Fortune 500 companies. During those years, she and her husband had always dreamed of living on a farm once they became retired from the rat race.
This collection of essays follows the author in her sometimes humorous transition from “I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak” and depicts the lessons that are learned along the way once farm animals become a large part of her life.
I am sure many Americans have had these exact thoughts. Too many of us are going to a job we hate and dreaming of what we would do if we had the chance to start all over again. This book resounded with me personally as I am currently going through a bit of a crisis like this. I just about loathe going to my job every week and we recently bought a 25 acre farm. Along with the land and the animals comes a big learning curve and many responsibilities. I am hoping to somehow turn the farm into my full time job at some point. So I was very excited to read this memoir and see what tips I could gain, and see how a fellow hobby farmer made the transition.
I had a difficult time putting together my thoughts for this. There were two ways I could go about reviewing it, as just a reader looking for a short, interesting read. Or, I could look at it through the lends of a fellow animal lover and hobby farmer. I chose the animal lover/farmer perspective, but will include some short thoughts as just a reader at the end.
In my opinion, if you are reaching for this book, then you already have some interest in buying a farm or farm animals. People may use this as a reference and starting point, and looking for tips on how to get started. From that perspective, I was left disappointed.
I was hoping Molteni would go into greater detail about the particulars of animal husbandry and the day to day workings of the farm. The first half of the book glossed over a lot of this, and made it almost seem too easy of a transition from corporate Seattle to rural Florida. Eventually the second half of the book picked up. At one point the author hits her stride and really describes the gory details involved in this lifestyle (using chains and a winch to help birth a calf). But the first half just seemed…cobbled together and all about how cute the animals were.
A few things stood out to me that I really can’t let go. The lay person with little to no animal husbandry knowledge wouldn’t even notice, but if people are reading this looking to follow in the author’s footsteps, then I have to mention the following events that bothered me.
Molteni explains in one chapter that they got two different types of cows hoping to breed them and milk them. Unfortunately she got one breed, the Angus, that is meant for beef and not dairy. I am confused why she didn’t research what types of breeds are best for milking versus beef.
Next she has a chapter about getting baby chickens. We got our chicks from the same hatchery, and they actually do come in the mail! I wish she had gone in to more detail about the brooder box, managing temperature, socializing the birds etc. Also, I’m not sure why she got bantams for eggs. Bantams are small chickens that lay very small eggs.
Next, they tried to add a farm dog to their menagerie. Molteni and her husband rescued a Border Collie named Jasmine. I’m not sure if they wanted a dog for a general companion, herding or livestock protection. She never really explains. Different breeds are used for different purposes. We have a Great Pyrenees for a livestock guardian, but would never use a herding breed for this purpose. Again this seemed like a lack of research. Border Collies must be brought up with the animals from a young age, something you can easily read about online. At one point the dog scared the cows into a dangerous stampede. Jasmine did not work out and eventually had to be re-homed.
The biggest concern I had with this book was the chapter about the goat Sweet Pea. Now, if you do any research into preparing your farm for goats, the #1 thing you will find is the importance of proper fencing. Sweet Pea had a knack for getting out of the improper fencing, as goats will do. They are notorious for this. The problem got so bad for them, the author taped pvc pipe to the goats horns so she couldn’t stick her head through the fencing. This made me so mad. Just get proper fencing, or don’t get goats if you aren’t set up for them. Instead they tape pvc pipe to the animal and make light about her escaping and leading a rogue band of goats down the road. I don’t find it funny when animals escape into the road. I just don’t get it.
I don’t mean to be too harsh. I don’t doubt she loves and cares for these animals. Other parts of the book she goes into lots of detail about researching and preparing for the animals. So maybe in these chapters she forgot to mention it? I wish she would have at least acknowledged the mistakes she made with the goat and the dog, so that people reading this book don’t try the same thing.
I loved the later chapters with the explanation of bottle feeding the calves and having to medicate and tube feed them. That must be the aspiring vet in me. I just wish all the chapters had been written in the same vein.
Now, when looking at this book from just the average reader perspective, I was still a tad disappointed. It just seemed like the first and second half were disjointed. The first half of the stories really didn’t have much detail. I kept thinking I would get to the good stuff, but before I knew it, the book was almost over. The whole time I was just thinking “where’s the meat?” Where’s the substance? Instead it just kind of seemed like she took a handful of tidbits about her animals and tried to turn them into poignant moments. And some of them really were. The sad circumstances of Half-Calf’s death most certainly deserved it’s own chapter. But the same cannot be said for the first half of the memoir.
Overall, this was a quick (less than 1 Hour) read about a topic near and dear to my heart. I wish there had been more detail and lessons learned specific to mistakes made with the animals. The anecdotes themselves are entertaining, but I’m not sure these stories were best suited for a book, maybe for a blog series. If you are looking for a light, short read about hobby farming then check this out. If you are wanting a more in-depth look at transitioning from corporate to farm life, look elsewhere. S.A. Molteni seems like somebody I would like to get to know and discuss the foibles of starting a hobby farm, but the book unfortunately fell flat in my opinion.
Reviewer: Sarah
April 26, 2015
"You never know what you are capable of until you try."
I.T. Geek to Farm Freak, Leaving High Tech for Greener Pastures by S.A. Molteni is a stunning new release by this down to earth writer. I love her easy writing style, inspirational outlook and great passion she has for her storylines. She knows how to pull her reader in and does so with a gentle kind of humanity that is both touching and uplifting. I would read anything this author puts out because her stories are done with saw raw emotion and a unique style that makes you care about her subjects. And I mean, any of her subjects. Even the turkeys.
There is a comfy feel to this book and the others that makes me want to know more. There is an ease that relaxes and takes you away. This is a genuine gift that not too many writers possess.
I love how the author opens her life to us and learning of her life lessons through her hobby farm; barebones and honest. There is a genuineness that comes across in her writing. It's as if she is talking to YOU and sharing her most secretive moments. She does so with candidness, honesty and vulnerability. There is just something so charming about her ability to articulate her slice of life the way that she does. Somehow she makes her reader feel special while she tells her tale.
I.T. Geek to Farm Freak is a delightful read that both entertained me and took me outside of myself. Still, I could relate on many levels. The human existence is a beautiful thing. Animals included!
The photos are an added bonus, as are the life lessons learned. :-)
Quote ~
As I trotted into the bar with rubber boots caked with mud, the cows, pigs, chickens, ducks and turkeys chattered amongst themselves in anticipation of their evening meal. Excitement filled the air as I readied each dish with a special Christmas Eve treat for each of my furry or feathered friends.
I.T. Geek to Farm Freak, Leaving High Tech for Greener Pastures by S.A. Molteni is a stunning new release by this down to earth writer. I love her easy writing style, inspirational outlook and great passion she has for her storylines. She knows how to pull her reader in and does so with a gentle kind of humanity that is both touching and uplifting. I would read anything this author puts out because her stories are done with saw raw emotion and a unique style that makes you care about her subjects. And I mean, any of her subjects. Even the turkeys.
There is a comfy feel to this book and the others that makes me want to know more. There is an ease that relaxes and takes you away. This is a genuine gift that not too many writers possess.
I love how the author opens her life to us and learning of her life lessons through her hobby farm; barebones and honest. There is a genuineness that comes across in her writing. It's as if she is talking to YOU and sharing her most secretive moments. She does so with candidness, honesty and vulnerability. There is just something so charming about her ability to articulate her slice of life the way that she does. Somehow she makes her reader feel special while she tells her tale.
I.T. Geek to Farm Freak is a delightful read that both entertained me and took me outside of myself. Still, I could relate on many levels. The human existence is a beautiful thing. Animals included!
The photos are an added bonus, as are the life lessons learned. :-)
Quote ~
As I trotted into the bar with rubber boots caked with mud, the cows, pigs, chickens, ducks and turkeys chattered amongst themselves in anticipation of their evening meal. Excitement filled the air as I readied each dish with a special Christmas Eve treat for each of my furry or feathered friends.
August 17, 2015
This short book was inspirational and at the end of every chapter there was a “Life Lesson Learned” i.e., “Follow your dream” “Out of death, life emerges” “Everything happens for a reason,” etc. The author briefly explains how she and her husband went from high-demanding jobs to the farm life. I admire her tenacity and her willingness to research topics on the internet and how she’s not afraid to learn anything new or try anything at least once. Since she has never raised farm animals before, she simply researches the topic online and goes with trial and error and she admits her failures as well as her successes. If you want to go from city life to farm life, this little book could be a start, with practical advice mixed in.
I loved that the author had a name for every animal and I liked that she had photos. I felt a little disconnect, however, with the humans since throughout the entire book, she referenced her husband as simply “my husband” or “hubby.” It would have been nice to have known his name (and I don’t even know the author’s name, unless it’s simply “S.A.”). There was a name for every animal she had or still has. Tom-Tom, the turkey, Porgie and Bess, the pigs, Chai and Latte, the cows, to give you examples.
Overall, it was a pleasant read and I enjoyed meeting all of the animals. I wish her all the best on her farm, and it sounds like there might be more books coming soon.
I loved that the author had a name for every animal and I liked that she had photos. I felt a little disconnect, however, with the humans since throughout the entire book, she referenced her husband as simply “my husband” or “hubby.” It would have been nice to have known his name (and I don’t even know the author’s name, unless it’s simply “S.A.”). There was a name for every animal she had or still has. Tom-Tom, the turkey, Porgie and Bess, the pigs, Chai and Latte, the cows, to give you examples.
Overall, it was a pleasant read and I enjoyed meeting all of the animals. I wish her all the best on her farm, and it sounds like there might be more books coming soon.
September 7, 2015
Hobby farmer is the term I learned from one of S. A. Molteni's other books. That term makes me feel better about what I am about to do. As a vegetarian, moving to an acre and wanting chickens and goats, I feel like I am a betrayer either of 'real' farmers or of fellow vegetarians. I realize I am a newbie or 'greenhorn', but I am not going into this to kill animals, but rather to enjoy my space with them. Ms. Molteni shares how she cares so deeply for her cows, pigs, chickens, and other farm beasts. Her stories are so personal and yet open for others to wander through her worlds.
When I say worlds, it is how this book reflects the title I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak: Leaving High Tech for Greener Pastures. We meet her in her high-pressure job, ride with her as illness takes her elders, then how she and her husband live the farm life. Maybe that doesn't sound all that great to others but I know I felt a lot better the last time I lived as a hobby farmer. There is a great peace living with and caring for animals and they give so much back. Ms. Molteni illustrates this peace and adventure that happens with the furry and feathered friends.
This particular book has some of the stories I have read in her other books but rather than skipping over them I enjoyed the stories again. They are stories that are good for your soul. By the way, this one is only $.99 and I think for a little peaceful time it is well worth it.
When I say worlds, it is how this book reflects the title I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak: Leaving High Tech for Greener Pastures. We meet her in her high-pressure job, ride with her as illness takes her elders, then how she and her husband live the farm life. Maybe that doesn't sound all that great to others but I know I felt a lot better the last time I lived as a hobby farmer. There is a great peace living with and caring for animals and they give so much back. Ms. Molteni illustrates this peace and adventure that happens with the furry and feathered friends.
This particular book has some of the stories I have read in her other books but rather than skipping over them I enjoyed the stories again. They are stories that are good for your soul. By the way, this one is only $.99 and I think for a little peaceful time it is well worth it.
May 31, 2015
A must-read for animal lovers!
While reading this book, I wanted to hug not only the author but her animals as well! When I was a child, I had lots of pets and my classmates would tease me that I lived in a zoo. My pets were my life. And I saw and felt that while reading this book too!
Molteni takes us through life at her hobby farm, into the quirks of her animals (showing their personalities and hilarious antics), and into the workings of her own heart. I laughed out loud, I almost cried, and I desperately want to try a fresh farm egg! I loved this book so much, I didn't want it to end. I also appreciated the photos and life lessons at the end of each chapter. I could imagine a baby calf laying its head on the author's lap, but when I saw the photo, my heart melted.
A feel-good, heartwarming book you will definitely enjoy.
While reading this book, I wanted to hug not only the author but her animals as well! When I was a child, I had lots of pets and my classmates would tease me that I lived in a zoo. My pets were my life. And I saw and felt that while reading this book too!
Molteni takes us through life at her hobby farm, into the quirks of her animals (showing their personalities and hilarious antics), and into the workings of her own heart. I laughed out loud, I almost cried, and I desperately want to try a fresh farm egg! I loved this book so much, I didn't want it to end. I also appreciated the photos and life lessons at the end of each chapter. I could imagine a baby calf laying its head on the author's lap, but when I saw the photo, my heart melted.
A feel-good, heartwarming book you will definitely enjoy.
August 25, 2015
Being an animal lover, I knew I wanted to read this book the moment I saw it. Being a vegetarian, I was a little scared at what I might find inside. Just wasn't sure if we would get to hear experiences about animals who would eventually be put on the dinner table. I'm happy to report that is not the case. I love the way the author writes about the beloved animals that she and her husband put all their time and love into. She speaks of them by name and clearly shows their individuality. Any animal God sends their way is a 'lucky duck' whether they're really a duck or not. I'd already been following this author's Facebook page because she posts about animal topics there. It will be even more fun now. This morning I saw an update posted on 'Tom-Tom' and because I read the book, I know his story and exactly who and what he is.
July 25, 2015
Having enjoyed reading 'Her Name Was Half Calf' I could not resist reading the story of how the author transformed from I.T. Geek to Farm Girl. This story, and the lessons she has, and is still learning about the variety of animals and birds she and her husband look after, make this a very entertaining story.
I personally loved the way that it is written truthfully to enable those who would like to make the transition themselves to get a realistic feel for what it is really like on a farm, and those of us who have followed their dreams like she did, can enjoy the feeling that we are not alone.
Humorous, entertaining, very sad at times, but most of all addictive reading.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I personally loved the way that it is written truthfully to enable those who would like to make the transition themselves to get a realistic feel for what it is really like on a farm, and those of us who have followed their dreams like she did, can enjoy the feeling that we are not alone.
Humorous, entertaining, very sad at times, but most of all addictive reading.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
April 16, 2015
This book's adorable cover and intriguing title drew me in, and the book itself is a solid 4.5 stars. The author's "voice" is friendly and honest and feels like a chat over coffee at her kitchen table. Great collection of short essays detailing the author's journey from corporate America to a hobby farm and including hilarious moments interspersed with poignant heartache. Nice photos enhance each chapter, and each one ends with a pithy "Life's Lesson Learned." I recommend this to anyone who loves animals, has considered leaving the "rat race" for greener pastures, or is looking for a short, sweet nonfiction read.
September 13, 2015
Unique Memoir
S. A. Molteni is one of my favorite writers. She takes me back to my beginnings in rural Kentucky. Through her eyes, I hear the farm animals, smell the wildflowers, and touch soft fur and feathers.
I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak is the great story of how an information technology professional ended up on a farm. The photographs add heart to the story, while her descriptions and animal characters add poignancy. She also offers the great opportunity to check for updates on the Farm Girl Freak FB page, keeping the reader in the “freaky” loop.
S. A. Molteni is one of my favorite writers. She takes me back to my beginnings in rural Kentucky. Through her eyes, I hear the farm animals, smell the wildflowers, and touch soft fur and feathers.
I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak is the great story of how an information technology professional ended up on a farm. The photographs add heart to the story, while her descriptions and animal characters add poignancy. She also offers the great opportunity to check for updates on the Farm Girl Freak FB page, keeping the reader in the “freaky” loop.
October 30, 2015
S.A. Molteni has compiled a lovely collection of personal essays detailing her experiences at beginning a hobby farm. Having just moved to ten acres in the country myself, I found that I identified with. Her writing is smooth, combining factual re-telling with a bit of whimsy and humor. I particularly like the life lesson included after each piece.
Recommended read for anyone, but particularly for those interested in trading a high-tech, city lifestyle for some country / farm living.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Recommended read for anyone, but particularly for those interested in trading a high-tech, city lifestyle for some country / farm living.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2015
This was a fun, laugh-out-loud memoir about a couple of city-slickers who retired early and bought a hobby farm in Florida. You can imagine the struggles they had along a rather steep learning curve! But our intrepid couple persevered and shared many life lessons with us along the way.
September 22, 2015
What a nice way to sit and relax for an hour or so. The stories are very sweet and tell a lot about the Molteni clan, both two and four legged varieties. A hobby farm could be the way to go, if you want a more active lifestyle. It would certainly not be boring!
December 24, 2015
It could be because I'm not that much of a fan of biographies, or it could be because it's meant for younger readers, but, for whatever reason, I wasn't that fond of this book. It included some interesting stories, but it left me wanting.
April 24, 2015
This is a sweet, simply written collection of short stories written by a woman who gave up the hi-tech, urban life to go live on a farm. Humorous and touching, I give it a solid 3.5 stars.
September 2, 2015
Short, interesting writing style.
November 7, 2018
I honestly thought this book would be right up my alley. I live in a rural area and raise animals, and while I'm not involved in I. T. at all I consider myself a bit of a computer geek. So a book that centered on a woman moving from one world to the other seemed like it'd be hilarious and fun. Sadly, this book has almost no laughs, or much of anything else to recommend it. It's pretty much someone's blog, only without anything interesting to make it worth reading.
That's not to say that the author doesn't talk about anything -- she does tell the reader what prompted her and her husband to move from Seattle to rural Florida and take up amateur homesteading. But she does nothing to make the journey compelling, and once they've made the move (which takes up a few chapters at most) the book is simply a litany of various animals they take in, try to raise, and either keep around or lose by some means. And nothing is done to make it interesting -- there's a great deal of humor to be found in animal stories, but she seems uninterested in finding it. The writing is so bland and boring that despite this book being incredibly short, it's a chore to read.
Also, the author and her husband seem hopelessly inept with their animals, to the point that it made this reader twitch in anger. How can you go through life not realizing that ducks can fly? Why would you buy bantam chickens for their eggs or beef cattle for their milk? And why do you continue to feed your ducks bread despite knowing it's not good for them? I'm not terribly surprised that they've lost several of their animals by the time the book is done...
Also, every chapter ends with a life lesson the author wants the reader to take away with them... but most of these are pretty much just common sense, and many are only barely related to the contents of the chapter they follow. Nice try, though...
That's not to say that the author doesn't talk about anything -- she does tell the reader what prompted her and her husband to move from Seattle to rural Florida and take up amateur homesteading. But she does nothing to make the journey compelling, and once they've made the move (which takes up a few chapters at most) the book is simply a litany of various animals they take in, try to raise, and either keep around or lose by some means. And nothing is done to make it interesting -- there's a great deal of humor to be found in animal stories, but she seems uninterested in finding it. The writing is so bland and boring that despite this book being incredibly short, it's a chore to read.
Also, the author and her husband seem hopelessly inept with their animals, to the point that it made this reader twitch in anger. How can you go through life not realizing that ducks can fly? Why would you buy bantam chickens for their eggs or beef cattle for their milk? And why do you continue to feed your ducks bread despite knowing it's not good for them? I'm not terribly surprised that they've lost several of their animals by the time the book is done...
Also, every chapter ends with a life lesson the author wants the reader to take away with them... but most of these are pretty much just common sense, and many are only barely related to the contents of the chapter they follow. Nice try, though...
November 8, 2017
This (thankfully) short book just left me frustrated. While I understand that the author and her husband were completely new to farming, it just seemed like they repeatedly brought animals onto the farm with zero forethought. They wanted cows for milking... but bought beef cattle? They bought bantam chicks... for eggs? Bantams are cute, but very small chickens that lay very small eggs. They were shocked to discover ducks can fly?? And this just went on and on. She says over and over how they had no idea how to care for this animal or that animal and it sounded like any research came after the fact. Gee, we bought these pigs, now what? At least the goat was smart enough to go find herself a better home. And those ducks? She says earlier on how bread is bad for ducks... then toward the end mentions how happy the ducks were to find bread in their feed bucket.
The writing is very simplistic. Chapters are very short and ended with "life lessons" that were not really surprising in any way and just felt gimmicky. I see others actually enjoyed this book. I guess I just expected too much having read a couple well-written city-slicker-turned-farmer accounts in the past.
The writing is very simplistic. Chapters are very short and ended with "life lessons" that were not really surprising in any way and just felt gimmicky. I see others actually enjoyed this book. I guess I just expected too much having read a couple well-written city-slicker-turned-farmer accounts in the past.
October 1, 2019
I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak: Leaving High Tech for Greener Pastures by S.A. Molteni
Liked this story because it's about a woman who marries, had a job in IT in the city and because of their parents failing health they move to the east coast, from the west to care for them.
They buy a lot of land and fix it up with the money they had saved and are able to tend to their parents. Funny how they add an animal a month, it seems and the problems they had learning about them.
It's soon that she has to go back to work to make ends meet but she can work from home-best of both worlds.
Little phrases at the end summaries the chapter. Lots of patience and try and try again til you get it right.
Quite caring as if they are children. Fun book to read.
October 13, 2017
Thought provoking
Loved hearing about farm life. I'm not sure from the description that it is more relaxing than the corporate life! Seems to be very labor intensive. But if that is your dream than maybe it feels more like a labor of love.
Loved hearing about farm life. I'm not sure from the description that it is more relaxing than the corporate life! Seems to be very labor intensive. But if that is your dream than maybe it feels more like a labor of love.
Read
March 2, 2024Beautifully articulated, loved the way she shared her stories, funny yet informative!
Myself being a first timer corporate executive turned small time farmer loved the book even more! Look forward to more such stories 😊
Myself being a first timer corporate executive turned small time farmer loved the book even more! Look forward to more such stories 😊
August 5, 2015
A fun, easy to read collection of essays that chronicle one woman's journey as she makes the change from big city career girl to Florida farmer. The essays are well written, entertaining, and fun to read. Anyone who has ever wondered what life is like on a farm, will enjoy this book. It's also a great choice when you're looking for something light to read.
February 29, 2016
Don't give up
I really liked the quotes at the end of each chapter. I also liked how the husband and wife did not give up on getting more animals, just because one type may not have worked for them. Everyone has challenges in life and when looking back, you can laugh at some of the things that have been done.
I really liked the quotes at the end of each chapter. I also liked how the husband and wife did not give up on getting more animals, just because one type may not have worked for them. Everyone has challenges in life and when looking back, you can laugh at some of the things that have been done.
January 15, 2016
Homesteading
I wanted to read this and have a peak into homesteading and hobby farms. It was not boring..she takes you into her world and experiences , good ,bad, and sometimes sad. Anyone that enjoys or dreams of this lifestyle will love it !
I wanted to read this and have a peak into homesteading and hobby farms. It was not boring..she takes you into her world and experiences , good ,bad, and sometimes sad. Anyone that enjoys or dreams of this lifestyle will love it !
October 27, 2016
Quick read
I choose this in the Read Harder Challenge because I, too, used to work in high-tech and now have a hobby farm, so I thought it might be interesting. Wasn't really. The title is the best thing about it.
I choose this in the Read Harder Challenge because I, too, used to work in high-tech and now have a hobby farm, so I thought it might be interesting. Wasn't really. The title is the best thing about it.
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