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Living Off the Grid: What to Expect While Living the Life of Ultimate Freedom and Tranquility
Set aside any worries that living off the grid means a life without comfort and convenience or that it will be too challenging for you and your family to handle. Author Gary Collins literally wrote the book on how to transition to a life off the grid. After almost a decade of walking the walk, he's sharing his successes and failures alike so you can live the simple life without missing out on creature comforts. You'll find a comprehensive rundown of what this unique
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
152 pages, Paperback
Published January 4, 2019
About the author
Gary Collins
11 books35 followersGary Collins has a very interesting and unique background that includes military intelligence, Special Agent for the U.S. State Department Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Collins’ background and expert knowledge brings a much-needed perspective to today’s areas of simple living, health, nutrition, entrepreneurship, self-help and being more self-reliant. He holds an AS degree in Exercise Science, BS in Criminal Justice, and MS in Forensic Science.
Gary was raised in the High Desert at the basin of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in a rural part of California. He now lives off-the-grid part of the year in a remote area of NE Washington State, and the other part of year exploring in his travel trailer with his trusty black lab Barney.
He enjoyed, and considers himself lucky to have grown up in a very small town experiencing fishing, hunting, and anything outdoors from a very young age. He has been involved in organized sports, nutrition, and fitness for almost four decades. He is also an active follower and teacher of what he calls “life simplification.” He often says:
“Today we’re bombarded by too much stress, not enough time for personal fulfillment, and failing to take care of our health… there has to be a better way!”
In addition to being a best selling author, he has taught at the University College level, consulted and trained college level athletes, and been interviewed for his expertise on various subjects by CBS Sports, Coast to Coast AM, The RT Network, and FOX News to name a few.
His website www.thesimplelifenow.com, and The Simple Life book series (his total lifestyle reboot), blows the lid off of conventional life and wellness expectations, and is considered essential for every person seeking a simpler, and happier life.
Gary was raised in the High Desert at the basin of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in a rural part of California. He now lives off-the-grid part of the year in a remote area of NE Washington State, and the other part of year exploring in his travel trailer with his trusty black lab Barney.
He enjoyed, and considers himself lucky to have grown up in a very small town experiencing fishing, hunting, and anything outdoors from a very young age. He has been involved in organized sports, nutrition, and fitness for almost four decades. He is also an active follower and teacher of what he calls “life simplification.” He often says:
“Today we’re bombarded by too much stress, not enough time for personal fulfillment, and failing to take care of our health… there has to be a better way!”
In addition to being a best selling author, he has taught at the University College level, consulted and trained college level athletes, and been interviewed for his expertise on various subjects by CBS Sports, Coast to Coast AM, The RT Network, and FOX News to name a few.
His website www.thesimplelifenow.com, and The Simple Life book series (his total lifestyle reboot), blows the lid off of conventional life and wellness expectations, and is considered essential for every person seeking a simpler, and happier life.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 2, 2022
Part of me thinks that it would be good to unhook from all of the trappings of city life, but realistically that isn't ever going to happen, and though this book is overly simple and not great writing, it did help me to acknowledge that this is a choice that isn't for me. Mr. Collins' definition of "off the grid" is no utilities, so solar and wind power, well water, and propane tanks. But he does seem to have an internet connection, presumably by satellite, and his house has modern amenities and appliances driven by his solar and wind power. He doesn't grow his own food, and he's dependent on gas and diesel vehicles to get in and out of his place and to bring in the things that he needs to live. It's really more about how to live comfortably and inexpensively in a remote location and being more self sufficient, than it is about escaping civilization. I do think that I'd enjoy the DIY aspect of it, and I could do with a few less possessions and leaving less of a footprint on the world. But in the end, the real issue for me is my age. I'm healthy, but I'm not getting any younger. And though I'm careful, it's easy to get injured when you are working on major DIY projects out in the country. What if I had a heart attack or a stroke? I'd rather be 10 minutes from a major hospital. And ten years from now as my body continues to slow, I'd probably find the DIY of it a lot less fun. I'm probably better off living my off the grid fantasy in a rented vacation cabin a couple of weeks of the year.
February 11, 2021
You see that quaint image of a modest little log cabin in the woods on the book cover? This is precisely what this book is NOT about. In fact that image of a log cabin surrounded by trees is exactly what the author recommends you not do, as it’s a fire hazard. But hey, whatever helps sell copies...
The author is a single white dude with significant upfront capital, who spends $50k on a truck and then goes around preaching that “anyone can go off grid”. Yes there are other people with kids and different circumstances going off grid, but I’d rather hear it from them first hand. It’s interesting that there is no mention of food production potential or rainwater harvesting, but I don’t think long term sustainability is part of the author’s view… it’s more akin to looking out for number one as the world crumbles around us.
When you get right down to it, this is actually a blog in book format. By that I mean it’s written in a very familiar and personal style (“as some of you already know about me…”), there are large swaths of autobiography, it’s been heavily marketed and the marketing doesn’t end once you pick up the book.
In fact, I’ve never seen this much cross-selling in a book before... the author is literally plugging one of his other books in every single chapter, and there’s hardly enough substance in this book to make me finish it, let alone seek his other works.
If a professional book editor got a hold of this, you could basically whittle it all down to just the top 10 lessons learned in chapter 15 - which are right on point for anyone looking to go off grid. But stretching that into a whole book and putting a price tag on it? Such is life in the era of hyper-marketing...
The author is a single white dude with significant upfront capital, who spends $50k on a truck and then goes around preaching that “anyone can go off grid”. Yes there are other people with kids and different circumstances going off grid, but I’d rather hear it from them first hand. It’s interesting that there is no mention of food production potential or rainwater harvesting, but I don’t think long term sustainability is part of the author’s view… it’s more akin to looking out for number one as the world crumbles around us.
When you get right down to it, this is actually a blog in book format. By that I mean it’s written in a very familiar and personal style (“as some of you already know about me…”), there are large swaths of autobiography, it’s been heavily marketed and the marketing doesn’t end once you pick up the book.
In fact, I’ve never seen this much cross-selling in a book before... the author is literally plugging one of his other books in every single chapter, and there’s hardly enough substance in this book to make me finish it, let alone seek his other works.
If a professional book editor got a hold of this, you could basically whittle it all down to just the top 10 lessons learned in chapter 15 - which are right on point for anyone looking to go off grid. But stretching that into a whole book and putting a price tag on it? Such is life in the era of hyper-marketing...
June 25, 2019
This isn't a book, it's a fishing expedition
Gary Collins is a self-preclaimed expert on off-grid living, an author, and an entrepreneur. Unfortunately, this book provides more evidence to back up the latter two claims than the first one. Several chapters of his evaluation of different types of RVs, a recommendation for a fire-resistant building material, several cautionary anecdotes on dealing with trespassers (from a man who, admittedly, is always armed) and suggested strategies regarding power supplies and energy sources are interspersed with continual mentions of his other books, recommendations to read his other books, references to topics discussed in his other books... You get my drift. I'm female, Medicare-aged, and the parent/guardian/caretaker to a severely multiply disabled young woman who requires total care 24/7. Off grid is my holy grail, because my itty-bitty pension and her minuscule disability income are all we've got in this ever-more-expensive world. I can't afford the ever-upward spiraling costs of food, housing, utilities, medical care, and interest on debt. Going off-grid is what might insuslate my family from the future - but I sure as heck won't be able to accomplish it Gary's way. Fortunately for me, there are others out there with valuable - and alternative - examples for me to follow. And I'm ever so grateful that I received an ARC copy of this book, because I didn't waste my money on it. I congratulate Gary on the achievement of his dream, and the success of his business ventures, but I will look elsewhere for guidance on going off-grid.
Gary Collins is a self-preclaimed expert on off-grid living, an author, and an entrepreneur. Unfortunately, this book provides more evidence to back up the latter two claims than the first one. Several chapters of his evaluation of different types of RVs, a recommendation for a fire-resistant building material, several cautionary anecdotes on dealing with trespassers (from a man who, admittedly, is always armed) and suggested strategies regarding power supplies and energy sources are interspersed with continual mentions of his other books, recommendations to read his other books, references to topics discussed in his other books... You get my drift. I'm female, Medicare-aged, and the parent/guardian/caretaker to a severely multiply disabled young woman who requires total care 24/7. Off grid is my holy grail, because my itty-bitty pension and her minuscule disability income are all we've got in this ever-more-expensive world. I can't afford the ever-upward spiraling costs of food, housing, utilities, medical care, and interest on debt. Going off-grid is what might insuslate my family from the future - but I sure as heck won't be able to accomplish it Gary's way. Fortunately for me, there are others out there with valuable - and alternative - examples for me to follow. And I'm ever so grateful that I received an ARC copy of this book, because I didn't waste my money on it. I congratulate Gary on the achievement of his dream, and the success of his business ventures, but I will look elsewhere for guidance on going off-grid.
March 26, 2019
I started out being super excited when I read the introduction, and how Gary’s story started. We think a lot alike. I’ve done a couple years of living off grid in my RV, on other people’s properties. I recently bought my own property, but I live in the city at the moment, to save up more cash before heading into my adventure full time. It was a good book, but I’ve already encountered some of the challenges (and have spent the majority of my life in rural areas.) I think this would be the perfect book for someone that always lived in a city, but are considering life off grid.
September 24, 2019
Review: Living Off The Grid
I just finished the book Living Off the Grid What to Expect While Living the Life of Ultimate Freedom and Tranquility by Gary Collins. It is a great book on many levels, and I do recommend reading the information in it. However, far too few people understand what “The Grid” is, and why people long to off of it. This book helps people understand the urge to live off grid, and how to do it in a thrifty but not unreasonable way.
Every “normal” house or apartment is “On a Grid” due to all the electric wires, water, and sewage pipes that are controlled by the city. People pay an electric bill, a water bill, and a sewage bill for every property connected to the grid. We don’t think of this much until something goes “wrong” with our electric or water due to a lightning strike or other disaster forces it to stop working. Yet many people argue even when it is “Working Well” it is not really working long term due to how much pollution gets into our “normal” water supply. Have you asked the people of Flint Michigan how “well” a “normal” system is operating? Many would say not great due to pollution making the water undrinkable. In addition most cities have electric plants that run off of fossil fuel 70% of the time. This is contributing to global warming gasses in the air at a massive rate. If you protest at the plants you may be tossed in jail due to trespassing on private property. What options do you have if you do not want to pay into a system that does not care about the environment? You can try to make choices as much as you can that fund alternative energy consumption. One of these is making a solar house that does not use city powered water and electric, and Gary Collins describes doing this in his book.
I like RV Van (recreational vehicle) travel, and also solar power which gave this book a strong appeal to my interests. Due to their small size RVs are automatically thrifty in energy use while often being sold with solar panels connected to them. Large houses with many rooms often waste electricity in rooms not often used. Collins lives in a large RV as he makes his self-built off-grid house. He describes types of RVs on the market, and their uses. In addition he describes towing vehicles appropriate for many types of RVs. He has worked in building and construction at jobs, and so his tips on how to build and manage sheds for solar batteries are very insightful. He is realistic about mistakes you can make on your journey to owning and suppling an RV or off grid house. It will take money and effort often NOT being the “cheap” way to go.
I cannot say I agree with ALL of the things Collins writes. He is giving information on a very liberal topic yet he is a former military man who is very right-wing conservative in voting views. At one point on page 134 he goes on a bit of a rant about public health. He says people will fail in life owning homes and RVs because all disability comes from the fact that all sick people are sugar addicts, and not taking care of their health with fitness. I teach many children at public schools. Some are legally disabled from birth. This offended me because sugar addiction and gym fitness is NOT the ONE source of all disability, and people need to stop the very common practice of victim-blaming people with health issues! Some problems exist due to birth and genetics not food! A shaming and blaming of disabled people for things they cannot control is torture. This mistake made me dislike the ending of the book. It was an attempt to be helpful that should be far more carefully worded to avoid offense.
However the RV and housing information is sound. If you have been curious about RVs and off grid living this book gives very good starter information. At only 146 pages it is a quick read, and it is told with personal stories in a conversational tone making it entertaining.
I just finished the book Living Off the Grid What to Expect While Living the Life of Ultimate Freedom and Tranquility by Gary Collins. It is a great book on many levels, and I do recommend reading the information in it. However, far too few people understand what “The Grid” is, and why people long to off of it. This book helps people understand the urge to live off grid, and how to do it in a thrifty but not unreasonable way.
Every “normal” house or apartment is “On a Grid” due to all the electric wires, water, and sewage pipes that are controlled by the city. People pay an electric bill, a water bill, and a sewage bill for every property connected to the grid. We don’t think of this much until something goes “wrong” with our electric or water due to a lightning strike or other disaster forces it to stop working. Yet many people argue even when it is “Working Well” it is not really working long term due to how much pollution gets into our “normal” water supply. Have you asked the people of Flint Michigan how “well” a “normal” system is operating? Many would say not great due to pollution making the water undrinkable. In addition most cities have electric plants that run off of fossil fuel 70% of the time. This is contributing to global warming gasses in the air at a massive rate. If you protest at the plants you may be tossed in jail due to trespassing on private property. What options do you have if you do not want to pay into a system that does not care about the environment? You can try to make choices as much as you can that fund alternative energy consumption. One of these is making a solar house that does not use city powered water and electric, and Gary Collins describes doing this in his book.
I like RV Van (recreational vehicle) travel, and also solar power which gave this book a strong appeal to my interests. Due to their small size RVs are automatically thrifty in energy use while often being sold with solar panels connected to them. Large houses with many rooms often waste electricity in rooms not often used. Collins lives in a large RV as he makes his self-built off-grid house. He describes types of RVs on the market, and their uses. In addition he describes towing vehicles appropriate for many types of RVs. He has worked in building and construction at jobs, and so his tips on how to build and manage sheds for solar batteries are very insightful. He is realistic about mistakes you can make on your journey to owning and suppling an RV or off grid house. It will take money and effort often NOT being the “cheap” way to go.
I cannot say I agree with ALL of the things Collins writes. He is giving information on a very liberal topic yet he is a former military man who is very right-wing conservative in voting views. At one point on page 134 he goes on a bit of a rant about public health. He says people will fail in life owning homes and RVs because all disability comes from the fact that all sick people are sugar addicts, and not taking care of their health with fitness. I teach many children at public schools. Some are legally disabled from birth. This offended me because sugar addiction and gym fitness is NOT the ONE source of all disability, and people need to stop the very common practice of victim-blaming people with health issues! Some problems exist due to birth and genetics not food! A shaming and blaming of disabled people for things they cannot control is torture. This mistake made me dislike the ending of the book. It was an attempt to be helpful that should be far more carefully worded to avoid offense.
However the RV and housing information is sound. If you have been curious about RVs and off grid living this book gives very good starter information. At only 146 pages it is a quick read, and it is told with personal stories in a conversational tone making it entertaining.
January 16, 2019
"There has to be a better way..."
I decided to read this book more out of curiosity than any other reason, though I did hope that there might have been some unexpected advice. However, this book is definitely geared more to the U.S. market than the UK although it could appeal to those hoping to establish a mobile lifestyle.
The book contains suggestions, and potential costs involved, of providing an independent water supply, energy provision (solar power, batteries for storage, wind power and geothermal, plus the need for back up generators, the wood burning furnaces that can provide constant hot water and heating were not mentioned), protection from both fire and intruders and how to choose a vehicle powerful enough to pull a mobile housing unit, if that is the lifestyle choice. All coatings are, of course, in dollars and may or may not relate to the UK market. One thing of estimable value, however, is the warning that 'it will cost more than you think it will' and the advice to plan ahead and do things in stages.
As someone who lives on a very small plot of land with several other people in seperate, though ajoined, ready built housing units, and slowly trying to become independent of the grid, and at least partially self sufficient, I can endorse both the satisfaction with the sense of freedom and security that comes with this style of living but also the high costs of setting it in motion.
I decided to read this book more out of curiosity than any other reason, though I did hope that there might have been some unexpected advice. However, this book is definitely geared more to the U.S. market than the UK although it could appeal to those hoping to establish a mobile lifestyle.
The book contains suggestions, and potential costs involved, of providing an independent water supply, energy provision (solar power, batteries for storage, wind power and geothermal, plus the need for back up generators, the wood burning furnaces that can provide constant hot water and heating were not mentioned), protection from both fire and intruders and how to choose a vehicle powerful enough to pull a mobile housing unit, if that is the lifestyle choice. All coatings are, of course, in dollars and may or may not relate to the UK market. One thing of estimable value, however, is the warning that 'it will cost more than you think it will' and the advice to plan ahead and do things in stages.
As someone who lives on a very small plot of land with several other people in seperate, though ajoined, ready built housing units, and slowly trying to become independent of the grid, and at least partially self sufficient, I can endorse both the satisfaction with the sense of freedom and security that comes with this style of living but also the high costs of setting it in motion.
Currently Reading
June 4, 2021Off Grid Living.
Well organized and researched book on How to Live Off Grid. The compelling introduction is flawed by poor writing and editing. One must never make a sentence so long that it turns into a paragraph. This is unfortunate, because the author has done an outstanding job of presenting his case, but the readability is low.
The author provides his audience with essential information to prepare your project to be a success. I liked what he wrote in bold about contracts. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR CONTRACTOR TO BREAK GROUND UNTIL THE BANK HAS ISSUED YOU THE CHECK!
Despite the books' literary drawbacks, I highly recommend it for anyone contemplating off-grid living. As an agricultural expert I have seen a significant increase in using solar panels to run dairies, chicken coops and greenhouses. The newer systems are more efficient and cheaper. Many of these systems are used in home construction as well.
I encourage anyone reading this review to think of ways if not being off grid how they can decrease their dependence on their national power grid.
Well organized and researched book on How to Live Off Grid. The compelling introduction is flawed by poor writing and editing. One must never make a sentence so long that it turns into a paragraph. This is unfortunate, because the author has done an outstanding job of presenting his case, but the readability is low.
The author provides his audience with essential information to prepare your project to be a success. I liked what he wrote in bold about contracts. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR CONTRACTOR TO BREAK GROUND UNTIL THE BANK HAS ISSUED YOU THE CHECK!
Despite the books' literary drawbacks, I highly recommend it for anyone contemplating off-grid living. As an agricultural expert I have seen a significant increase in using solar panels to run dairies, chicken coops and greenhouses. The newer systems are more efficient and cheaper. Many of these systems are used in home construction as well.
I encourage anyone reading this review to think of ways if not being off grid how they can decrease their dependence on their national power grid.
June 25, 2019
Having now read several of this author's books, I am surprised at how much repetition there is between them. Over half of this book is the exact same as his book on living in an RV. There are additional chapters on things like using solar panels, setting up sanitation, and protecting your property. But this really isn't that much more than that other book. Though I have never done it, I would think that living off the grid isn't just about living in a tiny space, getting rid of most of your stuff, and the details like sewage and water. it seems like there could be so much for this author to explore that hasn't been looked at in his other books.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
June 27, 2019
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would give it a rating of 3.5 stars. This book gives a good general overview of aspects to consider in order to live off the grid. This lifestyle is intriguing to me, even though at this stage of life I would not be ready to make this type of change. I learned a lot of helpful information, particularly in the chapters about power for your home, back up generators, and fireproofing. If pursuing this lifestyle, this book is a starting point, and much personal contemplation and research should follow to create the right solution for you.
June 24, 2019
This is yet another invaluable book by author Collins for anyone thinking about living a simpler lifestyle off the grid. As with his other books he gives actual numbers and estimates for costs, what to consider before making the commuttment, some of the downsides, and emphasizes the need for research. He shares his real life experiences so others can learn and hopefully not make the same mistakes and missteps. Highly recommend this book as well as all of the others he has written.
February 26, 2019
A very good starting point for those considering an off the grid life style. Gary tells it like it is, and brings up important considerations, why they are important, and what order you should do whichever plan you decide on. He explains how things function with enough information to get you started on your own research without making decisions for you. I definitely recommend this book.
May 4, 2019
Very informative
May 19, 2019
Love the book
I have it a 4 because of all the great information. Great pros And cons to help you decide if it how you want to go off grid. Lots of sound ideas and examples
I have it a 4 because of all the great information. Great pros And cons to help you decide if it how you want to go off grid. Lots of sound ideas and examples
September 16, 2020
Excellent book and very down-to-earth.
November 4, 2020
Enjoyable reading
I have no intention of living off the tree. I just thought it would be interesting. It hit!! Read it you will enjoy it.
I have no intention of living off the tree. I just thought it would be interesting. It hit!! Read it you will enjoy it.
September 16, 2021
Not all inclusive but it gets the wheels turning. Why are we paying for utilities, again??
August 13, 2022
I bought this on sale and I feel ripped off.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews