What do you think?
Rate this book
The Rooted Life: Cultivating Health and Wholeness Through Growing Your Own Food
A permaculture expert and popular YouTube Homesteader shares the skills and the delights of becoming a part of your own food story in this inspiring, accessible, and beautiful invitation to a more abundant, healthy, and connected life.
Have you ever wanted to experiment with growing your own food but didn’t think you had the space, the time, or the knowledge? Justin Rhodes thought the same thing—until after years battling systemic illness and struggling to provide the kind of wholesome food he wanted for his family, he bought a seed packet at the grocery store and was hooked! Justin discovered the miraculous potential and empowerment of working with nature to grow food for his family, and since that discovery, he has shared his self-taught skills with hundreds of thousands of growers via his popular YouTube channel and website. Whether you're looking for greater food security, better health, tastier food, to save or earn money, connect with your food source, this book is for you. If you're looking for a different kind of life—a life focused on health and wellness—take a look down the road less traveled.
Looking for every opportunity to pass his hard-earned knowledge onto others, Justin Rhodes created this inspiring and practical invitation to growing your own food and experiencing a more connected, sustainable lifestyle, no matter where you live or how much space you have. Filled with beautiful and inspiring photographs from the Rhodes’ homestead and chock full of resources, including gardening plans, everything you need to know about raising chickens, tips for how to get your kids involved, and even recipes for how to serve up your home-grown goodness, The Rooted Life provides you with the inspiration, the encouragement, and the practical wisdom that you need to begin the journey to a more rooted life.
Have you ever wanted to experiment with growing your own food but didn’t think you had the space, the time, or the knowledge? Justin Rhodes thought the same thing—until after years battling systemic illness and struggling to provide the kind of wholesome food he wanted for his family, he bought a seed packet at the grocery store and was hooked! Justin discovered the miraculous potential and empowerment of working with nature to grow food for his family, and since that discovery, he has shared his self-taught skills with hundreds of thousands of growers via his popular YouTube channel and website. Whether you're looking for greater food security, better health, tastier food, to save or earn money, connect with your food source, this book is for you. If you're looking for a different kind of life—a life focused on health and wellness—take a look down the road less traveled.
Looking for every opportunity to pass his hard-earned knowledge onto others, Justin Rhodes created this inspiring and practical invitation to growing your own food and experiencing a more connected, sustainable lifestyle, no matter where you live or how much space you have. Filled with beautiful and inspiring photographs from the Rhodes’ homestead and chock full of resources, including gardening plans, everything you need to know about raising chickens, tips for how to get your kids involved, and even recipes for how to serve up your home-grown goodness, The Rooted Life provides you with the inspiration, the encouragement, and the practical wisdom that you need to begin the journey to a more rooted life.
Audiobook
Published March 1, 2022
50 people are currently reading
595 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 10, 2022
Absolutely fantastic!!
I love Justin Rhodes' humble and honest approach to writing this book. He shares his successes, his failures, and so much general, helpful information that I'll have to read it all three times over to even retain half of it!
Definitely a must-have on every homesteader's bookshelf!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I love Justin Rhodes' humble and honest approach to writing this book. He shares his successes, his failures, and so much general, helpful information that I'll have to read it all three times over to even retain half of it!
Definitely a must-have on every homesteader's bookshelf!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 8, 2023
Genres: Nonfiction/Gardening
I loved this one. The author did his own narration of the audio and he was laugh out loud funny as he talked about his entry into a homesteading lifestyle. I appreciated his passion (which was in abundance) - and his desire to help others learn from his mistakes. I read a gardening book yesterday and there was none of that there.
I garden. I start my own seeds. And I have chickens...so not much new here, but this was a fun-listen. He also talked about meat chickens. I've wanted to try that, so after reading this...I just might have to give it a go. This book did make me want to get out and grow or plant something. So 5 star for this one.
I loved this one. The author did his own narration of the audio and he was laugh out loud funny as he talked about his entry into a homesteading lifestyle. I appreciated his passion (which was in abundance) - and his desire to help others learn from his mistakes. I read a gardening book yesterday and there was none of that there.
I garden. I start my own seeds. And I have chickens...so not much new here, but this was a fun-listen. He also talked about meat chickens. I've wanted to try that, so after reading this...I just might have to give it a go. This book did make me want to get out and grow or plant something. So 5 star for this one.
February 14, 2022
4⭐️
I’ve been thinking about homesteading for about 3 years and have watched videos and read a couple of books.
So I was interested in what this book had to offer. I’m from Los Angeles, California and now live in S.C., so I was skeptical about what I could actually do.
Things I learned:
• Grow right outside your front door.
• Grow what you really eat.
• Why am I doing this? Evaluate.
• Grow small and make a plan.
There was so much more in this and a lot of details. He talks about chickens and a new life style. Reminding me of making a simpler life.
I highly recommend this if you want to know more about homesteading.
I chose to listen to this book on audio and the author is the narrator. He did a good job.
Thanks Hackette Audio via NetGalley.
I’ve been thinking about homesteading for about 3 years and have watched videos and read a couple of books.
So I was interested in what this book had to offer. I’m from Los Angeles, California and now live in S.C., so I was skeptical about what I could actually do.
Things I learned:
• Grow right outside your front door.
• Grow what you really eat.
• Why am I doing this? Evaluate.
• Grow small and make a plan.
There was so much more in this and a lot of details. He talks about chickens and a new life style. Reminding me of making a simpler life.
I highly recommend this if you want to know more about homesteading.
I chose to listen to this book on audio and the author is the narrator. He did a good job.
Thanks Hackette Audio via NetGalley.
July 5, 2022
Get rooted in life. This first person perspective from Rhodes explains their family's choice to grow their own food over years of trial and error. This is a good perspective on that trial and error with real world wins and challenges across their homestead. Cheerleading but keeping it real. Beautiful photography.
January 27, 2023
This was a good read with a lot of information I was already familiar with but that reframed some of my ideas and reinspired me toward my hopeful homestead journey.
September 8, 2022
I wasn't familiar with Justin Rhodes until we discovered the Homesteaders of America organization. After the Joel Salatin and Mother Earth News falling out we sided with Joel. We had been going to the MEN fairs for several years (which I found by following Joel), but after that we decided we were done with MEN and happened upon the virtual HOA conference in 2020. We made it out to the in-person conference in 2021 and that's when I discovered Justin Rhodes. After the conference I started following several of the presenters (including the Rhodes family) on social media. We also plan to use his Chickshaw model for when we add egg chickens to our homestead. When I saw he had this book coming out I bought it right away, which is something I rarely do as a librarian. But, this is a great book for the beginner homesteader. It weaves together their personal story with tips on how to grow/raise more of your own food. There are definitely some good tips - the only thing I thought was missing was on sourcing land/property. The Rhodes family is lucky in that his family already owned this 75 acre plot that they can now use/live on. But, not everyone is so lucky so at least a chapter or part of a chapter on finding land/property would be helpful. But, it's a great overview and inspiration if you're looking to start homesteading or maybe up your homesteading game.
March 3, 2022
The Rooted Life has it all. Inspirational photos, guidance on how to grow your own food, and tasty recipes that won’t break the bank. Justin Banks and his family display a candid, easy to understand approach to homesteading.
I’ve owned chickens and dabbled a bit in simple raised gardening, but this gorgeous book has inspired me to dig even deeper. There are helpful ideas on how to get your children involved and numerous strategies and tips to raising chickens and growing wholesome goodness.
If you are even slightly interested in raising chickens or beginning gardening, this is a lovely book to inspire you. And even if you’re not, the hardcover design and gorgeous earthy photos make it a nice coffee table book. ;)
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
I’ve owned chickens and dabbled a bit in simple raised gardening, but this gorgeous book has inspired me to dig even deeper. There are helpful ideas on how to get your children involved and numerous strategies and tips to raising chickens and growing wholesome goodness.
If you are even slightly interested in raising chickens or beginning gardening, this is a lovely book to inspire you. And even if you’re not, the hardcover design and gorgeous earthy photos make it a nice coffee table book. ;)
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
March 9, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
https://stephaniesninthsuitcase.com/2...
Scripture Connection
The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.
Gen. 2:15
…and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you…
1 Thess. 4:11
Spiritual Themes
This is a nonfiction title and was not published as a “Christian” book. However, I do suspect the author is a Christian and he embraces some key Scriptural principles, in his writing:
Stewardship is HUGE. Justin discusses the importance of taking care of our bodies, our families and the land.
There is an entire chapter devoted to family and gardening, in which Justin talks about spending quality time with spouse and children.
Additionally, Justin emphasizes a quiet lifestyle at home, which really echoes the message of 1 Thess. 4:11
Personal Connection
My mom and I refer to our home as MeadowArc. Several years ago, the Lord led us to cultivate our yard as a refuge for animals. My mom has done a ton of research and intense labor and has planted so many distinctive shrubs and trees. The Lord has blessed us with many animal residents in our burgeoning food forest and we’ve also enjoyed the literal fruits of labor.
I haven’t done a lot of research, myself, but Justin Rhodes’ book definitely increased my excitement about what my mom has been doing (and what I’ve been aiding in), at home.
What I Liked
As a writer, Justin is both personable abe engaging. He mentions early on in the book that he wants to be like a kind uncle to the reader: offering advice so that we can learn from his trial and error. I would say that Justin achieves his goal. Although I’m not generally interested in nonfiction, I was impressed with Justin’s style, from the first page. His anecdotes really added a personal flair, while making for interesting reading.
True to the “uncle” promise, Justin’s words are very encouraging. Throughout the book, he urges his readers to just get started with the gardening. He also assured us that things will happen to the crops. Kids will trample the cabbages. Mites will attack the pumpkins— and that is okay. His advice is to plan for those things by planting (25%) more than necessary, and then to let those events inform future endeavors. Based on my own experiences in the garden (we have not-so-fondly nicknamed the gopher Jasper Dale), it is refreshing to read that failure will happen. It’s not the exception, and it doesn’t mean you did something horribly wrong.
Justin consistently refers to his wife as “The Beautiful One.” Isn’t that a lovely way to honor his wife— as set apart from other women and as distinctive from him, in their relationship?
The emphasis on family and simplicity was also so refreshing. It’s such a deviation from the ways of our culture (which Justin is very aware of), but also distinctly biblical.
Overall, the book is extremely practical as a beginner’s guide that covers a lot of topics for those who are interested in homesteading.
Structure
The book consists of ten chapters, which typically begin with an entertaining anecdote. Chapters are seasoned with photographs, including full-page color photos. There is also plenty of practical instruction on a variety of topics, from planting a raised garden bed to raising your own chickens (There are actually three chapters about chickens, so it’s a pretty big focus). Moreover, there is even a nice little collection of recipes using homegrown ingredients.
Chapter topics include “The Winter Harvest Garden” (about growing vegetables for winter), “The Joy of the Harvest” (about harvesting crops) and “Rooted as a Family” (about homesteading as a family).
The end of the book also includes additional book and web resources, as well as appendixes with tables of information (Best Homestead Guides / Garden Spacing Guide).
Content
This is super tiny, but I do recall one joke about Justin “getting lucky” with his wife. (Just in case the little ones pick the book off the coffee table and ask what that means). There may have been a few little jokes like that. Overall, though, this is a family-friendly book.
Recommendation Status
Practical, encouraging and (overall) wholesome, this is a book I’d highly recommend.
https://stephaniesninthsuitcase.com/2...
Scripture Connection
The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.
Gen. 2:15
…and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you…
1 Thess. 4:11
Spiritual Themes
This is a nonfiction title and was not published as a “Christian” book. However, I do suspect the author is a Christian and he embraces some key Scriptural principles, in his writing:
Stewardship is HUGE. Justin discusses the importance of taking care of our bodies, our families and the land.
There is an entire chapter devoted to family and gardening, in which Justin talks about spending quality time with spouse and children.
Additionally, Justin emphasizes a quiet lifestyle at home, which really echoes the message of 1 Thess. 4:11
Personal Connection
My mom and I refer to our home as MeadowArc. Several years ago, the Lord led us to cultivate our yard as a refuge for animals. My mom has done a ton of research and intense labor and has planted so many distinctive shrubs and trees. The Lord has blessed us with many animal residents in our burgeoning food forest and we’ve also enjoyed the literal fruits of labor.
I haven’t done a lot of research, myself, but Justin Rhodes’ book definitely increased my excitement about what my mom has been doing (and what I’ve been aiding in), at home.
What I Liked
As a writer, Justin is both personable abe engaging. He mentions early on in the book that he wants to be like a kind uncle to the reader: offering advice so that we can learn from his trial and error. I would say that Justin achieves his goal. Although I’m not generally interested in nonfiction, I was impressed with Justin’s style, from the first page. His anecdotes really added a personal flair, while making for interesting reading.
True to the “uncle” promise, Justin’s words are very encouraging. Throughout the book, he urges his readers to just get started with the gardening. He also assured us that things will happen to the crops. Kids will trample the cabbages. Mites will attack the pumpkins— and that is okay. His advice is to plan for those things by planting (25%) more than necessary, and then to let those events inform future endeavors. Based on my own experiences in the garden (we have not-so-fondly nicknamed the gopher Jasper Dale), it is refreshing to read that failure will happen. It’s not the exception, and it doesn’t mean you did something horribly wrong.
Justin consistently refers to his wife as “The Beautiful One.” Isn’t that a lovely way to honor his wife— as set apart from other women and as distinctive from him, in their relationship?
The emphasis on family and simplicity was also so refreshing. It’s such a deviation from the ways of our culture (which Justin is very aware of), but also distinctly biblical.
Overall, the book is extremely practical as a beginner’s guide that covers a lot of topics for those who are interested in homesteading.
Structure
The book consists of ten chapters, which typically begin with an entertaining anecdote. Chapters are seasoned with photographs, including full-page color photos. There is also plenty of practical instruction on a variety of topics, from planting a raised garden bed to raising your own chickens (There are actually three chapters about chickens, so it’s a pretty big focus). Moreover, there is even a nice little collection of recipes using homegrown ingredients.
Chapter topics include “The Winter Harvest Garden” (about growing vegetables for winter), “The Joy of the Harvest” (about harvesting crops) and “Rooted as a Family” (about homesteading as a family).
The end of the book also includes additional book and web resources, as well as appendixes with tables of information (Best Homestead Guides / Garden Spacing Guide).
Content
This is super tiny, but I do recall one joke about Justin “getting lucky” with his wife. (Just in case the little ones pick the book off the coffee table and ask what that means). There may have been a few little jokes like that. Overall, though, this is a family-friendly book.
Recommendation Status
Practical, encouraging and (overall) wholesome, this is a book I’d highly recommend.
February 3, 2023
As someone with zero experience homesteading and almost no experience gardening, I give this book all the stars. I feel like so many books in this genre feel intimidating because they are written by experts who sometimes forget what knowledge brand new gardeners/homesteaders have (hint: it's way less than they think). I've often been left feeling confused or even stupid (What in the world is "hardening?" "How EXACTLY do I know when something is ready to harvest?" Etc).
I felt this book was really the author taking me by the hand and showing me how to do things, all the while getting to the heart of WHY I want to do it in the first place. On top of that, the author has struggled with debilitating Lyme disease for years, and so his advice and perspective were so encouraging to me, as I also often feel like I only have a limited number of spoons every day.
Not everything in this book was relevant to me (we have no plans to butcher chickens ever), but all of it was interesting, helpful, and motivating. I also loved his incorporation of permaculture and his familiarity with no dig gardening à la Charles Dowding, my favorite gardener ever. I absolutely loved this book, and plan on both purchasing my own copy and having my husband read it as well, neither of which are things I typically do. Thank you Mr. Rhodes.
I felt this book was really the author taking me by the hand and showing me how to do things, all the while getting to the heart of WHY I want to do it in the first place. On top of that, the author has struggled with debilitating Lyme disease for years, and so his advice and perspective were so encouraging to me, as I also often feel like I only have a limited number of spoons every day.
Not everything in this book was relevant to me (we have no plans to butcher chickens ever), but all of it was interesting, helpful, and motivating. I also loved his incorporation of permaculture and his familiarity with no dig gardening à la Charles Dowding, my favorite gardener ever. I absolutely loved this book, and plan on both purchasing my own copy and having my husband read it as well, neither of which are things I typically do. Thank you Mr. Rhodes.
March 2, 2022
The Rooted Life by Justin Rhodes is a gorgeous book that could be truly inspiring for those who want to grow their own food and live a more sustainable lifestyle that is connected to the land.
The Rooted Life is full of color photos that show beautiful pictures of gardens, chickens, egs, harvesting produce and time spent together as a family enjoying the land. I wasn't familiar with this author before this book but he teaches people to grow their own food through a YouTube channel and his own streaming platform called Abundance. Some of this information may be from those platforms but it is all new to me through this book. If you are new to gardening and raising chickens, there is a lot of step-by-step instructions along with the pictures in this book. There is also a chapter with recipes using garden produce, chicken and/or eggs in them. Everything is up-to-date and helpful for life in our world today. There is also an appendix in the back that shows how much space to leave in garden rows and another page this lists other resources you may want to consult if you want to do some of your own gardening and small scale farming. I highly recommend The Rooted Life if you are just getting started in these areas. I am an experienced gardener but have not raised chickens--yet. I still learned new things through this book and found inspiration for our outdoor space and life.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
The Rooted Life is full of color photos that show beautiful pictures of gardens, chickens, egs, harvesting produce and time spent together as a family enjoying the land. I wasn't familiar with this author before this book but he teaches people to grow their own food through a YouTube channel and his own streaming platform called Abundance. Some of this information may be from those platforms but it is all new to me through this book. If you are new to gardening and raising chickens, there is a lot of step-by-step instructions along with the pictures in this book. There is also a chapter with recipes using garden produce, chicken and/or eggs in them. Everything is up-to-date and helpful for life in our world today. There is also an appendix in the back that shows how much space to leave in garden rows and another page this lists other resources you may want to consult if you want to do some of your own gardening and small scale farming. I highly recommend The Rooted Life if you are just getting started in these areas. I am an experienced gardener but have not raised chickens--yet. I still learned new things through this book and found inspiration for our outdoor space and life.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
February 18, 2022
“That’s one of the key values and benefits of the rooted life: Simply working together. Doing something good side by side,” Justin Rhodes writes in his book, The Rooted Life: Cultivating Health & Wholeness Through Growing Your Own Food.
~ What ~
This two-hundred-and-eight-page hardbound targets those who want to learn how to grow food on their homestead, be it via container, bulletproof, or crop gardens. After a table of contents, the book is divided into ten chapters. It ends with acknowledgments, resources, an appendix, and the author’s biography. Full-color photographs are spread throughout the book.
The first chapter explains how the writer and his family got into growing food on their seventy-five-acre farm in North Carolina and four major obstacles they had to overcome. The second chapter offers four rules to start a garden, while the third has three different types of gardening, followed by a chapter on winter produce. The next three chapters involve raising chickens for eggs or meat and enhancing the soil. Chapter eight has tips about harvesting along with nine recipes. The ninth chapter promotes family involvement, and the final one encourages starting the garden and enjoying staying at home while being active in a community.
~Why ~
This is a unique read that is written more personably than other books on gardening. I appreciate the writer often referring to his wife as the Beautiful One and how he struggled with chronic Lyme disease while establishing their gardens. The sections on locating the garden close to the house and Permaculture were interesting.
~ Why Not ~
Some may not be interested in books that promote living mostly off the land for food. Others may wish there were more illustrations showing plants, beds, and planting techniques. A few may consider the book rudimentary in detail due to its story-like format of personal experiences.
~ Wish ~
Although the photographs were beautiful and detailed, I wish they had visual descriptions of plants instead of many with the family. It would have been nice to include plant growing times, layout suggestions, and an index.
~ Want ~
If you desire to grow your own organic food throughout the year, this is a good gardening book rooted in the basis of working hard together to achieve a nutritious goal.
Thanks to Hachette Book Group, Worthy, and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
~ What ~
This two-hundred-and-eight-page hardbound targets those who want to learn how to grow food on their homestead, be it via container, bulletproof, or crop gardens. After a table of contents, the book is divided into ten chapters. It ends with acknowledgments, resources, an appendix, and the author’s biography. Full-color photographs are spread throughout the book.
The first chapter explains how the writer and his family got into growing food on their seventy-five-acre farm in North Carolina and four major obstacles they had to overcome. The second chapter offers four rules to start a garden, while the third has three different types of gardening, followed by a chapter on winter produce. The next three chapters involve raising chickens for eggs or meat and enhancing the soil. Chapter eight has tips about harvesting along with nine recipes. The ninth chapter promotes family involvement, and the final one encourages starting the garden and enjoying staying at home while being active in a community.
~Why ~
This is a unique read that is written more personably than other books on gardening. I appreciate the writer often referring to his wife as the Beautiful One and how he struggled with chronic Lyme disease while establishing their gardens. The sections on locating the garden close to the house and Permaculture were interesting.
~ Why Not ~
Some may not be interested in books that promote living mostly off the land for food. Others may wish there were more illustrations showing plants, beds, and planting techniques. A few may consider the book rudimentary in detail due to its story-like format of personal experiences.
~ Wish ~
Although the photographs were beautiful and detailed, I wish they had visual descriptions of plants instead of many with the family. It would have been nice to include plant growing times, layout suggestions, and an index.
~ Want ~
If you desire to grow your own organic food throughout the year, this is a good gardening book rooted in the basis of working hard together to achieve a nutritious goal.
Thanks to Hachette Book Group, Worthy, and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
March 20, 2023
I’m a big fan. Practical tips on getting started in homesteading and also a memoir. The pictures in the book are beautiful and I absolutely love the title of this book! Lots of inspiration. JUST PLANT!!!
October 14, 2024
It was great listening to Justin as I've watched so many of his videos over the years!
I really wanna get meat and egg birds now!
I really wanna get meat and egg birds now!
November 4, 2023
I didn't enjoy this as much as I hoped I would. There were definitely a few good tips in there but I felt like it focused too much on very large scale operations which is not really plausible for a vast majority of people, including myself.
Wish it had focused more on what's doable in a more average sized garden space.
Wish it had focused more on what's doable in a more average sized garden space.
May 22, 2022
A perfect book for kicking off the gardening season. This would be a great one for beginner gardeners, but also inspiring for those who’ve been gardening for many years.
November 25, 2022
Used to be a huge fan of the author, but content has gone by the wayside and this book’s tips are not substantiated in practice. Philosophy is sound, but lacks real information.
February 17, 2023
A good read. Interesting insights. Could use more depth. Like most of his work, it feels a little like a sales pitch.
April 23, 2022
In The Rooted Life, Justin Rhodes has written a how to book on how to plant, harvest, and raise chickens and cows. He started his own YouTube channel and own streaming platform, Abundance+. His family lives on a 75-acre family in Asheville, North Carolina. He explained his families’ reasons for planting and growing their own vegetables, fruits, herbs. They also have chicken for eggs and cows for milk. Some of these reasons included: better health, way to earn extra money, having fun, better taste, understanding where your food comes from and you can control the hormones and pesticides. He shared suggestions on how to build different types of gardens such as: container garden, bulletproof garden, raised beds, and crop gardens. He has tons of tips on watering, planting, weeding, dealing with bugs and pests, and harvesting. He discussed tips on how to have a winter garden and how to properly cover them plants from the cold temperatures. He also discussed raising chickens and even using them eventually for meat.
I would recommend this inspiring book to anyone who is looking to begin their own garden and they have no idea where to begin. I liked how he stated that everyone can garden and you can do it with working in whatever area you currently live at even if it’s a small apartment. I immensely loved how he gave tips on watering and how to tell if you’re watering enough or not enough. This book has tons of tips and ideas on all different garden types. I loved how the book included very beautiful pictures of his garden and different angles they used for some of the shots. I also loved the recipes enclosed in this book and I’m curious to try no-crab breakfast casserole. In the book, he also shared how he battle chronic Lyme disease and struggled with having energy, felt tired, and wanted to sleep all the time, and a mentally foggy brain. I immensely connected with this part of his story since I too have had Lyme and struggled to keep working during this difficult season. It was encouraging to see that he shared how he was able to keep milking the cows and taking care of his farm.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”
I would recommend this inspiring book to anyone who is looking to begin their own garden and they have no idea where to begin. I liked how he stated that everyone can garden and you can do it with working in whatever area you currently live at even if it’s a small apartment. I immensely loved how he gave tips on watering and how to tell if you’re watering enough or not enough. This book has tons of tips and ideas on all different garden types. I loved how the book included very beautiful pictures of his garden and different angles they used for some of the shots. I also loved the recipes enclosed in this book and I’m curious to try no-crab breakfast casserole. In the book, he also shared how he battle chronic Lyme disease and struggled with having energy, felt tired, and wanted to sleep all the time, and a mentally foggy brain. I immensely connected with this part of his story since I too have had Lyme and struggled to keep working during this difficult season. It was encouraging to see that he shared how he was able to keep milking the cows and taking care of his farm.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”
April 8, 2023
This book has helpful info for a beginner. I like his writing style—casual and conversational, yet still informative and concise. He includes a lot of humorous personal anecdotes of “what not to do”, making it a very down-to-earth and enjoyable read. His way of explaining things and listing materials/steps makes homesteading seem less daunting for beginners.
I like that he offers a few different options for gardens and chickens so that people with different living spaces can find something that works for their home. I also like how he emphasizes practicality and convenience, making it less intimidating and more doable. I like the permaculture aspect of having everything work together to meet the needs of the other aspects of the homestead. I like the recipes that are included, especially the ones showing what to do with the less common parts of the chicken (head, feet, etc.) so that everything can be used. I like that he emphasizes family and relationships over homesteading.
My only two critiques are minor ones:
1) He mentions doing some things that I’ve seen/read other authors say not to do. For example, feeding chickens potato peels. But since his book is geared for beginners, and is meant to simplify the start-up process without bogging the reader down with too many do’s and don’ts, I don’t see this as a major issue, because as people get more experience they can always access other resources to fine-tune their chickens’ diets.
2) He gives a pep talk to the readers as if everyone has inherited workable land and can quit their jobs to farm their land. I appreciate his sentiment and encouragement, but I also think he seems (in that section of the book) a little oblivious to people having mortgages to pay. But I don’t see it as a major issue because it was still an encouraging and inspirational segment.
Apart from those two critiques I found this book to be insightful, a helpful resource, and an easy, enjoyable read. It was an over-all good book and I would recommend it to other beginners of gardens and chickens. (… 4 stars is actually a good rating from me, as I reserve 5 stars for books that are G.O.A.T.).
I like that he offers a few different options for gardens and chickens so that people with different living spaces can find something that works for their home. I also like how he emphasizes practicality and convenience, making it less intimidating and more doable. I like the permaculture aspect of having everything work together to meet the needs of the other aspects of the homestead. I like the recipes that are included, especially the ones showing what to do with the less common parts of the chicken (head, feet, etc.) so that everything can be used. I like that he emphasizes family and relationships over homesteading.
My only two critiques are minor ones:
1) He mentions doing some things that I’ve seen/read other authors say not to do. For example, feeding chickens potato peels. But since his book is geared for beginners, and is meant to simplify the start-up process without bogging the reader down with too many do’s and don’ts, I don’t see this as a major issue, because as people get more experience they can always access other resources to fine-tune their chickens’ diets.
2) He gives a pep talk to the readers as if everyone has inherited workable land and can quit their jobs to farm their land. I appreciate his sentiment and encouragement, but I also think he seems (in that section of the book) a little oblivious to people having mortgages to pay. But I don’t see it as a major issue because it was still an encouraging and inspirational segment.
Apart from those two critiques I found this book to be insightful, a helpful resource, and an easy, enjoyable read. It was an over-all good book and I would recommend it to other beginners of gardens and chickens. (… 4 stars is actually a good rating from me, as I reserve 5 stars for books that are G.O.A.T.).
May 8, 2022
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2022/05/07/... THANK YOU!
Affordable Organic Eating!
For the sake of his family's health, Justin wanted to eat organic and free-range foods. But he was suffering severe sticker shock every time he bought those things because they were so expensive.
That is when he saw a package of lettuce seeds at the store. When he looked at it, he discovered that for the small price the seeds cost, he would reap bushels of lettuce. That was a life changing moment.
Even though Justin didn't have any gardening experience, he claims it wasn't hard to grow things. As time went on, he has produced more of his own food. He has branched out to raising chickens and other livestock. It is all organic, and Justin declares nothing tastes as good as something fresh from the garden.
The Rhodes have grown things year-round, and often have eaten complete meals containing only things they have produced. Justin chronicles their captivating story, along with easy-to-follow instructions to copy everything he has done. He includes advice about growing extra, selling it, and using that money to eat for free.
Going back to nature, living off the land, these are catch phrases that have been enticing people for years to give the self-sustaining life a chance. But not too many people stay with it because it can be a lot of hard work, sometimes with very little to show for it.
Justin not only thought about this life-style, but did it, and says he has found a way to make it attainable--and he tells you how. This five-star, over-sized book contains beautiful pictures of his family, and their gardens. Enjoy his story, and if it inspires you, start producing your own healthy food. This will appeal to fans of biographies or gardeners, as well as, readers in general.
Hachette Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Rooted Life, for the purpose of review.
Affordable Organic Eating!
For the sake of his family's health, Justin wanted to eat organic and free-range foods. But he was suffering severe sticker shock every time he bought those things because they were so expensive.
That is when he saw a package of lettuce seeds at the store. When he looked at it, he discovered that for the small price the seeds cost, he would reap bushels of lettuce. That was a life changing moment.
Even though Justin didn't have any gardening experience, he claims it wasn't hard to grow things. As time went on, he has produced more of his own food. He has branched out to raising chickens and other livestock. It is all organic, and Justin declares nothing tastes as good as something fresh from the garden.
The Rhodes have grown things year-round, and often have eaten complete meals containing only things they have produced. Justin chronicles their captivating story, along with easy-to-follow instructions to copy everything he has done. He includes advice about growing extra, selling it, and using that money to eat for free.
Going back to nature, living off the land, these are catch phrases that have been enticing people for years to give the self-sustaining life a chance. But not too many people stay with it because it can be a lot of hard work, sometimes with very little to show for it.
Justin not only thought about this life-style, but did it, and says he has found a way to make it attainable--and he tells you how. This five-star, over-sized book contains beautiful pictures of his family, and their gardens. Enjoy his story, and if it inspires you, start producing your own healthy food. This will appeal to fans of biographies or gardeners, as well as, readers in general.
Hachette Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Rooted Life, for the purpose of review.
March 6, 2022
How to Start with tips on integrating Spouse and Children. Amazing Read!
Justin has been on my podcast before and when I read this book I can tell you there is none other like it. You will not find such great tips and help to get started elsewhere the story and real-life examples and failures are in this book. Other books on homesteading read like a manual or academic text and leave out all the real-life experiences that arise when homesteading. Highly recommend The Rooted Life and it also gives you access to how to tap into the community and resources needed to achieve success in your own homesteading journey. If you have no desire to farm or grow your own food this book is full of great stories and insight which makes for a great read to learn how others are doing it outside of the big cities. Justin really knows how to empower through storytelling.
You can find episode 154 of Inside Ideas podcast here:
https://youtu.be/VwJLqcJtmYU
Or check out any of the links below:
https://www.innovatorsmag.com/how-to-...
Justin has been on my podcast before and when I read this book I can tell you there is none other like it. You will not find such great tips and help to get started elsewhere the story and real-life examples and failures are in this book. Other books on homesteading read like a manual or academic text and leave out all the real-life experiences that arise when homesteading. Highly recommend The Rooted Life and it also gives you access to how to tap into the community and resources needed to achieve success in your own homesteading journey. If you have no desire to farm or grow your own food this book is full of great stories and insight which makes for a great read to learn how others are doing it outside of the big cities. Justin really knows how to empower through storytelling.
You can find episode 154 of Inside Ideas podcast here:
https://youtu.be/VwJLqcJtmYU
Or check out any of the links below:
https://www.innovatorsmag.com/how-to-...
April 1, 2022
I really learned a lot from this book. I've read other books about gardening/homesteading and they assumed you understood all there was to know about the subject in the first place. Justin Rhodes made it easy and understandable for us noobs. I am not afraid to make mistakes and Rhodes gave us ideas and help to learn from our mistakes. This family is precious. If you need a book to help you get started, even in your current home situation (mine is in an HOA), to do what you can to feed your family by some good, hard, dirty work. 5/5 stars.
May 20, 2022
This is a good, solid book for a beginning homesteader. I wanted it to be great, but I've honestly read some better ones. Some of the photographs were blurry or out of focus. But the charm of the Rhodes family comes through and Justin's instructions are very simple to follow. He's very thorough. So it would be 4.5 stars if I could do halves. Still in the top level of these sorts of books, just not at the very top.
February 11, 2023
I literally stumbled upon this title while searching for a different book at the library, but was so pleasantly surprised. Justin writes in such a way that it's like you're having a conversation with him. He sort of comes along and, with the help of his family, holds your hand as you begin your endeavor of homesteading - however in-depth you want to go with it. In addition to the content, the photos are gorgeous. This is a book I will revisit!
October 5, 2023
This was an amazing read that I’m glad I stumbled across. Years ago, I used to watch Justin and his family’s YouTube channel to learn more about homesteading and growing your own food. This book perfectly lays out the pros and cons to homesteading, provides instructions for how to successfully grow plant and animal life, and even describes ways to be a better parent and spouse. Awesome book.
Read
September 26, 2024It's a great book for someone starting out their journey to rooted life! I loved practical advice and the ease of language in this book. Will certainly read the author's recommendations but also took action and planted my winter container garden with herbs (we already plant a raised bed of things on our balcony during the summer)!
March 22, 2022
A great introduction guide to start homesteading. Beautiful pictures and layout which is as much a work of art, as the the words themselves. Even if you are an experienced gardener, this should have a place on your bookshelf!
July 12, 2022
Short, clear, and concise! I learned quite a bit about permaculture and starting my own garden. Definitely a book I will want to reference in the future. I listened on audible, so I missed out on the photos. I would consider purchasing a hard copy.
February 13, 2023
This is a beautiful coffee table book AND reference book if you're interested in gardening, raising chickens, or both. I was even pleasantly surprised by a few recipes! The anecdotes are a very sweet peek into a homesteading family's life.
February 27, 2023
This is by far the best modern homesteading book we have read. There is information on all topics in detail, but what really sold me was the honest hardships. When my husband and I got chickens for the first time we lost our entire flock but one to hawks, the next batch we lost half to a disease. Then, it felt like we would never get our first egg, until the day my husband came in so excited. He was never excited about homesteading, but that joy of getting something so small yet so amazing from all our hard work was actually so heartwarming. Now we are moving on to bigger and better things with a passion. With the help from people like Justin Rhodes to help us along the way sharing his failures and successes. I will recommend this book to anyone wanting to start homesteading. It will leave you wanting more of the simple life and the abundance it offers in your life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews