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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Farm City summary
Novella Carpenter
Brief summary
Farm City by Novella Carpenter is a captivating memoir that chronicles the author's experiences in creating an urban farm in the midst of a rough neighborhood. It's a story of resourcefulness, community, and the joys of growing your own food.
Table of Contents
Farm City
Summary of key ideas
City Farming Adventures
In Farm City, Novella Carpenter takes us on a captivating journey from her humble urban home in Oakland, California, to her self-sustaining farm. This is a unique farm, one that is nestled in the midst of a bustling city, on a vacant lot that she and her partner, Bill, have converted into a thriving green space. Novella's narrative is filled with colorful anecdotes, humorous incidents, and invaluable lessons about urban farming.
It all begins when Novella and Bill move into a derelict property in a rough neighborhood. They start by planting a small garden but soon, their enthusiasm for self-sufficiency leads them to expand their efforts. They begin to raise animals such as chickens, rabbits, ducks, and even pigs, all in their backyard. Their farm, which they affectionately call GhostTown Farm, becomes a beacon of hope in a neighborhood that has long been neglected.
Life on the Farm
As the farm grows, so does the couple's understanding of the challenges and rewards of urban farming. They learn how to manage the animals, deal with predators, and grow an abundance of fruits and vegetables. They also navigate the social dynamics of their neighborhood, where the farm becomes a source of fascination, and sometimes, controversy. They develop a unique relationship with their neighbors, sharing their produce and even their animals, creating a sense of community around their farm.
Novella's storytelling is vivid and honest. She doesn't shy away from the less glamorous aspects of farming, such as the realities of slaughtering animals for food. She describes the process with a mix of practicality and respect, emphasizing the importance of understanding where our food comes from. This raw honesty is a recurring theme in Farm City, as Novella confronts the gritty realities of urban life and farming head-on.
Exploring the City’s Underbelly
Novella takes us on an exploration of the city's underbelly, showing us the hidden abundance within the urban landscape. She forages for food in abandoned lots, dumpster dives for discarded produce, and even hunts for wild animals in the city. Her resourcefulness and willingness to embrace unconventional food sources are inspiring, challenging our perceptions of what is edible and what is not.
The book also delves into the larger issues of food politics and sustainability. Novella raises thought-provoking questions about our disconnected relationship with food, the environmental impact of our food choices, and the potential of urban farming to address food insecurity. She presents these complex issues with a refreshing simplicity, drawing from her personal experiences on GhostTown Farm.
Conclusion: The Power of Urban Farming
As Farm City draws to a close, Novella reflects on the transformative power of urban farming. She has not only managed to feed herself and her partner with the produce from their farm but has also inspired her neighbors to grow their own food. She has demonstrated that even in the heart of the city, a farm can flourish, nurturing not just plants and animals, but also a sense of community and self-reliance.
In conclusion, Farm City is a delightful and thought-provoking memoir that celebrates the resilience of nature and the human spirit. It challenges us to reconsider our relationship with food, to embrace the wildness within the city, and to see the potential for growth and abundance even in the most unlikely places.
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What is Farm City about?
Farm City by Novella Carpenter is a captivating memoir that takes you on a journey to an unconventional urban farm in Oakland, California. Carpenter shares her experiences of transforming an abandoned lot into a thriving garden and raising a variety of animals, all while navigating the challenges and rewards of sustainable living in the city. It's a delightful and thought-provoking read that will inspire you to rethink our relationship with food and the environment.
Farm City Review
Farm City (2009) explores Novella Carpenter's journey of urban farming, showcasing the joys and challenges of growing food in the concrete jungle. Here's why this book is a great read:
- Offering a unique perspective on agriculture, it sheds light on the possibilities of sustainable living even in urban settings.
- The book's humorous and honest narrative captivates readers, blending personal experiences with valuable insights about food production.
- With its mix of quirky characters and unexpected adventures, Farm City proves that farming isn't just for the countryside, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
Who should read Farm City?
Individuals interested in urban farming and sustainable living
Readers who enjoy personal memoirs with a unique and humorous perspective
Those looking for inspiration to start their own small-scale farming or gardening projects
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Farm City FAQs
What is the main message of Farm City?
The main message of Farm City is about urban farming and the connection between food and community.
How long does it take to read Farm City?
Reading Farm City takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is Farm City a good book? Is it worth reading?
Farm City is a captivating read for those interested in sustainable living and unique urban experiences.
Who is the author of Farm City?
The author of Farm City is Novella Carpenter.
What to read after Farm City?
If you're wondering what to read next after Farm City, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fox by Martin Wallen
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- Green Illusions by Ozzie Zehner
- Energy Myths and Realities by Vaclav Smil
- Fukushima by David Lochbaum, Edwin Lyman, Susan Q. Stranahan and the Union of Concerned Scientists
- The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels by Alex Epstein
- Should We Eat Meat? by Vaclav Smil
- Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough and Michael Braungart