Made from Scratch
4 out of 5

I picked up this book for a quick little chapter read to see if I would be interested and didnt put it down until I had read the whole book. Very much in the same vein as Animal, Vegetable, Miracle but without all the peachiness.

Woganrich takes you through her experiences in homesteading and living a simpler life. Each chapter begins with her discussing her adventures, successes, and failures then ends up with mentoring tips. All the stuff you are looking for without all the hours of research.

The chapters can be taken or dismissed depending on your wish to undertake this particular part of your own adventure into homesteading, but I did have to laugh when I came to the one on Dogs as Work Animals. I own Pugs and there is not a single working gene amongst them so that part just wont work for me.

The other chapters on Bees and Chickens are quite interesting and its quite refreshing to read an author in this field that will actually discuss their failures and mentor you to your own successes

Great book and going to her website you can see what she has been up to in the year since.

Share/Like this Review?

This book is outstanding.. I loved every page of it and learned so much. It made me want to run away to the country and begin homesteading. I really appreciate the honesty and simple steps of this book. Anyone, anywhere can begin homesteading by using the encouragement of this book. It's not a fairy tale or dreamy book, it's about the ups and downs of a city girl with great career slowly moving towards her passion of homesteading. I highly recommend this book and I guarantee you won't put it down.

Share/Like this Review?

this book has been a disappointment to ssome extent . i expected a how-to book , but got a memoir and autobiography . although the story is funny and facinating to some extent , its not what i thought it would be . instructions /recipies [ 6 all together ] are limited to non-existant . yes it gives ideas on how to get started , but those ideas are VERY basic . it will get a green beginner/absolute no clue novice started , but dont expect miracles . the best part [ as in most helpful ] of the book are the limited listings of websites , books and other resources in the back of the book . if you are looking for an idea book , how to book this would not be a book for you . if you like some light reading and at the same time get s slight mental nudge to get you interested , it will be a book for you .

Share/Like this Review?

I am a knitting suburbanite who always thought it might be cool to have one of my own fiber animals. I appreciated this book because while it's made me realize that my own angora bunny isn't really the way to go right now, I also am encouraged to plant a container garden. Her style is easy to read, specific and plenty of other references are made available. Jenna also shows you that no matter what your space, time and financial limitations are there are so many things you can do to feel a little more down to earth.

Share/Like this Review?

Made from Scratch is two books in one: it is part memoir and part how-to. Each chapter covers a specific topic, such as raising chickens, sewing, or gardening. The author tells of her experiences learning and practicing those subjects, then gives an overview of what is needed and how to do those things. While the instructional parts are not designed to be comprehensive, they do give a good idea of what financial and time investment will be necessary. Not all of the topics will be practical or appeal to everyone (for example, I cannot imagine my dog pulling a sleigh or carting eggs and vegetables!), but Jenna Woginrich's warm and honest descriptions of her efforts make those chapters worth reading anyway.

I recommend Made from Scratch to anyone who has dreams of homesteading. The reader is sure to find inspiration here, and the author helpfully lists additional books and websites with further information at the back of the book.

Share/Like this Review?

This little gem is half memoir, and half do-it-yourself manual. Author Jenna Woginrich writes with infectious enthusiasm about moving from Pennsylvania to her new home in Idaho, where she discovers the joys of living simply and bring self-sufficient. even though I have little interest in keeping bees, and I view gardening as a spectator sport, the zeal with which she described her pastimes was contagious - I read and enjoyed every word!

Share/Like this Review?

Excellent book. Everything you need to know on how to get a small farm going - even in your backyard! Woginrich covers bee-keeping, chickens, dog-sledding (yes), and even angora rabbits. There is also a chapter about mountain music and much that is said about gardening. Even having mentioned all of that there is still more that this book covers. Plus, the "Research, Son" section contains invaluable website links, book references, and other information. I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars because some of her writing is cheesy (intended to be), but still an awesome book loaded with great information.

Share/Like this Review?

Very informative and humorously written. Very enjoyable read.

Share/Like this Review?