The Forgotten Skills of Self-Sufficiency by Caleb Warnock

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Aug 062012
 

The Forgotten Skills of Self-Sufficiency Used by the Mormon Pioneers

Author: Caleb Warnock

Publisher: Bonneville Books/Cedar Fort

Published Date: August 2011

Softcover; 143 pages

Genre: Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-59955-510-2

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Many people dream of becoming self-reliant during these times of fluctuating prices and uncertain job security. Using truly simple techniques, you can cultivate the pioneer’s independence to provide safety against lost wages, harsh weather, economic recession, and commercial contamination and shortages. Strengthen your family’s self-reliance as you discover anew the joy of homegrown food, thrift, and self-sufficient living.

First Line

“The first fruit of the garden is family. Then knowledge. Then vegetables.”

Review

Just two weeks ago, the residents of Utah celebrated Pioneer Day in honor of the arrival of the Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. I appreciate the hard work and sacrifices these determined people showed throughout their lives. It seems such a shame that so much of their knowledge and work ethic has disappeared over the generations.

I was surprised to read that our ancestors harvested nearly all year long, including during the winter. I am several generations removed from my farming and pioneering ancestors, so I was unaware of several of the aspects of self-sufficiency that the author talks about.

Did you know carrots were originally yellow and purple? I didn’t.

Did you know it’s possible to grow and harvest salad greens in the snow? I can’t wait to try growing some.

In the age of supermarkets and fast food, it would do mankind good to return to a degree of self-sufficiency. In the timeline of history, grocery stores and processed “food products” are brand new concepts. We have become so accustomed to the appearance and taste of the items lining the shelves that it makes one wonder how people lived without Doritos, Oreos, and Diet Coke.

The first half of The Forgotten Skills of Self-Sufficiency covers heirloom plants and seeds, expanding the harvest, and storing the harvest. The author shows several examples of these concepts in his own garden and root cellar. He briefly covers pioneer yeast and bread making, then moves on to how to raise and care for your own chickens for the remainder of the book.

While covering several interesting topics, this book doesn’t get into a lot of specifics of how to do these things and does reference additional material. If you have been feeling the pull toward becoming more self-sufficient and are interested in getting a good overview and general direction, The Forgotten Skills of Self-Sufficiency is a good place to start.

Find The Forgotten Skills of Self-Sufficiency on:

GOODREADS | AMAZON | KINDLE | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

***EDIT***

From author Caleb Warnock (with permission):

“My book, Forgotten Skills of Self-Sufficiency Used by the Mormon Pioneers, was recently reviewed on your site by Shanda. I am grateful that you took the time to do the review. I was astonished, however, to find Shanda saying that there is little instruction for the reader, and that my book instead references readers to other sources. The review also does not mention that this book is a national bestseller. My book is about how we live at our house. Every photo is from our garden. The book is full of instruction for the reader – step by step instructions on hand-pollinating, where to get open pollinated seed, how to tell the difference between male and female blossoms, detailed methods for using pioneer yeast, step-by-step recipes, exactly how to cellar vegetables without a root cellar, and much more. I’m concerned that the review is unfair and misleading and unsupported. Could someone please contact me as soon as possible so we can discuss this?”

From Shanda:

“Hi Caleb,

Thank you for contacting me about your concerns. I can see where you are coming from, though I can assure that I did not say there is “little instruction” or that it “instead” refers readers to other sources. My intention was to say that the book is not an exhaustive resource and it DOES refer readers to other sources. My full intent was to give Forgotten Skills a positive and honest review, and encourage readers who are interested to search out Forgotten Skills first, then follow up with the resources you recommend. I apologize that my review did not come across that way, though I certainly wouldn’t consider my review intentionally unfair, misleading or unsupported. As far as Forgotten Skills being a national bestseller, I didn’t include that information because I didn’t know that it was a national bestseller.

To remedy this situation I will, with your permission, update the review to include your concerns as stated below, as well as my reply to them. I can assure you, though, that I do not waste my time reviewing books that I don’t consider useful or of interest to both me and the LDSWBR blog readers. I specifically requested Forgotten Skills from Cedar Fort for review. It is unfortunate that the wording of my review turned what was intended to be a positive and supportive review into one of concern.

Thank you,

Shanda”

Journey of Honor: A Love Story by Jaclyn M. Hawkes – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews, Special Features
Mar 042011
 

  • Paperback: 214 pages
  • Publisher: Granite Publishing & Distribution (August 3, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1599360594
Disowned, she came to America anyway. Attacked and left pregnant by a vicious mob, she still pressed on. Finally, in spite of being accused of theft by the vilest of her attackers, Giselle tries to remain as upbeat and uncomplaining as a prairie wildflower as she travels on to Zion.Thoroughly disillusioned with the ugliness and cruelty of slavery in the South, Trace Grayson leaves his young medical career to go west, hoping to leave bigotry and hatred behind. He begins taking goods by teamster train to sell in the territories. However, this fourth time across, in July of 1848, he’s stuck in St. Joseph, Missouri, waiting for enough wagons to join the train so that they can leave.Knowing that if they don’t start west soon, they’ll be caught by snow in the mountains, Trace is thrilled when the final wagon signs on. Then, when the beautiful, young Dutch girl traveling with the last wagon is falsely accused of stealing and is detained, the whole trip is jeopardized. Thrown together by circumstance, Trace and Giselle team up to begin to figure out just how to make this epic journey across a continent a success.With a deep sense of honor and an equally strong sense of humor, together they learn to deal with everything except the one trial that neither of them can overcome.

This book is not your typical pioneer story. Even though this is a story based on pioneers heading to Zion and crossing the plains, the book deals more with the characters and their own personal struggles. There are many other facets included in this novel, along with a love story a little bit juicier than those published by the big LDS publishers. Though nothing is vulgar, there is more kissing and snuggling/spooning that a married couple share. There are also some scenes with violent situations.

With the struggles associated with pioneers and their journeys across the plains, there are deaths and struggles portrayed. Along with this, there are many uplifting spiritual experiences that the characters have along the way. LDS principles are discussed and those not familiar with them may be a little lost. I still recommend this book. I truly loved the two main characters Giselle, a member of the LDS church and Trace a non-member. Though they both are proud and don’t always discuss their feelings with each other, they do share a strong love. Both of them are very likable and this story mainly focuses on them and getting to know each other. I also loved Trace’s adopted brother Mose and Giselle’s Grandparents Josiah and Petja. There is a very humorous ongoing sub-story about a Native American brave who “wants” Giselle. I don’t want to tell you more for fear of ruining the plot here.

For those wanting a true historical novel of pioneer journeys may not like this book as much. I classify this book as a romance novel with an LDS historical background. So, you romance lovers will find a great read in Journey of Honor.

Here is the purchase link: http://www.amazon.com/Journey-Honor-Jaclyn-M-Hawkes/dp/1599360594/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1298932933&sr=8-2
I was given a review copy of this book by the publisher. In no way did this influence the review that was given.


These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Hillary's Reviews
Apr 072010
 

Hello Friends- It’s me Hillary-

This week, I finally read a book that was loaned to me way too long ago to mention (sorry Jessica!!!). I read “These is My Words”, by Nancy E. Turner. This is one of those rare cases where I did actually judge the book by the cover, and the inside cover, and was still in no hurry. So, when I finally looked at this book, looking back at me, and the guilt of having it for so long, I picked it up. It took about 20 pages or so before I was glued, but once I was glued, I was glued. This book is fantastic!

The story is inspired by real family events, introducing us to an amazing person who is Sarah Prine. The novel takes place between 1881 through 1901 starting in Oregon and finishes off in New Mexico.

The novel is unique because it is written in the format of a journal. However, for the most part, it doesn’t read much like a journal. The story tells of Sarah’s family chosing to move from the Oregon area to New Mexico via wagons, foot and horseback. Sarah is the only girl of 5 children, having had one sister die not long after birth. The trail starts out with excitment and fun, however as time passes, we soon read of the heartache from family being killed by attacking Indians, attacking illness and the pain of men with bad intentions. When they reach one of the forts, they are further accompanied by a troup from the army that helps to protect and guide them the remainder of the trek. Though there is much pain, there is also much hope, as Sarah’s dear friend marries her brother, and Sarah begins feelings of innocent, young love.

When they reach their destination, life does not suddenly become easy, as they are still in Indian territory, still have criminals that wander from home to home, seeking innocence, and there is still the pang of death.

As all of this is going on, we learn that Sarah Prine is no ordinary woman. She is fiercly independent, strong, caring and overall an amazing woman. The book is not without humor, as in one instance, she is headed to the new bank to deposit money she has earned on her own.

“I went to one of the [teller] windows and introduced myself, and after I told the man what I wanted to do, he had the gall to sniff in my face and tell me to let my husband handle my money and not trouble myself with the confusion of it all.”

“Oh, I said, how confusing is it? If it makes you confused I surely don’t want this bank holding my five hundred dollars. Well, he perked right up and said, five hundred dollars? Mrs. Elliot, I believe we can be of service to you after all…

we offer one point nine percent interest, annually, he said.”

“I stood up. Well, I told him, I can turn this around in supplies and stock and see about twenty-five percent on cattle as long as there is no drought, and a hundred and fifty percent on soap, more if there is a drought. It’s a little at a time, but it comes right in steady as a clock. In case that’s confusing to you, Mister, it’s called profit.” and up she left. Gotta love gumption!

And seriously how often do we, as “modern” women feel this same way:

“All day long I was at wit’s end alone with these children, and just barely heated up some scraps of beef from yesterday…to make a stew, when here comes Jack (her hubby) and some other soilder I don’t even know as company for dinner, and on top of that asked me to cut his hair and draw him a bath as he was too tired to haul the water.” (the soldier took one look at her and politely excused himself) “When he left, I turned to Jack Elliot and said “If you are too tired to haul water, you are too tired to bathe in it, and I am fit to be tied. Your supper is on the stove…and April has lost the scissors under the house through a crack in the floor so there will be no haircut tonight. If that don’t please you, then I will put on a uniform and ride out of here tomorrow morning and chase around the countryside and you can wear this apron and tend these crying chidren and this drafty house from dark to dark and then tell me you think I should haul you a bath.”

My kind of woman.

There is definite cause that this book has won awards. I would recommend it even for the reader who does not enjoy a pioneer story as it has less to do with the pioneers and more to do with just Sarah. I highly recommend it!

ftc fyi- borrowed for a looonnng time- but gave it back yesterday.