Novella is the author of the best-selling book Farm City. I was required to read this book for one of my classes (History of ecology and environmentalism) and as soon as I saw the cover, and read the description, I was intrigued. It is now safe to say that it's completely ahhhhmazing.
The book tells the tale of a urban farmer (Carpenter) in Oakland, California. Oakland is not exactly what I would picture when I think "urban farm". When I think Oakland, I think riots, weed, and gangs. Well, I also now think pepper spray thanks to the extremely admirable police officers who handled the Occupy Oakland protesters with suuuch class and respect.
Anyways, Novella chose to start an urban farm on an empty plot of land next to her apartment, in the ghetto of Oakland. She meets a variety of characters and ultimately raises bees, vegetables, and livestock (she forms a special bond with her turkeys, Maude and Harold).
Now, Novella is not some random spoiled brat that decides to grow a garden and become environmentally aware because its the "cool" thing to do. She actually cares where her food comes from and how it is produced. Shes rough around the edges, and has a completely addictive personality. She scrapes together money to pay for her farm, goes dumpster diving, and orders livestock that gets delivered in a box by UPS. Additionally, she drinks, is cranky at times, and is no stranger to curse words. But most of all, she is HILARIOUS. I literally could not put this book down. Its such an exceptional and inspiring piece of work.
Novella doesn't sugar coat anything. Growing your own food is not easy, especially when it comes to livestock. But it IS worth it. One thing she emphasizes is that most Americans have no idea where their food is grown or how it is produced, and that is the problem. Not only is it cheaper and healthier to produce your own food, you have the comforting feeling of KNOWING where your food comes from. Urban farming enables you to enjoy raising and producing your own food.
The book is divided into three main sections: Turkey, Rabbit, Pig. She discusses everything from being hesitant about naming her animals, to developing relationships with them, killing them, and through drunken tequila filled nights discovering that she is indeed and urban farmer.
I cannot imagine anyone would pass up reading this book. First of all, it is only 185 pages, and its an easy read. Secondly, if you care at all about your food, or if you just want to have a good laugh, I highly recommend it.
"Land really is the best art." -Andy Warhol
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