Here’s What People Are Saying About
“Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian”

I can tell you that writing and self-publishing a book, especially one that is part memoir and part Christian-agrarian manifesto, requires stubbornness and faith. Even still, as I was putting this book together, there was a part of me that wondered if anyone would like it, let alone take the time to read it.

Well, some time has passed and it appears that those who have taken the time to read the book, have liked it. And, curiously, even those who disagree with some of the things I assert in the book, have still liked it.

I am so very thankful for the following reader comments.

“First off, let me say this book is well worth reading whether you are a seasoned agrarian or someone who wants to understand agrarianism. The essays in this book provide the reader with vivid, wonderful descriptions of the experiences that come with living close to the land... Some people have a gift for communicating with words on paper. Herrick Kimball has that gift. To those who do not understand [why] we are drawn to this kind of life, Herrick explains it in a plain, yet elegant way. Though the book is not an exhaustive explanation of Christian Agrarianism, it does define and defend it in a way that is not “scary and over the top.” It gently teaches the reader enough to make them want more, and is in my opinion an excellent introduction to agrarian thought. Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian deserves a place on every bookshelf. You will be blessed and refreshed as you stroll through the Kimball garden or pull chicken heads off with Herrick. Homeschoolers will also find value in it as a way to teach the little ones “how to write something worth reading.”

Excerpt from a review by Scott Terry at his blog, Homesteader Life. You can read the whole review here.

“Herrick’s writing is not only clear and informative, but often evocative as it lingers lovingly on this or that joyful aspect of rural living.....this book puts a face and voice to Christian agrarianism, casting a vision for the good life that will edify and inspire the reader. The journey to the good life comes with responsibilities and duties, but it comes with joys as well, many of them undeserved. Herrick Kimball writes honestly and directly about these things, and we think you’ll be blessed by what he has written.”

Excerpt from a review by Rick Saenz in the Cumberland Books 2006 catalog

“Those of you who prefer your agrarianism pure and undiluted should be reading Herrick Kimball's new book titled "The Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian". More than a book, this is an intimate portrait of an American life well-lived, a life surprising for its beauty and simplicity. Mr. Kimball believes that agrarianism is not merely an attractive option for some people, but that a return to agrarian values is essential to the restoration of Christian culture. The way back to God is through small homesteads, large families, tight communities, and independence from what he calls the "industrial food providers". Although I differ with him on some of the specifics, to that end I believe he is correct.

Mr. Kimball is a man of conviction and strong opinions, yet the book is not polemical: he sort of charms the reader into accepting his arguments through the noble art of homespun storytelling. Although unfortunately a Protestant, most of the author's religious expression is not incongruous with Catholic belief. There is no danger in reading his most delightful stories aloud to your children (and you will definitely want to do that). He writes as though he were engaging you in conversation, man-to-man, while leaning on his shovel in the garden.

This review by Jeff Culbreath was posted at his blog, Hallowed Ground

“In Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian, which has almost a devotional feel to it, Herrick offers up a sampling of expressive writings on the life of a Christian agrarian: his own, to be specific. Whether it’s sharing his thoughts and observations during a spontaneous lounge among his garden beds, or poking a hard-knuckled finger into the eye of the modern food industry, his words are at times poignant, often profound, and always powerful. These stories made me laugh, cry, and, most importantly, think.”

Excerpt from a review by Emily Darling at her blog, Straining Onward. You can read the whole review here.

“Herrick Kimball has done a whiz-bang job explaining how he has led his family to pursue the good life from an agrarian paradigm, and he makes it clear that his bottom line is to do it all for the glory of God .... Simple and direct, this book of essays is filled with down-home details of how Herrick and his wife Marlene enjoy the blessings of rural life, homeschooling their three sons in upstate New York. It inspires us to get back to basics, chucking the excess baggage of so many modern conveniences which come with strings attached, and learn once more to find joy and productivity in our homes and families.”

This review, by Carmon Friedrich was posted to her blog, Buried Treasure Books

“There are some wonderful spiritual insights in this book—“plain truth” as my Grandma used to say! I have read it through once and am now going through it with a highlighter to note both great agrarian ideas and those spiritual nuggets. I love books that make me think and reassess ideas. This book did that for me...and continues to do so.”

Excerpt from a review by Cheri Shelnutt at her blog, Tennessee Farmgirl. You can read the whole review here.

“I wholeheartedly recommend this collection of wonderfully told stories of a man struggling against the cultural current. His obvious love of his family is especially endearing and the stories in which they are the central characters are his best. He continually praises his wife and is proud of his sons. He is giving them a life that most boys no longer have. We see him shaking Robert’s hand after the boy completes a hard day of putting up hay, then putting down his beloved dog, then sitting with his dying mother. And as a true agrarian he loves his land and the work he invests in it. We can almost see through his eyes as he describes what he sees while laying in his garden. It is clear that his plans won’t fit into his 1.5 acres. But, as a man who loves his place and the God who put him there, he is content where he is. And whatever disagreements I have with his theology I cannot help but admire such a man.”

Excerpt from a review by Jeremy Able at his blog, Living Among Mysteries. You can read the whole review here

“By weaving his faith and practice, his fears and joys, into these earthly realities, he gives us a glimpse into the daily life of a family making the difficult and often snail-paced transition into a Christian agrarian lifestyle. One can feel the emotional journey and relate to the trials he and his wife have undergone in finding their agrarian roots while also establishing them in the lives of their sons. The stories of his grandfather and the humble, down-to-earth role he played in shaping his worldview are truly encouraging. “

Excerpt from a review by Pastor Thomas McConnell at his blog, The Rural Missourian. You can read the whole review here

“... you’ll love this book. It is written in [Herrick’s] typical down-to-earth fashion and is very eloquently done. Makes a person want to dig in the dirt just from reading it.”

Excerpt from a review by Russ Nellis at his blog, Log Cabin Homestead. You can read the whole review here.

“I just finished reading your book this morning. Congratulations, it’s a real gem! I love your writing style, and your Christian anchored epistemology, if not convincing for me, was thought provoking and engaging. You have obviously devoted years of thought to your beliefs and have rendered them and their manifestation in your family’s life in an elegantly simple format that epitomizes your values. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and am in awe of your talent, commitment and exuberance for life.”

Excerpt from an e-mail letter sent by R.W. in Florida

“We have thoroughly enjoyed reading Herrick’s new book as well. Whether or not one is an agrarian, it is a book worth reading for its beauty and inspiration. A father investing in his sons, a family working together, and a man’s simple appreciation for an earthy lifestyle makes for a very capturing read. Thank you, Herrick!”

Excerpt from message #8242, posted by Lisa M at the Yahoo discussion group, Christian Self-Publishing

“After only reading a few essays from your collection in Deliberate Agrarian I realized I was in the presence of a true master of the English language. I place you in the class of Mark Twain.”

Excerpt from a note sent by J. H. in Tennessee

“Wow, the book came yesterday and I read the whole thing last night! Thank you Herrick! .... May God bless you for putting into words what some of us feel about our rural lifestyle...”

Excerpt of an e-mail letter sent by K. B. in Washington

“I remember reading the second story [of the book] when Herrick posted it [to his blog]--and saving it in a Word document to use with writing assignments as an example of fine writing. It was so descriptive and put me right there in Herrick’s garden. I’m looking forward to reading it to the children in a couple of hours.”

Excerpt from a review by Mary Susan Bradshaw and posted at her blog, Allelon Farm

“I have so enjoyed this title that I am rereading it. YES--it’s that good! A MUST read..... it’s absolutely refreshing to find such a GEM of a book!!”

Excerpt from a review by Lisa Barthuly and posted at her blog, Our Little Homestead

“Recently, Herrick published a book entitled “Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian.” Believe me, this book is a gift and sacrifice... The result is a work of art that will feed the soul.”

Excerpt from a review by Christina Fuller and posted at her blog, Kansas Milkmaid

“I just finished the last of the book today. As I am typing this my eyes are still moist from the emotion that I felt when reading about your grandfather. Actually just about every chapter caused me to well up with emotion. Sharing your dreams and realizing how similar they are to mine, did it. Talking about the love you have for your wife and children, did it. The story about your mother, did it. Your disdain for the Moderns and what you are personally doing to better yourself and educate others, did it... You have a gift of story telling. The honesty and transparency you display in your writings is remarkable.”

Excerpt of an e-mail received from H.H. in Washington