Compost after Reading: A Practical Manifesto for Purposeful Decomposition

by Cassandra Marketos

Get started on your composting journey with this practical, accessible, and fun guide to reducing your waste—including this book when you finish reading!

Composting is so much more than just transforming food into soil; it is deeply existential, radical, and soul-opening. And no, it's not just for gardeners. You can compost in a bowl on your kitchen counter, or a bag under your sink, and you can compost things you're told you can't (although there are some things you probably shouldn't). Everyone can compost. And even if you're not going to compost at all, knowing about compost is engaging with a dialogue about zero waste. 

With wry and brilliant writing, ​Cassanda Marketos brings the culture, beauty, community, and philosophy of compost to life in this one-of-a-kind, inventive work of narrative nonfiction that brings compost out of the dark ages and into the contemporary moment. Delightfully philosophical and inviting, it is an accessible guide to everything you need to know about compost, with actionable advice for beginners and experienced composters. You will learn why compost works, where to put your compost, how to pick your compost set up, the basics of decomposition, what to put in a compost pile, where to source your compost materials, and how to build a pile. With insights on what tools to consider, how to deal with odors, insects, and other critters, and transitioning your compost pile for colder weather, find easy-to-follow compost pile designs, tips on composting in small spaces, composting with worms, and how to compost things you're always told you can't (you just need to know how). 

This book has something for everyone, at any stage in their compost journey, and includes edgy, delightful illustrations by the artist Sludge Thunder throughout. And ... it's literally compostable. Read it, follow the advice, and toss it into your compost pile. 

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2026

About the author

Cassandra Marketos is a Los Angeles-based writer, compost practitioner, and community volunteer. She works in her neighborhood to divert food waste from landfills, maintain a community compost hub, and provide education on decay. Her work has appeared at Vielmetter Gallery, where she designed a compost pile from pieces of the gallery itself. You can read her reflections on compost and the philosophical implications of decomposition in her newsletter The Rot, on Substack.

Reviews

[Jana Sankova]

Enjoyed the book, was composting without success, and decided to start again after finishing this book. I like the fact that she makes is simple, easy, and fun. Just dug my hole and starting all over again :-).

Like to help the environment, do not want to waste the resources we are lucky we have, want to save some money for a good and healthy cause (for me and for the planet). Wish me luck :-).

[Alicia Rusthoven]

Never have a read a book where the voice sounds so much like my own. Or perhaps how I aspire to sound! Romantic unbothered and consistently awestruck!! I <3 rotting and decaying

[martyn benny]

Compost after Reading: A Practical Manifesto for Purposeful Decomposition is a wonderfully original blend of practical instruction, environmental philosophy, and joyful storytelling that transforms compost from a simple gardening practice into a powerful way of rethinking our relationship with waste, nature, and the cycles of life.

Cassandra Marketos has written far more than a how-to guide. While the book provides excellent, accessible advice for creating and maintaining compost systems, it also explores composting as a cultural, ecological, and even philosophical practice. The result is a work that is both deeply informative and unexpectedly inspiring.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its welcoming tone. Whether readers live on a large property, in a small apartment, or have never considered composting before, Marketos makes the process feel approachable and achievable. By demonstrating that composting can happen in a bowl on a kitchen counter, beneath a sink, or in a backyard pile, she dismantles the common misconception that sustainable living requires extensive space or specialized knowledge.

The practical guidance is outstanding. From understanding decomposition and choosing the right composting method to troubleshooting odors, insects, seasonal changes, and material selection, every chapter offers useful, realistic advice grounded in experience. Beginners will feel confident getting started, while experienced composters will discover fresh techniques and new ways of thinking about familiar practices.

Equally compelling is the book's celebration of decomposition itself. Rather than viewing decay as something undesirable, Marketos reframes it as an essential creative force that supports biodiversity, soil health, and the continuous renewal of life. This perspective gives the book an emotional and philosophical richness that elevates it far beyond traditional gardening literature.

The writing is witty, engaging, and filled with genuine enthusiasm. Complex ecological ideas are presented with clarity and humor, making the book enjoyable to read while encouraging readers to embrace more sustainable habits without guilt or intimidation.

Compost after Reading is an imaginative, practical, and deeply hopeful book that demonstrates how one of the simplest acts of environmental stewardship can become a meaningful expression of care for our communities and the planet. It is essential reading for gardeners, environmentalists, zero-waste advocates, and anyone interested in creating a more regenerative way of living.

[Annie]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Compost after Reading is a lighthearted but competent tutorial on soil improvement and composting by Cassandra Marketos. Released 17th March 2026 by Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 208 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.

Well written and engaging, the author encourages absolutely everyone (yes, even non-gardeners) to engage meaningfully with the waste we all produce and have a more conscious relationship with what we do with the stuff we throw away.

The book is whimsically illustrated throughout by Sludge Thunder (!! <3) in graytone sketches. There's an appealingly trippy hippy vibe, but a lot of useful philosophical information between the covers. "Manifesto" is an apt descriptor, used on the cover, and the writing reminded me a lot of the earnest political productions from the 60s-70s. There was a sweetly nostalgic Abbie Hoffman spirit with a little whiff of Hunter S. Thompson.

Four and a half stars. We're drowning in our own waste. This would be a good choice for public or secondary school library acquisition, home library, gardening groups, etc.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Kristen Grace]

This book’s cover immediately caught my eye at the library and I am so glad it did. I have been wanting to be an active composter for years, especially after starting a backyard garden. I even bought a tumbler and everything. That tumbler now sits off to the side, forgotten and ignored for a few years now (as my husband so thoughtfully reminded me when he saw me reading this book.) However, the ratio of carbon to nitrogen was always a barrier for me because while we have mountains of food scraps, I never felt like I had enough of anything else to add. It made the whole process feel intimidating because I was just going to do it wrong.

However, this books kind and understanding tone really takes away the mystique of compost and allows you to make mistakes and experiment and muddle your way through things, which really takes the pressure off. I appreciated that, especially when it broke down all the examples of simple, small and almost haphazard ways you can still successfully compost. I felt like even I could at least manage something!

This book is primarily a basic how-to, and it great for someone just starting out. The only thing I wish it had more of was the manifesto and history of composting. I feel like there is more story to be told about how everyone once had to and then one day stopped composting. This book definitely touches on it, but only enough to pique my interest further.

My one regret is that this is a library book and I cannot, in fact, compost it after reading.

[J]

(singing) I've got a jar of diiiirt

Pros:
- this is easily the most accessible book on composting I've read, Marketos does a great job of making it easy to follow and reminding beginners that the only way to learn is to try!
- previous books I've read tend to focus heavily on hot composting and I found this one to be a bit more balanced in terms of offering different composting methods for those who don't really want to tend a pile
- busting composting myths! I really do love how many times she essentially says "it's not that serious, do whatever works for you"
- hacks for how to keep your pile from getting too stinky
- I appreciate her tips for how to not attract animals but I actually want to befriend my neighborhood bears so I'll be doing the exact opposite, thank you

Cons:
- ma'am you cannot suggest people be peeing on their piles and then tell us that you don't use gloves when working with compost, I'm sorry

Overall:
A phenomenal guide for the beginning composter and the only one I've found that I think has actually told me enough where I feel like I can actually start composting at home. Lazy 3 bin method here we come

4.75/5 (yes the quarter star deduction is for the pee)

[Laura]

Compost after Reading is a refreshing and surprisingly expansive take on something many of us think of as purely practical. Cassandra Marketos invites readers to see compost not just as a gardening practice, but as a philosophical and even spiritual way of engaging the world. The writing is witty, thoughtful, and often delightfully unexpected.

What makes this book stand out is its accessibility. Whether you have a backyard, a small apartment, or no intention of composting at all, Marketos makes a compelling case for why understanding decomposition matters. The practical guidance is clear and approachable, with helpful tips for beginners alongside insights that will engage more experienced composters.

This is more than a how-to manual. It’s an invitation to rethink waste, sustainability, and our relationship to the cycles of life. A unique and thought-provoking read for anyone curious about living more intentionally.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book for review.

[Laura]

A charming and competent guide to composting. Makes me feel a little less worried about the occasional (?) possum visits we get to the compost now that our dog is older. The author says that's a great thing. She has a salamander that lives in her bin.

I learned that often when folks are struggling compost, they've put their compost bins in the wrong spot. Either they are too far away and don't get the attention they need or they are in a dark or dry space.

I also learned that earthworms need a little grit so if you're composting in a closed system, you have to give them something gritty.

And I learned that there are specifically designed compost thermometers. I kinda want one.*

*I do not need a compost thermometer.

[Autumn Villeneuve]

i checked this book out from my local library and as someone who is wanting to start a compost pile i found this book so incredibly helpful. it’s jam packed with knowledge without feeling overbearing and it’s filled with such beautiful illustrations it was a treasure to read and i highly recommend it to any compost beginners like myself

[J.T.]

Covers just about everything a novice gardener might want to know about composting in simple and efficient terms. And yes, you can compost the book after reading. Exactly as advertised.

[Reck]

this book was exactly what I needed. not too technical it really makes composting seem achievable no matter where you live. thank you... I think I'm going to give it a try again

[Sarah Little]

Great for learning a lot about how to compost well!

[emily gielshire]

Extremely informative guidebook to composting that’s gist comes down to: try it and see!

[Michael Carter]

Fun exploration of the joys of composting full of helpful tips, sage advice, and practical illustrations.

[Sarah Guldenbrein]

Maybe the best introduction to compost out there? Let It Rot! is the classic, but this is so much more approachable.

[Debbie Aiken]

I’m inspired! I borrowed this from the library but will be buying it to reference later when I develop my compost system. :)

[Jennybeast]

This is great! I’m impressed at how relentlessly positive about decomposition it is, and how wonderfully encouraging. I particularly love that while the message is sometimes repetitive (because there are some basic tenets), the many different examples contribute to a larger picture. Loved it, not 100% composting is for me, but I feel far more confident about trying it.

[Mad]

Compost After Reading is an enthusiastic invitation to the dirt curious to get crafty and get composting. The book anticipates your questions and what ifs. I found a surprise on every page. Accompanied with beautiful illustrations and personal anecdotes, this was an encouraging celebration of all things compost.

[Joseph Hamilton]

If you’ve read one composting book you have read them all; the science doesn’t change from book to book. The title is amplified upon in the final chapter; I would suggest instead donating the book to promote composting awareness.
I have a tumbling compostor; I disagree with her criticisms which are discussed on page 53:

1. Tumbler owners never see or interact with their compost. There is a door I open on my tumbler. I then see my compost and if I wish to turn it with a trowel or pitch fork I can do so although spinning it half a turn to bring the door to the top position and another half a turn after locking it shut is easier.
2. Tumblers tend to get overstuffed. My setup is actually two tumblers. Between them one is being filled and the other is decomposing, being emptied or sitting empty.
3. Tumblers develop odors if the owner can’t eyeball the composition of the material. Mine has never developed a strong or offensive odor. I don’t perseverate about my ratio of brown stuff to green stuff.
4. Tumblers tend to be forgotten about altogether. When the door is frozen shut or there are several inches of snow on the ground, I forget about it until the weather warms up again. At those times I don’t perseverate about kitchen scraps going down the garbage disposal or out in the trash.

I don’t compost with worms because (1) it smells up the room it is in, (2) I don’t like condemning them to death when wintertime comes and (3) setting them free each fall and buying a new batch in the spring is more expensive than letting microorganisms do the work.

It would be nice to see a comprehensive list of organic things bacteria and worms are reluctant to eat. Maybe it’s not really necessary. If I don’t want to eat it, a cork or a corn cob for instance, I’ve found that they turn up their noses at it too.