In the Shadow of Green Man: My Journey from Poverty and Hunger to Food Security and Hope

by Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, Per Andreassen (Editor)

“My parents couldn’t read or write, we barely had clothes to wear. All we had were stories. We listened and absorbed them, and found our own place in the narrative.” And what a narrative it is. Join the wonderfully colorful and poetic Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, or Regi, as he weaves together stories from his upbringing in revolution-torn Guatemala, the vision of a regenerative form of farming which uplifts people, and the wandering fable of the Green Man. The result is an immensely readable, enjoyable journey that informs as it entertains and enlightens. Witnessing firsthand the human suffering caused by unjust and environmentally destructive farming practices set Regi on a path of helping people lift themselves through, of all things, tapping the natural behaviors of the lowly chicken. With the mind of an engineer, the passion of minister, and the depth of a philosopher the author has created not only a wonderful yarn, but a book for our generation asking the questions and providing many of the answers needed by millions. The author is the principal architect of the innovative poultrycentered regenerative agriculture model that is at the heart of Main Street Project’s work. His focus is on the development of multi-level strategies for building regenerative food and agriculture systems that deliver social, economic and ecological benefits.

Genres: Biography

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2017

Reviews

[Leonardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world on the brink of ecological and cultural disaster, some people dare to dream and work for a better future, and Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin is a a dreamer who stand with one foot on that future and another on the ancient traditions of his native Guatemala. Each chapter on this book is comprised of tales from the Green Man (the author's alter-ego/imaginary friend) intertwined with the story of his life. This dialogue manages to provide his real life with a greater-than-mundane-life mystical quality and roots the adventures of Green Man in a very tangible reality. And the life and cultural lesson that this book imparts are much more accesible because the authors' decision to surround very valuable lessons about agriculture (and the damage caused by industrial fertilizers), consummerism, violence, and family within a very charming story make those lessons farm more accesible and believable. One can only hope that Haslett-Marroquin's project for farms that would provide everyone the opportunity to reconnect with the Earth and achieve food security is successful.

[Izzy Bajek · Rating 4 out of 5]

wowowow this book was so good!!! definitely my favorite book i’ve read for class. first of all, the book follows the story of regi, who started peace coffee and now runs a regenerative and sustainable farm just outside of northfield! regi grew up in war-torn guatemala where he often struggled to find food to eat, and i’m so inspired by his hard work and determination to get where he is today. on top of this, the work he does is SO cool. would love to chat with him soon and get a tour of his farm!

regi’s story was also interspersed between stories of ‘the green man,’ which i thought really helped bring the core message of the book to life. absolutely loved it.

4.5/5 stars from me!!! highly recommend to anyone interested in environmental studies (specifically sustainable agriculture). super easy read too!

[Angel Nieto Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is fun, I liked it, but I have a criticism about how the book is written. It almost feels like it's for a gringo reader because it ignores the harsh reality of Guatemala, which you don't understand if you're not from Latin America. I think that without that essence, the book isn't transparent and is more like a book about an "indigenous mystic." Essentially romanticize indigeneity...

[Margaret Jenkins Colangelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!