Make Your OWN Way: One Family's Story of Breaking the Mold and Achieving Independence in American Agriculture

by Ron Rabou

None of us are exempt from the difficulties that life can sometimes bring. Unforeseen and unfavorable circumstances can change our realities so significantly that our entire being is fundamentally changed forever. What we sometimes fail to understand is that this change can serve as a catalyst that can propel us to heights we never dreamed possible. When we collide with a reality that isn't fair and isn't planned, we are faced with a to either be overcome by our circumstances or to move with purpose and make our own way

178 pages, Paperback

Published August 10, 2020

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had been to a talk that Rabou had given and was impressed enough to purchase one of his books.
The book turned out to not be what I expected.
I was expecting it to be about something like: how he used to farm, the trials and successes of the transition and how he farms now.
It is actually mostly about his breaking with his uncles and from the family ranch. It feels like an attempt by him to explain his perspective of what happened during that time. More specifically to people he knows who may either no longer talk to him or have a different perspective from him.
There are a few nuggets of wisdom scattered here and there. But only for those who have never really thought about farming or ranching as a business, just as something you do because you've always done it.
I don't know that I would actually recommend this book to anyone other than to those who may know the family or the area. It may be good for those who have always done it like "grandpa did" without thinking that change is good. Otherwise, you're probably okay not adding this to your life.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book of dispair, strength, hope, and courage. While specific to farming and ranching, there are broad lessons for all of us -- identify your values because they are your guiding light, identify your life's goals and maintain focus on them, and move on from setbacks -- don't wallow in self-pity and what could have been. The title is right on -- Make Your Own Way -- no one is going to do it for you. If you want encouragement for your painful and difficult situation, read this book.