A Householder's Guide to the Universe: A Calendar of Basics for the Home and Beyond

by Harriet Fasenfest

Nowadays, “go local,” “organic food,” and “sustainability” are on the tip of everyone's tongue. Harriet Fasenfest's A Householder's Guide to the Universe takes up the banner of progressive homemaking and urban farming as a way to confront the political, social, and environmental issues facing the world. While offering plenty of useful advice on how to do common household chores sustainably, Fasenfest goes deeper to discuss the philosophy of "householding." The book is organized in monthly installments according to season, and the author invites readers into her own home, garden, and kitchen to consider concrete tools for change. Streetwise and poetic, fierce and romantic, the book is more than just a blueprint for escaping the current economic and environmental logjam — it’s also a readable and pithy analysis of how we got there.

Genres: Nonfiction, Gardening, Reference, Food, Cooking, Self Help, How To

260 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2010

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 1 out of 5]

So incredibly disappointed by this book. The practical information seemed good and very useful, but the rest of the book is so laden down with her personal beliefs and anecdotes. MY GOD THE ANECDOTES. It's like you're asking someone about how to can peaches and she keeps going, "Let me tell you about this time I had dinner with my son's girlfriend... well! They met at the methadone clinic and..." OMG STFU I BEG YOU JUST TELL ME ABOUT THE FREAKING PEACHES. I couldn't read more than a chapter or two before I just gave up entirely.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great title. But totally inappropriate for this hodgepodge of home/garden/kitchen info organized by what needs to be done every month of the year by a householder - not a homesteader - in Portland, Oregon. In addition to a lot of political opinions that don't belong in a householder guide book, there's also too much personal family info that belongs in her private diary, to be shared only with her closest confidants, and not the general public.

I did find the author's suggestion of dedicating a refrigerator as a root cellar, and her recipe on page 218 for making pectin from crabapples to be info I can use. Also useful is her food budget on page 85, which shows that growing her own food and storing most of it for future meals reduced the annual cost of fruits and vegetables for her family of 4 to $300, which is a huge savings.

She reminds the reader repeatedly that tending a double city-lot size produce garden and stockpiling the harvest is HARD LABOR, so before you have "the husband" build you a raised bed or 10, know what you're getting yourself into. And why. She does give the reader one great tip - repeatedly - and that is to buy a gardening book for the area of the country you live in or contact your local Tilth or U. Extension agency to learn what to grow, where and how. Now that's advice all gardeners, new and old, should heed.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

For such a thick book, I had hoped that this would offer more than what I consider to be basic information on householding. Instead, it reads more like a personal journal, which is fine, just not what I wanted. I did like the month by month aspect of it, and sometimes her humor appealed to me, like all the nap taking she recommends.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me be perfectly frank and say that I am a member of the choir to whom Fasenfest is preaching. We grow about 70% of our own produce. We have brought home live pigs & geese which later made an appearance on the dinner table. My husband is an unreconstructed back-to-the-lander, farming not only our own land, but the neighbor's plot as well. We buy whole foods in bulk, we preserve, we compost. In short, we embrace the lifestyle that Fasenfest is promoting. She takes it further in this book than I have gone, and the information she imparts is both sane and valuable. There's more than a little philosophizing, and a lot of lovely hands-on practical advice. It's a huge bonus that she's working on her urban farm in my own neck of the woods.

This is a book to have on the shelves, a book to reread every January during the lull in the garden, a book to refer to every couple of months during the crazy harvest season, a book to buy and give as a gift to every young person just starting out.

I'm buying this one, if only for the garden fruitcake recipe and the transcendent passage about the calculus of college for the ordinary kid.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. It has information, plenty of inspiration, as well as witty comments on managing your household. Any book that takes what could be a dry subject and manages to make me laugh out loud is worth delving into. This book gives me hope for my little garden and helps me express my happiness by being the caretaker of my own home and family. Householder's of the world unite! No need to hide in the closet! We ARE valuable. In fact, this world is sorely lacking the tender care of a true Householder.

I finished it, and now I'm rereading it at a slower pace. There's so much to absorb. So much to consider.

We have lost so many skills of past generations--this book gives us help in regaining that knowledge and putting it to use in the 21st century.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fellow Portlander, this book is literally my month by month guide to gardening and storing food. I’m at the beginning of my householder journey and look forward to utilizing her great information and recipes. The author also has a snarky/sarcastic sense of humor which I totally appreciate.

She’s been criticized by others for her anecdotes and spouting her beliefs, but that is where the story is. The genius of story is in why people do what they do, not just in the how. If you only want the how, read the mutha cluckin’ almanac.

[Trace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rather enjoyed this book. I was a bit apprehensive due to some of the negative reviews which seemed to indicate that they were expecting a simple calendar and checklist of things to do. This book is so much more than that - and rightly so. It takes a HUGE mindset shift to leave behind a life of consumerism in order to transition your home to one of production. Most people don't realize how much of a change needs to take place. As one small example - in the month of August, the author talks about how she had to give up her August vacations away from home because this is her largest harvesting month. These are the things newbie gardeners and "householders" (to borrow this term from the book) need to be aware of.

I enjoyed all of the food for thought that she provided each month and it gave me inspiration for structuring my own months throughout the year, as through the lens of a householder.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am working through this book for the second time. I have to confess that I took a class at Harriet's home a bunch of years ago, and appreciated her own approach to a more self-sustaining lifestyle. She was honest about who she was and where she was coming from, and shared what she had learned, generously, with the rest of us.
I was happy to come across this book on my shelf during this time when so many of us are returning to gardening, etc. I understand the criticism that it is a fairly zone specific book. And because of that, I appreciate the timeline from which she thinks/works. I find her ideas helpful and am in complete defense of her use of anecdotes. To remove them would take the art out of the story.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I don't resonate with the re-labeling of homemaker to householder and other philosophical points; I enjoyed the ease of flipping through the essays and recipes... very creative layout. As a newbie aspiring gardener I can already feel the appropriates of segmenting life into a monthly rhythm, which modern life can insulate us from. Enjoyed the vibe, I could see myself coming back to this one.

[Kasandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. There are tons of great tips. And even though we come from very different backgrounds (the author is a city kid, where I grew up on a family farm, left, miss it and am trying to recreate it my suburban setting), i felt like I’d met a real kindred spirit. A fun read especially for the Winter months while waiting for The Spring planting season to begin.

[Kate A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought 2. One for me. And one for a bestie. We both Love it.

[Taylor Kundel-Gower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Radical, practical, and entertaining

[Besha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mommy blog recipes in book form: there’s useful information, but you have to wade through rambling anecdotes and a pull quote every three paragraphs.

[Loni Ivanovskis · Rating 4 out of 5]

the idea of house holding is one everyone can embrace; using the capacity that exists wherever you are to be mindful of what you can grow or make or do without

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping this would be a bit more practical and almanac like. She gets a bit environmentally preachy at times but there is some good information here.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most people aren't householders like the author, for the simple reason that it really is a full-time job (and then some). It's inspiring whilst not ignoring the very hard work. But I know I'm not the only one who wants to do a little bit more. Maybe you already can in-season produce for later, and want to grow your own. Or maybe you've discovered a good local farmer's market and want to know what to do with your find. This book tells you how to plan a garden for your needs, what to plant (and when, and how), when to harvest, and what to do with it once you've got it, whether you want to cook, dry, or can your produce. It even gives advice about finding and getting your own meat (without having to tend your own cows and pigs). It's divided into months, with each month having a section for Home, Garden and Kitchen. Okay, that covers the basic facts.

The reality is that I can see this book in a few years. My copy will have notes scribbled in the copious margin (thank you, publishers, for the good layout), recipe cards and other notes stuck in at various pages, expansions and substitutions written on the recipes, and post-it notes all over the place. It will look battered from use, and I'll never be able to lend it to anyone because I can't do without it.

Later edit
If this sounds wonderful but a little imposing, try a little light foraging as explained in Browsing Nature's Aisles , a very accessible and excellent companion book to this Householder's Guide.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really liked this book. It was written as if the author was a good friend sharing her know how with you. A neighbor whom you are very envious of not for their perfect landscaping but for all the money they are saving by farming their land. The book inspired me to put in some berry bushes In the spring and possibly get a raised bed going to put garlic and other veggies we don't ever seem to get enough of in our CSA shares.

The book left me with many things to think about. I had to renew it several times from the library because I needed a bit after each section to process the information shared to see if it would benefit my life in some way, which a good amount of it did. I would definitely take it out of the library again and possibly buy it for reference throughout the year.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was full of a lot of the info I was looking for: planning a garden, succession gardening, various preserving methods, and how to best plan out your year. I especially love the canning yield chart and the preserving game plan worksheet. I can see myself referring to this throughout the year.

So, why only three stars? I found the author to often be condescending and judgmental. For example, she took a jab at runners for not being in their garden working up a sweat. Apparently gardening and running are mutually exclusive. Who knew? I guess I'll have to put my race plans on hold for next year if I'm going to expand our garden. ;)

*I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Athena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished! Well, I agree with several of the other reviews; this book is great when it's explaining how to do things around the kitchen and garden, but I don't really want to hear about some of the author's crazy ideas on life. Giving it a fairly high rating because it contains good advice about things like canning and processing your own meat.

There were times where I had to force myself to sit and read a few pages, just so I could comfort myself that I would one day be done with it. The book itself is gorgeous and well laid out.

3/9/11 I've won a copy through First Reads and look forward to reading it.

[Marguarite Markley · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I really love about this book is organization by month. Each chapter was dedicated to a month is Harriet's householding life. For example, she writes about how she spends January...in regards to gardening and maintaining her home...and so on...for each month. I loved the personal stories she threw in because they added character and often humor. It is part story...part how-to. My only gripe is that she lives in Oregon, so the gardening season is different from mine. Hey Harriet...if you're reading this...get together with someone in Ohio and write "A Householders Guide to the Universe: Ohio" please!! It would be very helpful!! However, I can put alot of the tips to use. Thanks Harriet!

[Mousy Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book- not to sit and read cover to cover in one sitting but to dip into month by month, as a little reminder of the important things in life.
Obviously, living in another part of the world under very different circumstances, not everything was useful or appropriate to my life but the issues and inspiration work wherever or whoever you are...
I love the diary like dialogue and the seasonality seems absolutely appropriate to the content...
Perhaps one for the dreamers as much as those who already "walk the walk"...now I'm off to investigate green manures appropriate to the North Wales Climate...

[Lia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started the book with a lot of energy and excitement and as the chapters passed, I found myself, much like the author, becoming less enthusiastic and tired, even though I'd not even put in the work of a good harvest. A few things I really liked: the layout of the chapters by month and tasks, the author's snarky humor, and the interesting tidbits she shares about gardening/gleaning in general. I wish more recipes had been included. Also of note, a lot of the information is Pacific Northwest-specific. Being anchored in Pennsylvania would make much of her October and November activities impossible here.

[Bronwyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't as thrilled by this book as I was hoping to be, though it did have a lot of good gardening information and recipes from this Portland, Oregon author.

In a lot of ways, it seemed like a pale imitation of Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, but there didn't seem to be a lot of 'new' information within this book.

As other readers have mentioned, the overall tone of the book was very off-putting and didn't leave me really all that anxious to go on to the next chapter..let alone the garden beds.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main problem I have with these types of books is that they are almost always very location specific. While this book contains lots of great information, it is obviously written for a climate that experiences distinct seasons, i.e. not Texas! Unfortunately, the way it is organized (by what the author does each month) makes it very hard to find the information that you want. All in all, it was too much work to be very helpful for me.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through Good Reads and was so excited to get it in the mail. I love the way the author mixed personal essays and anecdotes with practical advise that we can all use. It's set up as a calendar with month by month advise. I will use this as a go to book for years to come. Whatever month is is you can look up practical things you can do around your house in the garden, kitchen and rest of your house. I will recommend this to other friends interested living a simple lifestyle.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though this book is not what I expected, it is an enjoyable read. Titled "Householders Guide..." I expected tips about running a home, from kitchen & cleaning to decor to finances. That it is not.

Part how to, mostly journal, part philosophical discussion centered around food and growing your own. A section here and there will touch on other householding topics, but I would call this a gardening book - but different. And I like most gardening books.

[Juli Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

not finishing this one--the author's voice is very affected and at times condescending, and it is more autobiography than it is useful handbook. anyone intrigued by the title might actually enjoy Making It, by Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen, which actually does what this book fails to--give real, practical advice about DIY living without all the overly personal crap.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad I read this book. It's full of useful information for anyone wanting to be a "householder" and I have been considering the possibility of putting a garden in my yard so it was perfect timing. I wish it contained more recipes but the information that was there was extremely interesting.

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading books by opinionated women!


ETA: I recently had the opportunity to have lunch with Harriet, so of course I had to re-read this book. It was even better than I remembered! And she said she's working on another book. Yeah!

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

part memoir, part garden/ kitchen book. Not as thorough as I was hoping, but a good read encouraging those to start taking care of feeding themselves rather then relying on current food distribution systems.