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Better Off: Flipping the Switch on Technology by Eric Brende

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I liked this book because it reminded me of when John and i moved to the farm in arkansas. We did a lot of the same things, cooking on a woodstove, cutting wood with a bowsaw, gardening, canning and preserving foods we r aised. We had a milk cow and made butter, cheese and ice cream. we had our own chicken flock and fresh eggs and meat that was pastured and free range in our orchard. We were not unplugged but had minimal technology and read aloud to our girls as we had no TV. I can remember feeling incredibly happy as well as too isolated at times as we didn't have the community of like minded people around us, although there were some back to the landers within the county that we met, and eventually Eric and Beth moved to Bass so we had some friends. Lack of community was the thing that made me the most unhappy with that time and lifestyle.

Back to the book....I thought the young people were pretty naive about a lot of things, but then what young people raised in the city wouldn't be? I was kind of disappointed when they moved back to the city, but at least they tried to maintain their distance from over teching.



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Better Off: Flipping the Switch on Technology by Eric Brende

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked this book okay - didn't love it. The concept was really cool, and my favorite parts were the detailed descriptions of the people they met in the community, and his relationship with his wife. The part about the baby being born was funny and cool and awesome, and I also liked the parts about the gardening and their adventures with the rudimentary technologies, as well as the peace they found in their little rustic home, being so connected with nature - it reminded me of growing up.

However, I didn't care for the writing style. It was dry at times, and kind of jumped around, and wasn't always that entertaining (nothing like Troost!). Also I was so disappointed that (view spoiler)[ they moved back to the city at the end!! (hide spoiler)]

But I am glad I read it, and got some good ideas for my own less technological home I hope to have someday.



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