My Top 3 Books for the Homestead Library | Collaboration | Roots and Refuge Farm

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Byther Farm with Liz Zorab's Collaboration Playlist: • Homestead Library (Col...
Books mentioned above (these are Amazon affiliate links, using these links provides a small commission to our channel at no additional cost to you! Thank you for supporting us!):
Self Sufficiency for the 21st Century: amzn.to/2A5wBxD
Grow for Flavor: amzn.to/2QJsDAa
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: amzn.to/2ydottQ
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[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Hey friends, I had some issues with the audio on these files. I am sorry for the less than standard quality of that on this video. We are traveling for the HOA conference and I was not in a position to reshoot and I wanted to honor the collaboration. Despite the audio issue, I do hope you are able to benefit from the information! Thanks for being such faithful encouragers!

[@wilmagregory8967]

Cant wait now to read, its been a while sense i put down the tablet and read a book. Thanks for the great picks to read and learn from. Much love and peace, blessings.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Thank you Wilma!!

[@shellymcgrew4412]

I love your videos. The book review is an excellent idea. I hope you do them on a regular basis. Not sure if you were referring to the music in the video when you said, "Less than standard quality" but maybe consider not having the music in the background because it competes with all the wonderful info your are giving and is distracting. However, even with the distraction of the music I was completely into the books you recommend. Oh, also maybe consider showing the book more. Lol! Love you and all your unique and inspiring videos!

[@LeahCroghan]

jess we would LOVVVVVE if you made a new video on this. we want to learn- the more books the better!

[@LizZorab]

Thank you for joining the collaboration! It's been so interesting to see the books that others have enjoyed and use regularly. I love the Strawbridge's book, there was an awesome television series of the Strawbridge family moving to and setting up their homestead. I hope you have a wonderful time at HOA. Please hug everyone for me :-)

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Thank you Liz! I am going to have to find that series online! They’ve been a huge inspiration to me through that book over the last several years!

[@melsolomon8256]

LOVE love love Animal, Vegetable, Miracle I just noticed it again on my shelf this weekend. I have not read it in years. It is one of the books that made me want to grow my own Grocery store.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

It’s definitely one for a reread. Especially in those end of summer blahs when all the work of growing food may have you tired. It’s a good reminder of why this is so important.

[@lbsmith83]

I am so glad you recommend having a hard copy of a book and not just on the computer. I love having a book in my hand as opposed to the tablet or phone. Your suggestions are inspiring. I have already ordered a book that was suggested by Wanda from Crazy Dazes and Deep South Homestead. It is a daily devotional bible, after all of it wasn’t for the lord we wouldn’t be gardening at all. Love ya and be safe and have fun on your trip.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Amen and amen!!!! Thank you!

[@abbey5574]

Was the devotional book a bible or just devotionals? Was it garden themed?

[@LittleMountainRanch]

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle was one of the books that inspired me to live the life I am living now. It's been years since I've read it, but I'm definitely going to dust it off now and read it again. Thank you for the reminder.

[@gracesemple2966]

Little Mountain Ranch yes, me too! Barbara Kingsolver is a fantastic author.

[@jannahuntamed3422]

I make my own cook books! I print out or write down recipies i like or want to try, and put them into a binder. Then if i dont like it the paper goes into my compost worm bin! 🤣🤣🤣

[@donnielyday8128]

I have read Ms. Barbara's book and for me it was one that was hard to put down. I really enjoyed it.

[@theclosetmusician1945]

I see a notification of a new video and I click! So happy you're back. Missed you. ❤️❤️❤️

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

I missed y’all ❤️❤️

[@hollyssimplelife1634]

You are so inspirational yourself. I could see you giving a TED talk. But really I can't wait to read one of your books. Please tell me that your writing one!

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

I am actually working on one right now!

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Thank you ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@katjacornucopia]

@@RootsandRefugeFarm oh thank you for the great news! Please, let there be international delivery :) I so enjoy your long videos, so peaceful and gracious.

[@sewspoiledgifts9443]

I love that I read this comment today and got your book in the mail last week. I love having it as a reference

[@grandiesgarden175]

I agree about info on paper...I have binders and a file cabinet drawer for my garden info! ALSO, You have inspired me to plant a proper, well thought out fall garden and to keep a garden diary. Have a nice trip, Blessings! Thanks to David for the great music! It's very pleasant.

[@sheriewalden2080]

Sweetie you should write a book. You have so much knowledge to share with everyone, and some don't have access to KZbin I know that's strange in this day and time. If you wrote a book you can make some money, I'll share with the rest of the world what you know.

[@samanthayates1380]

So I went to library yesterday and checked out a new set of homesteading books to study and I saw this one written like a story, so of course I checked it out. Today when I sat down to look at it I thought, I’m pretty sure Jess talked about this book when she was sharing books she loved. I came and checked and sure enough Animal, Vegetable, Miracle was the one you were talking about 💕💕💕 I am so excited to read this! Thank you for all of the inspiration that you give me! I am starting a KZbin channel because of your encouragement! ☺️☺️

[@Quinn000100]

Animal Vegetable Miracle....my gosh what a fantastic book. What a reference. Her daughters research into Chickens...Cheers,

[@tkeller8290]

Speaking of books ... Jess, I've spent some time every evening for the last week reading posts from your HodgePodge blog! I've been reading it like it was a favorite book! You should so compile those posts into a chapter book or devotional! I'd have every page earmarked and highlighted!!!! I know many of them were published in other venues, but you could alter here and there if necessary! What a great way to reach/minister to folks who don't venture to KZbin or other social media!!! Be blessed!

[@cynthiahamblin-perry5880]

Great selections! Love Animal, Veg., Miracle! I really like her as an author - will dig my copy out and reread! Cookbooks are a weakness of mine... Nourishing Traditions is an awesome cookbook/food information guide I go to again and again. The other day I realized I didn't have any mayo in the house and we live a ways from stores so I got out that book and made my own - it was amazing - will do it again! So good to have you back. oxox

[@rhondawelker6742]

Cookbooks, Shaye Elliott from “The Elliott Homestead” has 2 wonderful cook books, From Scratch and Family Table. She also has two other books, Welcome to the Farm and Seasons at the Farm. All wonderful books, well written with beautiful pictures. A treat. Check out her blog and you tube. A sweet family working hard to make their dreams come true. I have been following her for years. One of my first when I discovered blogs. Thank you for sharing. Always enjoyable. Such a treat. Enjoy the conference. 😃

[@rosedowning6466]

I just purchased Animal, Vegetable, Miracle on my Kindle. I can't wait to get home from work tonight and dive into it. Thank you for the suggestion! Now I am off to start my day. Hope your day is terrific. As always, I love your videos. Thanks so much for sharing your life, it is sooooo inspiring.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Rose I think you’re going to love that book. I can’t wait to hear what you think

[@amyjacob2100]

I put a request in at the library for all 3 books. Can't wait to read them. As a minimalist, I like to make sure it's a book I really love before purchasing. Thank you for the recommendations!

[@amyjacob2100]

I've been reading Grow For Flavor this week. I never realized there were so many other varieties of vegetables and fruits that look different but taste better than the bland foods we are used to from the stores or "best sellers" in seed catalogs. I'm glad my handyman made my garden about 4 times bigger for next year. I'm definitely going to plant new things! Thanks for the book recommendations! I still have so much to learn. Lol

[@lorrainep5524]

Hi Jess from Perth in West Australia. I just chanced upon your site and I love it. Now I have a heap of entertainment ahead catching up. All the best from down under.

[@lionsoulhomestead]

That explains my mom and I, so well. She'd rather look at jewelry catalogs, and I'd rather look at seed catalogs!

[@GoldShawFarm]

Good call with Animal Vegetable Miracle, Jess. That was one of those books that inspired me, too. Great video!

[@big4metalbabe]

Great video Jes. Thank you. Have a great time at the expo I hope those boys are being good for you on your long drive. All the best.

[@sonialivingwith3dogs744]

love your channel never miss it.

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thanks for sharing, cant wait to see the other videos.

[@tracygarns9611]

Me, too! I love reading through the winter and dreaming of all the things we'll do come spring! I don't have two of these books. Thank you for the great suggestions.

[@susanmacinnis1797]

Just saw this today. Thank you Jess

[@moonchildfarm127]

I will definitely be adding the last book to my list to read! Thanks, sounds great! I'm a complete seed nut also!

[@gillianmuspic2337]

The Barbara Kingsolver book has been sitting on my shelf waiting for it's turn to be read for a few years now. It has now moved to my night table and will be started next. Thanks

[@hikegardentravel6546]

I’m so glad you talked about Animal Vegetable Miracle which is such a great book.

[@Beecozz7]

Excellent video, I've been watching these collaborations and haven't come across any duplicate suggestions yet which is pretty cool. Each person has a personal story about their own inspirations. For sure I'm going to get the Animal, Vegetable, Miracle book, sounds right up my alley. TY Jess!!!

[@knitvids]

So appreciate your wisdom and willingness to share. Will be looking for those books and watching the other vids for their input. You inspire me! Have fun at HOA!

[@TheAwkward3]

Thank you for the recommendations! I love watching all your videos and learning about gardening and homesteading. I'm especially inspired by your devotionals and how you try to lead a godly life. I'd love to see a video someday of more of your library. Thank you for the inspiration and positive vibes! Much love from southern Arizona! 💚💚💚

[@thomasreto2997]

Excellent videos...It’s funny...between you, Mike Dickson, Bill Merril, David the Good, John From Growing your greens, I have really come to realize the importance of growing your own food with non gmo seeds..... thank you for your work....Our food source is (unfortunately) more fragile that what most people realize just because we all lost touch of what it takes to produce it...I want Baker Creek seeds for next years planting....I am just at beginning stages of gardening (2nd year)...

[@missyhorvath235]

Loved this, thank you Jess!

[@onfireforjesus8374]

Hi Jess, the video was great! Very informative. I have never read those books. Didn't know they existed. I've always just used knowledge from my grandparents when we gardened togather. But those look like great books to read this winter. Thank you for sharing this. That one book looks like it had great pictures. But the last book you mentioned I think would be my favorite too.

[@trevorjones8013]

Thank you to y9ou your husband and your family, for sharing your life with us. You are an inspiration to the world and I thank you for it, blessings from me to you and all your familly from my heart to yours.

[@theresawheeler4566]

Thank you for sharing! I really appreciate your suggestions!

[@mandygalgrows4454]

Sweet! Animal, Vegetable, Miracle has been on my shelf for over a year. I keep saying I’ll read it next, but there’s just so much to read always always always. I really thought the last book you’d mention would be either The Good Life by Helen and Scott Nearing.

[@ziegenvinehomestead]

Love this Jess! I couldn't agree with you more about relying too much on electronics for reference material. I also have binders of info that I have printed from the Internet and am always looking for good reference books. Thank you for this!

[@Annie.xx-xx]

What a fantastic video, absolutely beautifully inspiring story, I'd love to buy that book. Thank you xxx 💙

[@steveplatt1]

As usual. Good stuff. Be safe.

[@deborahmclaughlin9423]

Jess just ordered Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. It sounds interesting! Thanks for the information. As always...love your channel.

[@calijo7]

OMG if you love that book, you must read The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver as well! It is the most wonderful book. I fell in love with it when I was in high school and it is currently sitting on my night stand waiting for me to read it a second time!

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Thanks for the book suggestions! We love reading over here as well and always looking for good reads. We'll definitely check them out. 👍

[@christinelewis5765]

Great points! I too think it’s so important to have hard copies of stuff. Great video ☺️💟

[@hmherrick]

When I watch your videos, my heart just swells. It is so evident in your smile and excitement how much you love your farm, your animals, your food, and your family. You give us city folks that are dreaming of a homesteading lifestyle hope. And hope, more days than not, is hard to come by. Thank you.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Thank you Hannah. So so much. ❤️❤️

[@hollybonnybrookees5908]

I reread Animal Vegetable Miracle every couple of years. It changed my path as well. So inspiring!

[@1000sofroots]

Thanks for the honest and inspiring recommendations. We love Baker Creek seeds also and live close to their farm. Would be so neat to meet you all face to face some day. Blessings from the Smyth family.

[@GraceHomesteadFarm]

This collaboration is amazing!! I have watched all the videos listed! Wow, I have a new list of books to add to my library and was happy to see I have a few that were recommended. (I am a visual person so diagrams and pictures help me...I love reading but visual helps me retain what I have read.)Thanks so much and Happy Homesteading ~Shaina~

[@diananore5528]

Thank you for sharing these..Jason from Coghill posted Southern Cooking by his friend Scott...made my mouth start watering. Also, he shared honorable mentions which gave him a chance to briefly mention more than 3.. Overachiever southern boy! Lol.. You two are the first...moving to the next in the collab...

[@theamericanfarmstead131]

Love this, there is seriously nothing like a hard copy of a good book. Thank you for sharing, we will totally look into these good books! :D

[@MGMissy]

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is what started me on my journey! Thank you for including it. I am going to reread it in 2020.

[@onfireforjesus8374]

Jess, I looked on my Audible thing on my phone and I had 3 credits and I found the book for 1 credit. Yeppy now I can listen to it now. But like you I still want to purchase a book.

[@ritamccammon8818]

Hey Jess! I am new to your channel and I appreciate Mike Dickson for sharing your channel on his. I'm so sorry for the loss of Miah's mother. We are praying for y'all. Your precious heart flows through your videos. Thank you!

[@emperor91108]

I bless you too

[@mmack539]

Hi, I came across your channel in my research. One of my dreams/goals is to become a homesteader, and I just wanted to thank you for all the info you provide, going into detail etc......you have become my inspiration 😀...Stay blessed and please keep posting😀

[@leppicknives9830]

Hi there! We are homesteading family living in Finland. First of all, I was very glad that I found your channel, looks very inspiring and inspiration is something I occasionally need . Like you said, even thou we live in a very different climates there is always a lot to learn or at least some kind of tips to use. Also those books are something I gonna check especially the last one, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle seems to be the one I need to read when the long winter is coming and it's time for dreams and future plannings. -Tessa

[@ameliakat9982]

Listening to Animal vegetable miracle again this week 💕 I need a hard copy so I can look at the references they included and the recipe ideas

[@feltingme]

Those sound wonderful. I put them all on hold in the library. One book about herbal healing is also important in order to be sufficient. Herbal How To book and How To Be your own Herbal Pharmacist are couple of great reference books on that topic.

[@normangilden3453]

Good talk I have two of the books you spork of.

[@MsAuraMatic]

OMG! Barbara Kingsolver is one of my favorite authors. I read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle about 10 years ago and I still think about it today. Its a life changing book. If you havent read Prodigal Summer by BK. It is an incredible novel that deals with themes of human and nature's interaction. It is in my top 10 most favorite books of all time.

[@PetalsonthePavingSlabs]

Dick Strawbridge is brilliant, did you know he has made tv programmes too? Really enjoyed watching this, thank you.

[@edmondsonoffgridhomestead8932]

Binged all the videos lol

[@VagabondAnne]

So glad for the first two recommendations, especially #2, I will have to hunt that one down. The third is an old favorite of mine as well. Have you thought about possibly running a Book Club? on KZbin? Is that weird? I think it would be a gas.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Oh that’s a fantastic idea!

[@onfireforjesus8374]

@@RootsandRefugeFarm would that be where we could order book these books from you? If so I would order!

[@VagabondAnne]

For a while I joined a book club on Patreon, which was a lot of fun. It was $15 a month, and I enjoyed it until the books just got too strange for my tastes, and my gardening life got crazy busy and all my reading became more practical than strange (nothing wrong with strange, but I guess if it ain't the next Game of Thrones book it had better be about gardening...). The guy running it chose one book a month, some were common and available at the library, some were pricey, some were cheap used on eBay, some were in the public domain. We had a monthly online meeting (I think through Zoom?) Probably the success depends upon how many people participate, and how well. If you can run a KZbin lifestream you could easily run a zoom meeting.

[@UncleDutchFarms]

This whole collaboration is going to break my bank... lol!!

[@kaylashinoski9937]

Totally off topic but my 6year old loves tomatoes and I was telling her about the tiny ones that you grew what were they called and where did you get the seeds from and the name of the little tomatillos the little yellow ones. Lol Thanks

[@salemthorup9536]

Any book by Joel Salatin is a winner also!

[@davidcorbett2195]

You had me at "books"

[@charitysmith5245]

Did you ever get the chance to post a video of the talk you gave at the expo?

[@daniellegrandpa]

Jess, perhaps over the winter you could invite subscribers to comment their gardening questions, then do a video answering those questions.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

That’s a fantastic idea!

[@daniellegrandpa]

Thanks😁

[@wilmagregory8967]

Posted a reply but it didnt show, thanks for the ideas to read and learn from. Peace.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

I saw it! It showed up under my other comment for some reason. Blessings to you Wilma!

[@artofcreationhomestead]

As an avid cookbook collector I have to ask. What are your top 10 go to cookbooks?

[@chrislittebrant5235]

💖 chris-Raleigh nc

[@paulapankratz9982]

Jess, would you be willing to share your medical recipes or home remedies book referrals? Tks!

[@dreyno64]

Jess, do you have a favorite book on Back To Eden?

[@aromaofhope]

Guess what! Grow for Flavor is only $3.99 right now on Amazon for the Kindle version! Thanks for these good recommendations.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Score!!!!

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Curious to hear what you think of it when you dive in!

[@aromaofhope]

I will. One of my biggest problems with gardening is that the food doesn't taste good. My cucumbers are bitter, my kale is tasteless, etc., etc. I'm looking forward to seeing what it has to say!

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Wisdom's Peace (BWood) Cukes get bitter when they are too hot. I like them early in the spring and late in the fall. If you have to grow them in the summer, grow them where they get some afternoon shade and make sure you water A LOT. That seems to help. And Kale gets sweeter with a frost! Those aren’t from the book, but are just my own tips. I hope the book helps you! He taught me a ton about roots and tomatoes!

[@onfireforjesus8374]

@@RootsandRefugeFarm oh Jess you are so right. My cukes were in shade this year and they had the best taste. I didn't realize it my self because every year in previous gardening I thought that full sun was best. But I was missing out on good flavor.

[@atlantic_love]

Cripes.

[@Abedi5050]

The music is amazing but a little bit high

[@jaxc.9855]

Thank you so much for these book recommendations! I have having trouble getting past the basic books, but some of them are way too technical for what I need. Because of your love of tomato's and knowing how had they are to process them I thought you would really like one of the videos on one of the channels I watch " Homesteading family". On their her newest video is about fermenting tomato's! Looked like something you would be interested in! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZ2mlpapYrNksLM ****FYI I am not a promoter just watch alot of homesteading channels!