Harvest: Field Notes from a Far-Flung Pursuit of Real Food

Watman (Chasing the White Dog) shares his knowledge on how to make cheese, kill or catch your dinner, grow tomatoes or find edible plants in your neighborhood, and along the way turns his triumphs and tribulations into endearing stories that have a hint of expertise and a big dose of seat-of-your-pants gusto. The main reoccurring storyline running through the book—Watman purchasing his own 675-lb. steer (nicknamed Bubbles)—is a perfect example of Watman’s go-big-or-go-home approach to taking control of not only where his family’s food comes from but also how it is prepared. Watman’s self-deprecating, conversational prose is a refreshing antidote to some foodie writers who take themselves too seriously, and he makes it clear that this isn’t just about one year of doing these things but a true life change makes his adventures all the more poignant. Also, his motto to “Fail again, fail better” should be a great motivator for those who have been too afraid to make their own charcuterie or shoot the raccoon eating their chickens, and demonstrates why this book succeeds not only as a memoir but also as a work to inspire everyone to try new things regardless of expertise. (Mar.)