The Self-Sufficient-ish Bible: An Eco-living Guide for the 21st Century

British twins Andy and Dave Hamilton provide an inspiring blueprint for eco-living in this elegantly styled guide. The first-time authors posit that while it's impossible—or at least undesirable—to revert to foraging and cave-dwelling, it is possible to be “self sufficient-ish.” To that end, they roll out hundreds of suggestions in four general areas (home, garden, food and lifestyle) to help readers live more harmoniously with Mother Earth. Particularly engaging are their discussions of small-scale beekeeping, harvesting of “wild foods,” home beer, wine and cider making, small space kitchen gardening and low-carbon holidays. While a long list of books on permaculture and other techniques have helped thousands get off the grid, this book has a more inviting feel for those who want to make à la carte green adjustments to their life. The book does have drawbacks: much of its information can be found on the authors' own popular site (www.selfsufficientish.com ); and the exclusive British focus leaves those in other countries confused during lengthy discussions of specific edible mushrooms and planting calendars. Yet the book's lush color photography, earnest prose and pragmatic approach will appeal widely as concern over global warming mounts. (Nov.)