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**MaryJanesFarm Products & Merchandise:  Published Book Reviews  |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
 Posted - May 26 2005 : 12:21:24 PM
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Thought I'd start a topic of published book reviews for MaryJane's book. When you see one, see if it's online, and copy the link here. This one is by Cheryl-Anne Millsap from the SpokesmanReview newspaper in Spokane, WA:
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/home/indoor/story.asp?ID=71343
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2005 : 05:07:48 AM
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You can see here what Amazon has posted on their site about the new book. Clare, also listed with recent buyers of MaryJanes book is a list of Wabi Sabi books! There is quite a bit of info out there about that topic too.
jpbluesky
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Giving FARMGIRLS dignity!!!, May 26, 2005
Reviewer: Washington State Native - See all my reviews
This book has such beautiful photographs in it that it could well be a coffee table book filled with stories; however, it is meant to be used as a guide/reference/encyclopedia of skills pertaining to living a simplier life, a more natural life as our foremothers did before us. MaryJane and crew have outdone themselves.
If you are leaning toward a simplier life, then this book is a good investment to helping you travel down that road.
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Edited by - jpbluesky on May 27 2005 05:12:44 AM |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
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simplegirl
Farmgirl in Training
44 Posts
Teresa
OR
USA
44 Posts |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
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simplegirl
Farmgirl in Training
44 Posts
Teresa
OR
USA
44 Posts |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jun 17 2005 : 08:25:17 AM
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Thanks, simplegirl, for that link. That was a well written article!
jpbluesky
Heartland girl |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2005 : 7:22:31 PM
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I read two recent reviews of MJ's book that really angered me. One was from a major NE city and another from an internatiional newpaper. I hesitate to post the links here. Although everyone has a right to opinion and to express that opinion, both of these sources were clearly misguided in their thinking. I ran across a similar reaction to my beloved MJ and her philosophy, her book, magazine and foods. This person was a relative, and someone from a farm background. She sat at my table and leveled nothing but criticism about MJ and her publications, ect... I summed it up to pure jealousy and pettiness. Needless to say, this woman doesn't get "it", and never will. What is your ladies opinion? Should I not post the negative reviews? Would you like to read them for another perspective albait a negative one? Or should petty and trite opinions like these stay lost in cyberspace?
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2005 : 8:19:58 PM
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Meadowlark - I personally think you should post the links. They are only "negative" if we allow ourselves to think that way; otherwise we can use them as constructive criticism. Plus +++ we'll really baffle the people who have different opinions, by being SO BIG and OPEN MINDED to post alternative views!!! 
There is the viewpoint that when you only listen to positive reviews that you eventually stagnate because you're "so full of yourself" that you can't think outside the box and grow.
We may not agree with these reviews, but that's our priviledge. Go for it! 
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
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lurban
True Blue Farmgirl
61 Posts
Vermont
61 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2005 : 03:58:07 AM
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I just wrote a long and rambling reply to the Montreal Mirror article, but lucky for you all, I deleted it and am replacing it with this shorter rambling reply.
Suffice it to say, when I was an academic I'd have lodged some of the same criticisms as this reporter. It came from the mistaken belief that there was a political high ground in being culturally alienated. The best position from which to argue was as a marginalized class: race, poverty, gender, sexual orientation, whatever. These are important issues, of course, but we often made the mistake of valuing these positions instead of what folks were actually saying.
I studied film, and we tended to place a much higher value on tiny documentaries made with 8 mm cameras by tribal peoples in other countries.
Please don't misread me here. These were valuable works that gave voice to cultures I might otherwise never have known. BUT it is a fallacy to automatically decide that a well-made independent film with a bigger budget is less political. And that a studio production can never be truly radical (even if it is more likely, given the amount of money spent to produce and market and the resulting need to have a film appeal to mass numbers of people), regardless of its subject.
This reporter wanted a handheld camera 8mm documentary, and got an assured, well-crafted film instead. And rather than being able to see its truly radical content, he gets blinded by the package, believing that it is somehow inauthentic because it is beautiful.
And one more thing, before I return my soap-box to those of you who make soap, he also implies that to be more politically authentic, MJ should not be making money. Shouldn't be doing value added products, shouldn't accept a great publishing deal. It's just another of these "outsider" arguements --MJ would have greater political clout in his mind if she were poor and struggling. Let me say this: you don't have to be poor and struggling to be a good liberal. You only have to make sure that as you grow, you give others the opportunity to do the same. I think MaryJane is doing that, and I think her book is a fine example of how to share successful methods with others.
Thing is, if you're a reporter or an academic or some such, it helps if all the people you want to crusade for are poor and ugly and voiceless. Then YOU get to be the smart one with the looks and the voice. |
Edited by - lurban on Jul 01 2005 04:12:44 AM |
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TheSoapMaven
True Blue Farmgirl
691 Posts
Susan
LA
USA
691 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2005 : 04:14:02 AM
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amen sister!
Blessings & Bliss!.· ´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ .·´ -:¦:-~Susan~
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
Wife, Mother, Natural Woman, Savonnière, Writer, Baker, Gardener.
Soulmate to Jerry for 30 years
Mom to Zach, Gesikah, Nathan, Hannah, Rachel and Benjamin
Yetta to Sam
"It's no bad thing to celebrate a simple life" ~ Bilbo Baggins
If your knees aren't green by the end of the day, you need to seriously re-examine your life. |
Edited by - TheSoapMaven on Jul 01 2005 04:14:38 AM |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2005 : 05:19:22 AM
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What MaryJane is accomplishing is proof positive that the American dream can still be a reality for people who work extremely hard and and do not give up despite any circumstances. MJF, probably to her own surprise, has what it takes to interest the media. That always has a good and bad side to it.
I was shocked to see some of the language in the article from Montreal. Using such words is always a desperate sign of someone trying to gain shallow attention.
jpbluesky
Heartland girl |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2005 : 07:09:18 AM
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I think what these reporters are skewed about and therefore carrying this huge chip on their shoulders about are two things:
First they despise the fact that MaryJane has "self-taught" herself excellent marketing skills, and she is using those skills with great success.
Secondly, they all seem to miss the fact that she is indeed growing things on her acreage: flowers, strawberries, big gardens, etc.... not just selling tent, hut and outhouse experiences.
I searched and found the Philly article. I registered as a user (free) and chose no contact. This article is written by someone who finds her methods dispicable too, and enlists a "farmerette" woman who raises goats on 5 acres to prove his point. She too thinks what MJ does is just fluff. Hmmm, I wonder if miss farmerette does not market any of her goat products???? There is no difference in what MJ is doing and what farmerette is doing, except MJ has garnered lotsa money and national media attention to do it. Doesn't make MJ's any less authentic.
Seems the point to learn here is that if you want to pursue success on a large scale, wear your emotional bullet-proof vest to do it.
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
Edited by - Clare on Jul 01 2005 07:11:01 AM |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2005 : 07:55:39 AM
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I agree with all of you...I read the Philly article again and had to laugh about it. This woman has 5 acres and raises goats for gourmet goat cheese. The article said their are peacocks roaming around her place ( lending a nice atmospheric touch no doubt, but they also perch on cars and poop like demons!) But...Her husband is a big city lawyer! I am not dissing anyone who has goats, or other things they enjoy on their acreage to bring them profit, I do the same thing. We have outside income also. What really bothered me was she said the gingham bow and wide suspenders that MJ wears implies "gloss" and no substance. MJ is authentic, that is why she appeals to so many. That is why more and more women are joining this forum and finding each other and sharing information. There are very smart, well informed, savvy ladies here that share her vision; To simplify it down to marketing hype and Marthaize American agriculture is a cop out. The Montreal Mirror was laughable too...and just bad journalism. MJ has reached across American Politcal party lines. I live in " Red State Central" and I love her, her message is valid and important to me. Interesting view points to say the least...
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
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Kathy A.
True Blue Farmgirl
116 Posts
Kathy
Utah
USA
116 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2005 : 07:32:14 AM
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Edited by - Kathy A. on Jul 02 2005 07:41:33 AM |
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Kathy A.
True Blue Farmgirl
116 Posts
Kathy
Utah
USA
116 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2005 : 07:36:42 AM
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Meadowlark, Thanks for posting these links. It is important to look at other perspectives. It makes me re-evaluate how I think about things and hopefully stay open minded. One thing is for sure whatever Maryjane does from now on she will have lots of fans and lots of critics. Like Clare said it's a shame these people didn't do their homework and actually read Maryjanes writings, or look at the record and see that she has worked for a better enviroment through sustainable agriculture and other projects. MJ's finacial success is none of my business but authenticity is, I take that personally. Three things come to mind when I think about this, they are:
1. When she start out trying to market her organic backpackers food she called up the president to Patagonia, a large outdoor retailer, and asked if he was interested in her product and if he had any advise, he said do you want to be rich? She said No, I just want to succeed. He replied- thats to bad if you wanted to be rich you would succeed. It seems you can succeed without wealth as the goal.
2. She was demonstrating the convience and flavor of her foods in Salt Lake City at a huge international outdoor retailer show, where her foods where being marketed by a large retailer under their name. Someone came up to her who had a bussiness of the same type of food and a booth near by, he said your food is good in fact I used your recipe, here try my version. According to her writings that was when she thought- okay you can claim my recipies and put your labels on similiar food but you can't be Maryjane. So she has opened up her life, shared her family and her background skills, shown the quality of her foods, and lets us know she is real. I find all this really heart warming, interesting and useful.
3.The one time I chatted with MJ. Her son drove up in a pink car, he had resently painted it for her at the autobody shop where he works, she laughed and told me that she had ask him to paint it to match her fingernail polish and held her hand up to the car, a perfect match! I thought after that, here is a woman, an outdoors woman, a carpenter, a farmer, a successful bussiness person, and she is not afraid to paint her fingernails (toes too). I Love that! Gloss and Class, Yes! no substance -Wrong! There are many, many facets to a gemstone and it doesn't get more authentic than this. |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2005 : 09:27:17 AM
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Your welcome Kathy...You put that very well. Gloss and Class...and Substance.
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2005 : 08:48:04 AM
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The website has been updated with alot of links to reviews and articles. Have a read!
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/About/articlesawards/default.asp
**** Love is the great work - though every heart is first an apprentice. - Hafiz
Set a high value on spontaneous kindness. - Samuel Johnson****
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amystew
True Blue Farmgirl
52 Posts
Amy
Eureka
CA
USA
52 Posts |
Posted - Sep 12 2005 : 10:34:12 AM
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Here's a write-up on MaryJane's book that I included in the garden column I write for our local paper, the North Coast Journal in Humboldt County, CA. The Journal did not get it up on their website, so I put it on my gardening blog:
http://dirtbyamystewart.blogspot.com/
enjoy!
Gardener, chicken lover, worm wrangler
http://humboldthens.blogspot.com |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Sep 12 2005 : 3:13:42 PM
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Amy, That's a great article! I love your blog too! Jenny
Being is what it is. Jean Paul Sartre |
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**MaryJanesFarm Products & Merchandise: Published Book Reviews |
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Published Book Reviews
