This will be an interesting book for many who are already interested in the subject but it may drag for others. I related to some of the people profiled as we live a sort of homesteader lifestyle even though we are in a small town (we forage, grind our own flours, cook from scratch, grow a lot of our foods, homeschool, take care of most of our medical needs, etc.). I felt like I know a lot of the people interviewed, for the good and bad. But I didn't necessarily enjoy reading it, which was a surprise and disappointment. For those who want a window into this world, it will provide one nicely.

This is an unusual book--it's an academic book in which the author really sounds like a teacher and not like a researcher. I liked that approach a lot. Basically he is trying to argue that homesteading "counts" as a social movement, and in order to do that he spends a lot of time on the sociopolitical context in which it counts as one--so he spends a lot of time explaining why American capitalism is awful and our educational system is awful, and uses his Kentucky context to exemplify these things. For that reason the book may seem like it spends a lot of time talking about things that *aren't* homesteading, which may confuse some readers, but I think it was the right choice. Ultimately I enjoyed and admired the book. Hope to talk about it in my fall column.

Shelter from the Machine is a historical and philosophical overview of the spectrum (mostly split into "hippies" vs. "hicks") of people living a subsistence off-grid existence in modern day Appalachia. Released 23rd March 2020 by University of Illinois Press, it's 304 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is an interesting ethical and philosophical treatise written as a composite story composed of interviews, notes, anecdotes, and first person sources. The author, Dr. Jason Strange, is an academic and on the faculty of Berea College. Despite the potential for impenetrable academic rigidity (about which the author has some opinions) the narrative is simple, accessible, and compassionate, resulting in a genuinely captivating read.

This is *not* a how-to. There are no lists or tips on how to transition to an off-grid lifestyle. What it is is a compelling read and a fascinating glimpse into a group of people most of us rarely (if ever) encounter. Though it's a substantial book, the author's style reminded me a lot of the shorter interview style entries from the famous Foxfire books. The bibliography is comprehensive and the index usefully cross referenced. The footnotes are meticulous and plentiful.

This would make a superlative resource for a classroom setting. I usually have 4 or 5(+) books going at any given time and I personally found this one compelling enough that it took over my reading time and I finished it in one sitting.

Five stars. This is an important academic sociological study of an underrepresented group of people.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Have you been feeling like you want to just drop out of society and move off the grid? Then you’ll probably love “Shelter from the Machine: Homesteaders in the Age of Capitalism” by Jason G. Strange, released March 23, 2020 from The University of Illinois Press. Strange shows the differences and similarities between “country and bohemian homesteaders”, the past and future of subsistence farming, and “critiques of mainstream material culture” in this very readable and realistic look at communities in Eastern Kentucky and beyond. I also appreciated Strange's in-depth analysis of literacy--not only the ability to read but to possess the ability to distinguish between different types of information and media. Some homesteaders are extremely bookish and others have rebelled against all forms of book learning/reading. I really loved "meeting" the people he interviewed and I made a list of at least 10 books referenced in the text to add to my TBR.

This was a new and very different kind of read for me. I found it fascinating in parts particularly as I've no personal knowledge of rural USA. It informed us about living off the land, cultural traditions and religious celebrations. Those who featured were hobbies. living more or less as their ancestors did. It was a very interesting way of living and so far removed from my own upbringing. I found this really easy to read and I valued all it had to say. It's not a book I'd usually choose but I'm really glad I did.

I heard about homesteaders but I didn't know a lot. This book helped me to learn more and it's well written and engrossing.
An informative and interesting read.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

An interesting exploration of how some live and their attitudes. It's not a how-to book (for those seeking advice), nor does it claim to be. The author makes an effort to be objective, but will likely offend a reader here and there (unavoidable). For most, however, it will be an educational journey to learn (more) about how some approach their lives and society, with which you might never interact.

Thanks very much for the ARC for review!

A tour of actual homesteaders the way they live off the land .I really enjoyed the author introducing us to them their environments their reasons for living their lifestyle very well written very interesting.#netgaley #uof Illinois press

An interesting view of two groups living within the Appalachians. One group is the hippies and the other is the poor homesteaders living like their ancestors did. Shown through stories from each you can see similarities and obvious differences in views and ways of life, but both have their place. Not a book to sit down and read through, and at times felt like it jumped around a bit too much, but overall the book was well worth the read and I would recommend it.

**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**

I was pleasantly surprised when I read this book. I thought this book would be more of a guide on how to homestead but I loved that it took me on a tour of homesteaders throughout the United States instead. I got to meet (through reading their individual stories) various homesteaders and live their lives through their eyes for a brief period of time. I personally have always wanted to be a homesteader. I want to live off the land and to provide my own means of living and food, water, shelter, etc. I do wish this book was more of a how-to but now I see that's my fault because that's not what this book is. It's still a fantastic book and it makes me believe that anyone can realize the dream of being a homesteader with time and dedication to the world of homesteading. Thank you for a fantastic book!!

I expected a lot more from this book than what it delivered. It was more of a long and winding road through the homesteads of America, with lots of personal stories. While that's interesting, it didn't really answer the question of how homesteading fits into modern American culture in any tangible way that would be helpful to those considering the lifestyle.

DNF...did not finish
Will not leave any reviews any where.. Do not leave reviews for unfinished books or for rating of less than 4 stars.
Thanks for granting me access to this book

Very good book. Definitely a different way to look at society and our roll in it. I like the way that the lifestyle of the homesteads is portrayed and explained.