After working as aid worker in Africa and South America, William Powers feels somewhat out of place back home in New York. He then gets to know Dr. Jackie Benton, who lives on a permaculture farm in rural North Carolina, in a 12x12 cabin without running water or electricity.

For a few months, Powers spend time living in the cabin. This book journals his experience: outwardly as he spends time in the neighborhood of organic farmers, immigrants, and an industrial poultry factory. Inwardly, as he explores the concepts of developed and under-developed, be and do, have and have not.

I picked this to send to GateGypsy for the Ballyswapper exchange, as she has a few books on her wishlist about low-carbon living. However, this book is decidedly less a how-to guide than I expected. Nonetheless I hope you will find something of interest. I read it, and it does give me food for thoughts and make me see things a little differently.

This looks like something right up my alley! Thanks for thinking of me, Azuki <3