Loved it! I wanted it to go on further

What made the experience of listening to Gaining Ground the most enjoyable?

I listened to this book as I tended my own chickens. I could have never been so candid about my farming foibles, but I'm glad Forrest was.

What other book might you compare Gaining Ground to and why?

I had just finished Joel Salatin's book - This Aint Normal - and loved it. I thought at first this would be a litte like that. Some farming techniques may be similar, but Forrest's story is really funny, articulate, and humble - one to which other back to the farm types might be able to relate more readily.

What about Roger Wayne’s performance did you like?

Perfect. Sounded like a budding farmer might sound.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

How to survive your first job, ask for a promotion, or get the corner office when your boss is Mother Nature

17 people found this helpful

Yes Yes Yes

I got this with a 2 for 1 sale. I LOVED this book! Even though the premise of the book is how he made it through the beginning travails of putting the farm back on track, I think when I finished the book the thing that stayed with me the most was how it brought his whole family together and allowed everyone to pursue their own individual dreams. I am one of those farmer's market shoppers. The community feel, eating lunch, perusing the veggies, baked goods and humanely raised meat and eggs is a joy that should be much more widespread in our country. The humor and love in this book just radiates outward. The narration was spot on!

11 people found this helpful

Surprisingly good.

What did you love best about Gaining Ground?

It's well written--reads like a good novel. I like Pritchard's sense of humor and how well he characterizes people.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Gaining Ground?

There story was full of memorable moments. The goat riding shotgun in the pickup was one of the funniest.

What about Roger Wayne’s performance did you like?

Wayne's performance was close to flawless. He gives everyone a unique voice, but doesn't go overboard.

Any additional comments?

Some books surprise expectations. This is one of them. This isn't a how-to-book, it's a heart warming story about a lifestyle many of us fantasize about, but probably wouldn't last day.

10 people found this helpful

An inspiring glimpse at the plight of the farmer.

What did you love best about Gaining Ground?

Having a new understanding and desire to support our local farmers.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Gaining Ground?

I don't want to ruin any of the beautiful moments in this book, but there were many memorable moments.

What does Roger Wayne bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His performance was wonderful. He made the characters in the book come alive in my mind.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Hope for the small American farmer.

6 people found this helpful

Really good story!!

I really liked this book, I enjoyed the way Forrest kept persevering when things looked worst... The family could have taken the easy out and sold some of the property, but wanted to keep the family farm together.

6 people found this helpful

A good picture of a small livestock farmer

This book is an excellent read for city dwellers and those who wonder why organic and locally grown food costs more than supermarket, corporate food. Forrest makes his way from a total innocent to a farmer who know what is important to him and his family. He makes a lot of mistakes along the way, some very costly. But he learns and improves his business year after year. Along the way he is encouraged by his parents, sister and girlfriend/fiance/wife.

Be aware though that he does frequently come across as judgemental. He is pretty intolerant of his customers who have no idea how food as grown - you can almost hear his groans and see his eyebrows twitching. I can easily imagine being alienated by him at my local farmers' market - one of the reasons I shop there is to learn and I know I ask stupid questions. More importantly, he is overly condescending to his father. Dad knows he does not live a healthy lifestyle and makes poor food choices - he does not need his son lecturing him.

Almost at the end there is a short 15 minute rant about government subsidies and people who do not buy local food. It does not match the tenor of the rest of the book and I would have suggested it be left out if I had been his editor.

But I did enjoy the book and the tale of Forrest's growth as a farmer changing his approach a bit ahead of the curve. It is good to know he is still running his farm, using his hands-on philosophies.

5 people found this helpful

I wanted more

The story has a great amount to think about and the work seems to be hard beyond words, but I have walked away from this story with greater respect for the family farm that doesn't take government subsidies. The family farm is a place to reward for keeping our community strong and connected.

5 people found this helpful

Accurate look into the mind of a farmer.

I farm 52 acres in Connecticut and while listening to this book it was scary at times how close to my own story it was. I typically do not outwardly react to books but with Gaining Ground I both laughed out loud and cried more than once. This confession coming from a guy who slaughters his own animals.

This book is great and highly recommended. My only hope is that we see more like it. There are a lot of farmers out there sharing a similar story.

9 people found this helpful

best tasting audiobook i've listened to

This book was super. It was a clear, concise, nicely paced account of how Forrest Pritchard struggled and ultimately succeeded at "fixing things." To understand what I mean by fixing things, you'll have to listen to the book.

4 people found this helpful

excellent

I am happy to have discovered this book. the reality of day to day farming was very well explained. the importance of local farmers markets is now much clearer.

3 people found this helpful