Get the USDA Guidelines free...much more practical info.
928712
TMI..I consider this book a waste of money, obviously foreign author.  I got info need free in a USDA download.  Way too much boring uninteresting info.
2522705
This is a good book. I would have given it a 5-star rating had I not been ripped off by paying for it when I could have downloaded it for *FREE* from Tractor Supply. If the author doesn't think his work is worth people paying for his book - then why should we? So don't. Download each and every plan and supply list from the Tractor Supply website. Wish I had.
4910861
The book has two main sections, one describing grocery shopping (comparison shopping, what to buy and how to buy it, etc) and one with recipes.  While reading the first part, she gives specifics about how much her family makes and spends on food.  She gives very specific advice on how to get things for cheaper.  I feel confident that a cash-strapped mom can seriously cut down on the grocery bill using this book.  Examples include buying produce that's in season, buying grains in bulk, and lots lots lots more like that (some I knew and some I didn't but it's useful to have it all condensed into one book anyways).  So that's why I gave the book 4 stars - it literally lives up to the title.

The book seems to insist on going generic, eating whatever is on sale and generally doing without in order to start cutting costs.  I tend to buy organic, whole grains, or even other items like cheeses, olives and other things that just don't fit into a very spendthrift grocery list.  I do prefer certain brands over generic - not just for the taste but also for quality assurance.  So, I don't think I'll be slashing my grocery bill, but I do think reading it has renewed my resolve to do things I know work for us: cook more, buy grains/beans in bulk, kick my garden into gear.

On an unrelated note - I was so surprised that in the "Baby" section, Mary only recommends getting generic formula from Walmart - not breastfeeding!  Um... how about the perfect way to cut that cost completely ... it's free (and way healthier)  I realize that not everyone wants to do it (or can, for adopted children), but I think it at least deserves a mention if you're going to talk about ways to save money for infant food.
4298339
I wish I read this book when I started vegetable gardening years ago, it would have saved me lots of money and headache.  After reading this book you'll know how to interpret a soil analysis and most importantly you'll how to write your own soil Rx to fix any nutrient defeciencies you might have.  The days of randomly applying expensive amendments and hoping for the best are over once you understand how to balance the nutrients in the soil.  And its not difficult.  I made a spreadsheet that i enter my soil analysis results into and it tells me immediately what i need to add.  I would suggest creating a spreadsheet with the formulas embedded while you read this book because you won't have to remember the formulas after that, just plug your numbers in and your done.
I've read other books on balancing soil nutrients and they are worthless.  They're basically advertisments for someone else to interpret your soil analysis for you with very little substance. Take my advice and don't waste your money.
The ideal soil book is the best ~ $30 I've spent on gardening.  And the methods taught in the book are practical, they work and are proven.
The other aspect of this book that i really like is that the focus is on natural,or organic, amendments.  The author tells you which amendments are allowed for organic farming under the usda so you don't have sift through their website to find them.  Many of the amendments can be found at your local feed store or gardening center but for the ones you cant find you can order them on amazon or at soilminerals.com.
I can't say enough about this book.  I usually don't write reviews on amazon but i feel compelled to because this book has completely changed the way i grow food for myself.
2273528
I appreciate the details, but I have just started it and already know this was more than I bargained for! Detailed food plans and schedule a  little much for what I wanted. Maybe I'll make insert important information within what I'm doing to optimize my plan. Too too detailed and not user friendly, in my opinion. Thanks.
55685
Simple, easy to read, no fear mongering ... I think this would be a good one for someone just getting started with food storage as well as those of us already storing food. It does not make food storage out of reach or overwhelming for anyone, regardless of their income. And of course, I learned new info. I would highly recommend this eBook.
1925800
A basic google search brings up much more info and is free.  A quick read though and not really expensive.
1720411
Short, but practical and to the point. No fluff to wade through. If I get bit by a snake and need a quick review on what I can do, this will be the first resource I pull out. That's why I bought it. I don't want an encyclopedia. I want something practical and fast. The information is largely what she presented on thegrownetwork.org.  It's more or less a retelling of her story with information on how you could do the same thing. She has several references to where you can get additional information, much of which is available for free. I've bought several of the products off of her website and I've been satisfied with all of them. Plus, Marjory has a nice personality and way of speaking that makes you feel comfortable.

Before I wrap this up, I want to be very clear. This is a very short book.. Large font and few pages. But that was fine for me. It was exactly what I was looking for. Click the image to see a preview so you can see if it's right for you. As for me, I'm very satisfied, and looking forward to her next book - GROW: All True Wealth Comes From The Ground.
3610775
Really nice, practical book for those of us who do not have endless time or money for dealing with our property.  She has lots of practical tips, and it is written in a sunny, upbeat style that makes them sound accessible and doable.

Regarding the criticisms, I think that if you read the book she addresses those with sections on how to wisely use plants that spread quickly by choosing the right spots, and planning ways of containment.  These are not plants to put in willy-nilly, thinking you're going to be able to pull them out in a couple years if you don't like them.  In the right spots, they can be a wonder of Color, places of refuge for wildlife, and beat the heck out of planting grass.

We've never thought of overwintering, I am intrigued and emboldened to consider it after reading her book.

This is not plant porn. The pictures are pleasant if not luscious, giving more of a realistic depiction of what the plants would look like in a real yard.

I can't wait to start to use some of her ideas in our yard.
2262938
Supplied the information I was looking for and more.  Very technical in some parts of the book to the point of being a little overwhelming. You can skip that part and still benefit from reading it. I was less interested in the why and more in the how. His information is science based.  It does not have the trendiness of most diet books.  No government agency will ever endorse his advice because it is just too practical and too cost effective.
4206468
Well, this topic hits home for me, and I was pleasantly surprised by the info in this book!
I am in danger of pre-diabetes as my Hemoglobin A1-C test results have been a bit high in the last couple of years. My mother has Type 2 diabetes as well and is closely monitored. My doctor has put me on medication (Metformin) and advised me to watch my carbohydrate and sugar intake, and to eat leaner meats and more fish. According to this book, the culprit is animal fat and processed foods, not carbs, which was a surprise to me. I'd much rather have to eliminate animal fats than carbs!
The information in the book is explained well and backed up by doctors' research. It's also an easy read, not too long and drawn out.
I love that links are provided for the websites that the information is sourced from, and all I have to do is click on the link and I can watch related videos and do more research if I'd like to.
Some times we think we are making the right changes, but realize you are not properly informed. I have been following the Western diet recommendations and therefore none of my health problems are getting better. I look forward to a new approach, based on the info in this book, which makes total sense to me!
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I would and already have recommended it to my family and friends!
2866429
Plain and simple sums it up. Tooooo general. No new ideas or info. Info that would be on USDA website.
2979591
I liked the format and detailed dietary information.  I am no sure I learned a lot.  But, it does encourage one to include more and more veg on the table.
2659383
Survival Gardening by Will Cook has something for everyone. It's right down my alley as I grew up on a farm and always love to learn more about growing food. I was particularly interested in the soils for growing. Thanks for the great tips Will!:)
2534768
Easy to read through and not full of technical information you can't digest (pun intended).  Just enough to get the basics.  Love the awesome recipes and grocery guide.
323131
This is a great book.  It is practical, lots of info about grazing, with practical rules on how to manage it.  There are lots of real life examples of farmers for reference.  I think if you want one book to start with on how to begin farming with livestock, or a good reference book on how to manage pastureland for livestock, this is it.
463129
Everything in this book can be found on the internet. Go to  Sell on Amazon and you can get ten times the information for free.