Back in June of 2005, I started an internet blog and named it The Deliberate Agrarian. I wrote stories there about my family and my Christian agrarian beliefs. I shined a light on the rottenness of our modern culture. I pointed an accusing finger at the failures of industrialism and the evil of corporate control over every area of our lives. I spoke of the dangers of relying on the “industrial providers” to supply all our needs in life. Then I wrote about the sweet and wholesome fruit that is produced in a life when modernism is rejected and faith, family and simple agrarian values are embraced.

My blog writings resonated with a lot of folks out there. I received comments at the blog and e-mail letters from people all over the world who were blessed and encouraged and inspired by my writings. A couple of readers told me I should write a book. So that’s what I’ve done.

Although I call myself The Deliberate Agrarian, I am really only a deliberate agrarian. I am one among many who is deliberately endeavoring to reject the materialism, consumerism, pride, rebellion, and dependency of our modern culture and, instead, pursue the blessings that come when Christianity is lived out within agrarianism. Therefore, the title of my book is, Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian.

The book is a compilation of 32 short stories and essays, most of which were originally posted to my blog (they are not there any more). I reworked the writings, had them polished by a capable editor, and self-published them into the 133-page paperback book that is shown on this page.

Pictured on the cover of my book is a black and white photo of me and my grandfather, taken by my mother in 1960, when I was two years old. My grandfather was a hardscrabble potato farmer in northern Maine. I remember him calling me a “little city slicker,” which is exactly what I was back then. I tell more about my grandfather and the old photo in my book.

Many of my stories are humorous or joyful vignettes of the agrarian good life. A few were written with righteous indignation. A couple are so poignant they may put a lump in your throat, or even bring a tear to your eye.

I should also warn you that some of my writings could be classified as “politically incorrect,” even though I do not address specific political issues. My biggest crime in this regard is that one cannot define the good life without making judgments about what is good and bad, which is another way of saying right and wrong. And, as I’m sure you realize, we mustn’t do that sort of thing in this age of “enlightened” moral relativism! Nevertheless, that is exactly what I do. I do it nicely (without being dogmatic) but I do it without hesitation.

In the final analysis, Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian serves to explain, promote and celebrate the virtues and blessings that come when a life is lived in accordance with Christian-agrarian beliefs. It is, I assure you, truly the good life.

If anything I've said here speaks to you, I think you will find my book inspiring and encouraging, and I invite you to get a copy.