A review in brief.  This is brief because I didn't read them all from cover to cover.

1. Storey's Basic Country Skills - this was the 4th or 5th time I had checked this one out of the library.  It is a definite keeper for those who are homesteading.  Yet, I am not ready for the tips he gives.  I am sure that I will check this one out again though.

2. Living and Eating - this book has lots of receipes, however, none fit my simplified life criteria.  It is full of simple, elegant meals for entertaining but wasn't practical for me.

3. Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding the Amish - besides the recipes, this book didn't shed any further light or information on the Amish culture that I was looking for.  I have been studying the Amish for about 6 or so years and was looking for more details on how they farm, sew and do basic chores.  I'll try to find the books I read before I left Va, they were full of this type of info.

4. Complete Idiot's Guide to a Simple Living - it seems to have a lot of practical tips for changing your lifestyle and includes a lot of resources to find more answers.  Its a broad-stroke of various topics that gives you an intro to the subject. I haven't read anything that actually applied to my current situation, however, that doesn't mean it wouldn't be good for someone else.

5. Self-Sufficient Life - I think I have accidentally returned this book to the library, but it has very practical tips for homesteaders that doesn't apply to me at the moment.  I have checked this one out before and will do so again when it gets closer to planting time.

The following books are still in the reading bin:

1. Leaving the City - I have read this before and wanted to refresh my memory on what the author tips on moving.  In this book, she gives her personal experience on moving from the city to the country.  She outlines her trials and her successes on country life.  She gives practical tips on various things like raising animals - especially pigs, before the move preparations, country remedies and household hints and ideas for making money from home.  There are lots of resources in the back of the book too.

2. Living Simply with Children - I've only read the forward.

3. The Self-Reliant Homestead - This book somehow got lost in the bathroom and I have only read part of Chapter 1.

4. Country Living Barefoot Summers - This is a book of stories about country living of quiet pursuits and simple pleasures.  I am reading this one slowly, it is full of rich history as well as wonderful simple living tips.  I'll share these in a separate post soon.

5. Frugal Luxuries -  I absolutely love this book.  It is so rich in its simplicity.  I have stopped to savor each section read.  I am practically finished, but don't want to be.  I am adding this to my wish list.  I will share more on this too soon.

Newest book to the group:

Six Weeks to a Simpler Lifestyle by Barbara Degrote-Sorensen

This book is a study guide to a simpler lifestyle. I am prayerfully considering starting this and maybe even posting my progress. I'll keep you posted.

Thats all of them, well at least the ones I borrowed from the library. I have purchased some from the library sale, but I'll list those later.

Have a great week!