Possum Living: How to Live Well Without a Job and with (Almost) No Money

*** EDIT *** 8/24/2009 - An updated version has been published and can be ordered: Possum Living: How to Live Well Without a Job and with (Almost) No Money First, I should let you know that I am Dolly's younger brother (briefly mentioned in the book and in the documentary). For the many people who have asked, here and elsewhere, Dolly is very much alive and well. To reviewer "Howard": A) The intro to book clearly says 1/2-acre lot 40 miles from Philadelphia. It was not 5 acres, 5 miles from Philadelphia. B) Say what you want, but they really did have rabbits and chickens in the basement (more rabbits than chickens). Sorry, but you are wrong. C) Since we already established that your geographic positioning was incorrect, we can also conclude that you assumption about the quality of the wildlife is also wrong. They lived right next to the water reservoir and many farms. The fish and game 40 miles away from Philadelphia are some of the best eating around! To reviewer "Gregory": You bet! Dad was not to be taken lightly! To all of the rest, Dolly is still one of the most quick witted and frugal people I know. She is also pleased and wryly amused that so many people still take an interest in her book. The book is dated by today's standards and definitely contains some socially unacceptable elements, but most of the basic philosophies found in the text still hold true. You might also want to keep your children from reading the "Necessities of Life" chapter.

I was laid up sick many years ago listening to an interview of Dolly Freed on PBS. It was during the 70's recession and " live [inexpensively] " books were all the rage. Dolly was charming, and as a Euell Gibbons reader, her book was in my hobby but as I got well I couldn't find it but couldn't forget it. Twenty years later I found and bought it as my first ebay purchace. I wasn't sorry ! The book is a storehouse of [inexpensive] living information, with jewels of knowledge such as how to build a kitchen still and barrel stove. You'll fall in love with Dolly and her dad, the " old fool ".

I found this book in the "free" box outside a used bookstore and I have read it so many times it is falling apart. It is wise, inspirational, and very entertaining. Like her other fans, I would like to know what has become of the author in the 20+ years since the book was written.

I read Possum living when it was first published and continued reading has required gluing the pages back in the cover. I fell in love with Dolly Freed, and her independent spirit. She raises resourcefulness, to a level beyond anyone in my experience. She is honest, unique and original in her approach to living. She has decided to "live deliberately".

I enjoyed reading this book. The book was a fun read with very beneficial information. I want to know how to get in contact with Dolly Freed and or any other individuals that have such great information. If you want to become more self reliant than this is the book to read. It was published in 1978 and it would be great to find a similar or up dated book with current information with addresses and phone #s of suppliers for provisions and items mentioned in the book. If anyone has this information, please contact me.