The Year of the Goat: 40,000 Miles and the Quest for the Perfect Cheese

The authors perceived something missing from their city lives and began to dream of living closer to the land. Llama farmers and gardeners have routinely followed this path: what makes this different is their determination to raise goats - even though they knew little about either goats or farming. A hilarious, insightful survey of not only goat farming but producing the perfect goat cheese makes for a lively survey perfect for rural collections and culinary holdings alike.

Hathaway's writing is compelling, gentle and poetic from the first line. It was fascinating to learn how someone dared to give up an urban life to cross America in pursuit of--why not?--goats and, ultimately, love. While goats are the theme, the book's heart is about the daring it takes to give up everything to discover something entirely new. Who hasn't wondered "What if..." (What if I had the money to give up my life and try something else, What if I had the courage, What if I had the opportunity)? Hathaway chose not to wait for her circumstances to change; she went ahead and changed them herself, and her results are inspiring.

As a owner of four goats...really loved this book. My goats are named Bob, Marley, OG, and Zorro. Am going to pass this along to my neice who is an avid reader and raises chickens, goats, and sheep. Regards, Dr. Bill www.askdrbill.info

My husband and I, and engineer and healthcare provider respectively, have been contemplating the idea of "opting-out", changing to a simpler lifestyle, and trying to live more sustainably on our own. When I picked up Margaret Hathaway's book, I felt like she was embarking on the journey that we have been taking in our minds. Without the means to make such a journey ourselves, I felt like I was able to explore some of the self-questions Margaret and Karl faced. I was also able to gain greater insight into the world of goats and cheesemaking than you can find in the pages of straight "How-To" books. She also visited farms that are close to our current home and to our future homestead (which are 2000 miles apart!). After reading, I feel less "insane" about choosing this lifestyle and ready more than ever for the next step. Thank You, Margaret, for bringing us on your journey.

The Year of the Goat by Margaret Hathaway. The Year of the Goat: 40,000 Miles and the Quest for the Perfect CheeseI have lived a lifetime loving goats. It is nice to read a book written by an author who is captured by their charm as much as I am. This book combines all the recent movements (slow food, sustainability, and thinking locally) that will be our foundation for the future. It is a book that can support people thinking about farming as well as give a new perspective for lifetime farmers. It is a beautiful journey and adventure that we are lucky that Margaret and Karl shared with the world. My it inspire you to grab your dreams and live them, and not be afraid to change your life (It may just answer some questions that will lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling life)