BEST BOOKS TO GET STARTED LIVING MORE SELF-SUFFICIENTLY
Below is a list of books that we recommend when you get started with homesteading. They will teach you about laying out your property, sanitation, leadership for dealing with workers, and building techniques.
(Pro Tip: Most of these books are on Audible and Kindle for cheaper than the print copy.)
Rain Water Collection, Site Planning, Home Planning, and Permaculture Bible.
WHY WE LIKE IT:
These are AMAZING Books for rainwater collection, permaculture planning, and building site planning. They include the how and why to set up your home and property in a way that stacks functions and creates efficient capture and use of resources. These books are great for people living the off-grid homesteading life or in a traditional suburb who want to live more sustainably. The author is local to Tucson.
Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volume 1
Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volume 2
Homesteading Must Haves
The Humanure Handbook, 4th Edition: Shit in a Nutshell
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Because everybody poops! Learn how to save yourself 10s of THOUSANDS of dollars on unneeded septic systems and keep valuble compost on your land.
Earthbag Building: The Tools, Tricks and Techniques
WHY WE LIKE IT:
This book teaches you everything you need to know about earthbag building in a simple and easy to understand way.
If you are interested in building with earthbags be sure to check out our page with more information.
CLICK HERE
Books for Mindset, Leadership, and Goal Setting
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Greg Mckeown talks in depth about prioritizing what is important, managing your time, and focusing on the things that are actually essential in your life. This book will help you think about what is important and give you a guide for the day to day of your self-sufficency journey.
The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Building a self-sufficient life is STRESSFUL! This book helps reframe stress as a positive experience that helps us grow instead of something that is to be avoided at all cost. I wish I had this knowledge in my first few years of homesteading so I could have enjoyed the experience more.
“Live a few years like most people won’t so you can live the rest of your life like most people can’t.”
Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Similar to Essentialism, Discipline is Destiny talks about the value of hard work, consistency, and keeping a positive mindset through your journey to self-sufficiency.
The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Most people decide to get into the homesteading life to be more financially free and independent. Morgan Housel in the Psychology of Money talks extensively about how what you were taught about money and finances is wrong and how to be better with money.
A must read for those looking to be financially free.
The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The first life-changing book I ever read that got me thinking about a life of self-sufficiency in my early 20s. Tim Ferris talks about working in ways that are outside of the norm to control your time, income, and personal freedom. If you’re not already working remotely and cheaply, this will help get you there!
The Motive: Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most Important Responsibilities
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Whether you like it or not, once you start building your own home you become the CEO of the “YOU HOMESTEAD”. This means hiring and firing contractors, working with volunteers, friends, and other people that are going to be along side you in your journey. This quick read lays out effective leadership and how to manage people in a positive way.
The Organic Artist: Make Your Own Paint, Paper, Pigments, Prints and More from Nature
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Because you need to have fun and let your creativity shine while you’re building your own home! 😊