Growing Up A Farmer- Second Half of book

I have to be honest I really ended up liking this book.  In the Present-Day Farm Chapter, Kurt describes his relationship with nature as a double-edged sword.  Being a farmer has allowed him to see the good and bad in nature: "Nature is cruel.  Farming has brought me close to the wonders and joys of nature, but also the dirt and death that make them possible."  This quote from pg. 278 really struck a cord with me.  Upon reading this quote, I thought about the meaning of life.  In order to experience happiness, you need to experience sadness.  You can't know one without the other.  So I take life head on.  If something "bad happens," instead of seeing it as an unfortunate event, the optimist in me sees it as a learning experience.  This is very true.  We always have room to grow.  The moment we stop learning, that's the moment we stop living.  I went kind of deep but those are my thoughts upon reading this book.

The book as a whole was well-written.  I am all for clean, healthy, natural food.  I am willing to spend more money for quality food.  I believe what you eat can play a big role in your health, body and mind, and personality.  I feel as a society we are moving closer to our human roots and eating natural food i.e Whole foods, Chipotle, Trader Joe's to name a few.  The book doesn't make me want to buy a farm and own land for crop development.  I do have a greater appreciation for farmers who place more of an emphasis on quality over finances.  I appreciate Kurt's treatment (the manner in which he slaughters his animals) and relationship with his animals.  I believe a well treated animal will taste better.  The whole book was a journey through this man's life and how he reached his goals.  I would love to have dinner at his farm! (especially the pizza).  Professor, I would have your future classes read this book.  I think they will enjoy it as much as I have.