In the age of the internet, books are rarely the most convenient resource for how-to guidance.  However, a book is superior to online information when it concisely and accessibly describes a variety of projects that all contribute to a common objective. The Urban Homestead, by Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen, does just that by detailing numerous ways to lead a sustainable life while living in the heart of a city.  It covers everything from balcony gardening to making your own sourdough starter, and provides plenty of background explanation for the uninitiated.  The book is enjoyable and inspiring to read as a whole, and also makes great reference material as you slowly build your own urban homestead.

The book is broken down into seven chapters, which cover the following subjects: farming, urban foraging, small livestock, home economics (cooking, cleaning, and so on), utilities, transportation, and “essential” do-it-yourself projects.  The essential projects are a great way to get started, and Urban Homestead provides easy to understand directions and pictures to help you through the process.  The rest of the topics cover everything from the basics, like how to choose a bicycle and plan your routes, to the more obscure, like how to pick laying hens and build a chicken coop in your backyard.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to live more sustainably, as it can be your sole guide from the first basic steps all the way to the more advanced.