'The Joy of Keeping Chickens'
Book Review
By Martha Slater
While some folks might not find raising chickens enjoyable, for Jennifer Megyesi of Fat Rooster Farm in Royalton, it's truly a labor of love.
Megyesi's new book, "The Joy of Keeping Chickens," published by Skyhorse Publishing in New York City, is billed on its cover as "the ultimate guide to raising poultry for fun and profit." One of its many attractions is the lush color photography by Geoff Hansen of Tunbridge, which, coupled with a user-friendly layout and attractive, easy-to-read graphics, makes this an informative and interesting book, even for those not inclined to pursue poultry farming.
In addition to chapters about all aspects of raising poultry, Megyesi includes recipes, preservation methods and more.
"My goal was to write a chicken book that would be accessible to those who have dabbled in raising gardens and long to raise livestock, but may be intimidated by the commitment involved in this endeavor," Megyesi said. "I hope my book is simple enough to answer the most basic of chicken questions and intriguing enough to get people to try. Not to mention, Geoff's photography is beautiful!"
Megyesi adds that, "Chickens have been in my life since I can remember. They embody in me my desire to live self-sufficiently. They are companionable. They are easy to care for and are more independent than ponies and dogs. You can usually get neighbors to watch them over vacation with the promise of fresh eggs, to boot."
Megyesi likes to quote what author Barbara Kingsolver said to her erudite city friends, when they told her that her non-fiction accounts of farming were "quaintly irrelevant."
"To this she replied, "I'll tell you what, you go without food for a week, we'll re-convene, and see who is 'quaintly irrelevant...'"
Copies of Megyesi's book are available now at Cover to Cover Books on Main Street in Randolph. Accompanied by a large rooster and some baby chicks, Megyesi will be there Saturday, March 14 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. to talk about her book.
"The Joy of Keeping Chickens" will also be available soon at Seasoned Books and Bakery in Rochester.
— The Herald of Randolph, published February 26, 2009
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