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In 1978, at the age of eighteen and with a seventh-grade education, Dolly Freed wrote Possum Living, chronicling the five years she and her father lived off the land on a half-acre lot outside of Philadelphia.
At the time of its publication, Possum Living became an instant classic, known for its plucky narration and no-nonsense practical advice on how to quit the rat race and live frugally. In her delightful, straightforward, and irreverent style, Freed guides readers on how to buy and maintain a home, dress well, stay healthy, save money, and be lazy, proud, miserly, and honest, all while enjoying leisure and keeping up a middle-class facade. Possum Living instructs on practical matters as well, including how to
grow and can food
raise and slaughter rabbits
catch and cook fish and turtles
distill your own moonshine
Thirty years later, Freed's philosophy is world-renowned and Possum Living remains as fascinating, inspirational, and pertinent as it was upon its original publication. This edition includes new reflections, insights, and life lessons from an older and wiser Dolly Freed, whose knowledge of how to live like a possum has given her financial security and the confidence to try new ventures.
Foreword 7
Introduction 13
1 We Quit the Rat Race 15
2 The Cost Of Living 20
3 Income 27
4 We Rassle with Our Consciences 32
5 Meat 40
6 Fish 60
7 Gardening 83
8 Grain 103
9 Groceries 109
10 Preserving Food 111
11 Nutrition 120
12 The "Necessities Of Life" 124
13 Housing 148
14 Heating 164
15 Electricity 168
16 Clothing 170
17 Transportation 172
18 Law 175
19 Health and Medicine 183
20 Daily Living 193
Afterword 203
robb77536
Posted April 8, 2010
Although written well before the present time, this book scores a direct hit on the times that we live in now. Ms. Freed explains how she and her father live on very little money without attracting the attention of anyone: hence the title. This is just what the average retired person, me, needs to learn to do. By living a full life, the author is a living example of what we all want to do after retirement, be that forced or voluntary. She goes into detail, albeit dated information, about how much it costs to LIVE, not just exist. I recomend this book to anyone wishing to have a full active life after years of work.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Catahoula_Mama
Posted November 3, 2011
"Dolly Freed" writes with such candor and humor that I sometimes wondered if this book was a joke. When she suggested road kill and "long pork" as meat sources, I looked her up on the internet to find she is living in Texas and actually did write this book as a teen. Possum Living might inspire you to put down the TV remote and take up "running" (not jogging!). Loved it, and plan to read it again.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 12, 2013
very informative*
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Overview
In 1978, at the age of eighteen and with a seventh-grade education, Dolly Freed wrote Possum Living, chronicling the five years she and her father lived off the land on a half-acre lot outside of Philadelphia.
At the time of its publication, Possum Living became an instant classic, known for its plucky narration and no-nonsense practical advice on how to quit the rat race and live frugally. In her delightful, straightforward, and irreverent style, Freed guides readers on how to ...