🔝 Bestselling books by Wendell Berry of 2023: our choice

The Unsettling of America: Culture & Agriculture by Wendell Berry is an insightful and thought-provoking book about the effects of industrial agriculture on the environment and culture of the United States. Berry examines the history of American agriculture and its current state, and argues that industrial agriculture has caused a variety of problems, including soil erosion, water pollution, and the displacement of small farmers. He also argues that industrial agriculture has caused a disconnect between people and their food, leading to a lack of appreciation for the labor and knowledge that goes into producing food. The book is well-researched and well-written, and Berry’s arguments are backed up by a wealth of evidence. He clearly explains the issues and the consequences of industrial agriculture, and offers solutions to the problems. He also makes a compelling case for the importance of small-scale farming and the need to preserve traditional knowledge and practices. Overall, The Unsettling of America is an important and timely book that should be read by anyone interested in the effects of industrial agriculture on the environment and culture of the United States. Berry’s arguments are well-reasoned and thought-provoking, and his solutions are practical and achievable. Highly recommended.

Wendell Berry's Jayber Crow is an extraordinary novel that is both beautifully written and deeply moving. The book follows the life of Jayber Crow, a barber in a small Kentucky town. As the story progresses, Jayber reflects on his life, his relationships, and his faith. The book is a masterful blend of character study and storytelling. Berry paints a vivid picture of rural Kentucky life, with its small-town gossip, its close-knit community, and its deep-rooted religious beliefs. Through Jayber, we see the struggles of a man trying to make sense of his life and his place in the world. Berry's writing is poetic and lyrical, and his characters are richly drawn. He has an eye for detail and an ear for dialogue, and his descriptions of the town and its people are vivid and evocative. Jayber Crow is a powerful and moving book. It is a story of faith and hope, of the power of love and friendship, and of the strength that comes from accepting one's place in the world. It is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished it. Highly recommended.

Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry is an excellent novel about the life of a woman living in rural Kentucky. The story follows Hannah as she reflects on her life and the people she has known and loved. The novel is written in a poetic style that captures the beauty and simplicity of Hannah's life and the beauty of the rural landscape. The story is filled with vivid descriptions of the landscape and the people who inhabit it. The characters are well-developed and the relationships between them are complex and meaningful. Berry's writing is beautiful and captures the essence of rural life. The novel also touches on important themes such as aging, death, and the importance of family. Hannah's story is poignant and moving and will stay with readers long after they have finished the book. Overall, Hannah Coulter is an excellent novel that captures the beauty and simplicity of rural life. The characters are well-developed and the relationships between them are complex and meaningful. Berry's writing is beautiful and captures the essence of rural life. Highly recommended.

The Need to Be Whole: Patriotism and the History of Prejudice by Wendell Berry is an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of patriotism and the history of prejudice in America. Berry provides a unique perspective on how patriotism can be used to both unite and divide people. He examines how patriotism has been used to justify violence, discrimination, and oppression, while also exploring how it can be used to bring people together. Berry’s writing style is engaging and easy to follow. He provides a wealth of historical information, as well as personal anecdotes and stories that help to bring the topics to life. He also includes a variety of primary sources to illustrate his points, which makes for an interesting read. Overall, The Need to Be Whole is an important book that provides an important perspective on patriotism and the history of prejudice in America. It is well-researched and thoughtfully written, and it will leave readers with a better understanding of how patriotism can be used to bring people together, as well as how it has been used to divide us. Highly recommended.