Surviving Off Off-Grid

Decolonizing the Industrial Mind

By: Michael Bunker

Narrated by: James Killavey

Western Society is in a state of confusion, the industrial world is teetering on collapse, and it looks like things could continue to get worse. Agrarian blogger, historian, and "plain" preacher Michael Bunker has been living off of the grid for many years, and he has some advice for those living in the industrial/consumerist economy... Living an off off-grid life is achievable. It has been done for thousands of years, and it can be done today... It is quite possible that many people who have relied on a failing system for their means of survival will very soon find that they have made a mistake of historic proportions. Historic, because every major "classical" culture went down the same road our society is on today. This audiobook is about the lessons we should have learned, and what you can do to survive what history tells us must come next.

©2011-2013 Michael Bunker (P)2013 Michael Bunker

Lots of good info

If you could sum up Surviving Off Off-Grid in three words, what would they be?

Much useful advice

Who was your favorite character and why?

The author

What does James Killavey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Reads very clearly - good pacing

What did you learn from Surviving Off Off-Grid that you would use in your daily life?

Lots of practical stuff about living without the power grid. Many of these things can be applied, not just in the event of a disaster, but as a way of saving money and living healthier in everyday life.

Any additional comments?

Really don't understand why some people are so upset about his faith. Yes, be believes and is not afraid to say it but that is not what the book is all about. It's all about very practical advice about not relying so much on something that could easily stop working for a few hours, a few days or a long time. Very practical advice about getting through such and event and preparing for such an eventuality.

I almost asked for a refund but I'm glad I did not

What did you like best about Surviving Off Off-Grid? What did you like least?

The reason I'm writing this review is that I believe people need to hear the overall message Michael Bunker writes. We are far too dependent on "the grid" for electricity, our food, and most especially water. What will happen when all these supplies are disrupted? Most who are dependent upon mass-produced food and energy will not survive. If you are trusting in trusting in major corporations or municipalities to provide these essentials, you are rolling the dice. The world we live in today is both dangerous and unpredictable.What made this recording hard to listen to was the poor job of narration, and the author's sometimes irritating script. Bunker's message is very timely, and there was enough valuable information that I bought the book after I finished listening to it. However, I would caution you to listen thoroughly to the narrator's sample recording, and decide if you can overlook a very pedantic style, often incongruent with the message; the narrator is not a Southerner, but Bunker is, and the author writes about his personal experiences growing up in Texas. Bunker discusses his Christian beliefs frequently, but the narrator shows he lacks a basic knowledge of the Bible, and his performance in general belies the seriousness about this subject which the author obviously intends to communicate. Also, occasionally Bunker is dogmatic about his position, and when combined with Mr. Killavey's reading style, the message comes off badly.This Audible recording could have been much more palatable and helpful; but if you can tolerate the above, I think you'll find real value in the author's hands-on experience with getting off the grid, and moving to a more sustainable lifestyle.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Surviving Off Off-Grid?

Bunker admits that his effort to dig a well on his property was unsuccessful. This was no doubt an expensive undertaking, as he clearly expresses how important water was and is to us all. He still, at least at the time of writing this book, does not have a working water well, but he went on to other methods of providing for his family's needs, such as rain collection and storage, and dehumidifiers. His initial difficulties in providing this essential evoked my compassion, as I know how hot the summers can be in Texas. Having to drive long distances to obtain water must have been a grave challenge to his commitment to, and his family's belief in their new DIY life.

Would you be willing to try another one of James Killavey’s performances?

NO; absolutely not. If I thought the book were worth digesting, I would get a hard copy.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

NA

Any additional comments?

Early on in this listen I was asking myself, is it worth it to finish listening to this recording, given my disappointment with the narrator. I kept listening, and I'm glad I did. There was enough vital information (if you see the need for being self-sufficient), and I decided I would ignore the performance flaws. You may have to endure the same if you choose to buy this recording. If not, I can wholeheartedly recommend that you buy the book, and read it. The message is worth "hearing".

Interesting perspective. Full of insight

I enjoyed the thoroughness of his paradigm, as well as the history. Thanks for a thought-provoking book that has changed my perspective on what it truly means to be sustainable and to survive.

Great info

Loved the content and the viewers presented perspective. Was not a big fan of the readers style and the Christianity preaching crept in a few too many times. Even still, I recommend this for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and preparing to sever ties with the grid.

Lots of good advice

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Like the boys scouts...we need to be prepared.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not really. Not that kind of book. The past couple of days we had three power outages and it got me thinking about this book. I listened to it a while back but never really put any of its advice into practice. But, what if we lost power for a few days or weeks, not just a few hours? Frightening possibility. My family will never go completely off the grid like the author, but I am going to look into not becoming so dependent on the almighty 'grid."

Any additional comments?

Really didn't understand why a few people got so upset because the author talked about his faith now and then. That was very minor. The huge amount of practical advice was what the book was all about...not religion.

great book for those thinking about this lifestyle

a little too heavy on religion, but great information on how our ancestors survived. so

Some good information but slow

After I put the speed on 1.25 it was eaiser to listen to. Some good bits of information scattered throughout was enough to keep me listening.

Change your title

So , this book is about religion and philosophy. Very preechy and little to do with off grid living.

Asked for a Refund for this Audio Book

Would you try another book from Michael Bunker and/or James Killavey?

I would consider something written by Michael Bunker, but not something narrated by James Killavey.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Real Crash by Peter D Schiff

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator detracted significantly from the authors writing. The information could have been presented much better.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The information was in depth and accurate

Any additional comments?

I would not consider listening to anything with this narrator.

Be warned...This is a religious book

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

This book might appeal to fundamentalist Christians who believe the world is at odds with God's will. It isn't enough to believe our modern society is flawed. You MUST believe it is EVIL.

Has Surviving Off Off-Grid turned you off from other books in this genre?

Only the heavy handed, uber-religious ones.

What three words best describe James Killavey’s voice?

Unmemorable average pleasant

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

It is finite.

Any additional comments?

The author exhibits the unholy trinity of arrogance, close-mindedness, and irrationality. He spends more time lambasting the wicked world than proving his own points. Please please please make your points on their own merits and do not presume to tell me what I think and believe.Pride is one of the seven deadly sins, if you believe in that sort of thing.The author is overly pleased with himself and his apparent moral superiority.