Mountain living is its own adventure.
Sure, it’s peaceful. The air is crisp, the views are breathtaking, and at night, the only sounds are wind in the trees and the occasional coyote getting something off its chest. But let’s be honest—it also means the nearest grocery store is 50 miles away, dining out is either the home-style café (until 2pm) or the bar and grill (if they’re open), and you’re trying to grow vegetables at 7,000 feet where the air is thin and the rules are different.
Over the years, I’ve collected a small shelf of books that have made rural life not just manageable—but genuinely enjoyable. These are the ones I keep reaching for:
📚 The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery
A classic for a reason. This book covers everything from raising chickens to making soap. If you’re trying to live more independently—or just wondering how people used to do things—this one’s a goldmine. See this book at Amazon.
🌿 Growing Food in the Southwest Mountains by Lisa Rayner
At altitude, gardening is a whole different ballgame. This guide is tailored for high-desert and mountain regions, with practical advice for short seasons, wild weather, and soil that refuses to cooperate. See this book at Amazon.
🌵 Arizona, Nevada & New Mexico Garden Guide by Jacqueline A. Soule
More than just veggies—this one covers native plants, flowers, and landscaping that can survive our sunbaked, water-stingy terrain. Great for making things grow without losing your mind (or your water bill). See this book at Amazon.
💧 Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond by Brad Lancaster
Collecting and using rainwater isn’t just smart—it’s often necessary. This book offers practical systems that work even in places where an inch of rain feels like a holiday. See this book at Amazon.
🍲 Coyote Cafe by Mark Miller
Okay, this one’s purely for pleasure. If you like bold Southwestern flavors and want to elevate your home cooking, these recipes bring serious New Mexico flavor to your kitchen. See this book at Amazon.
🛠 The Backyard Homestead: Build Your Self-Sufficient Life by David Toht
From building raised beds to small-scale chicken coops, this DIY guide is a great excuse to buy power tools. Plenty of weekend projects that will actually get used. See this book at Amazon.
Whether you’re already living the rural life or just dreaming about it, these books have helped me figure things out—sometimes the hard way, sometimes with a laugh, but always with a little more confidence.
