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A Bold Return to Giving a Damn

One Farm, Six Generations, and the Future of Food

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A Bold Return to Giving a Damn

Written by: Will Harris
Narrated by: Will Harris
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About this listen

"If I could have one wish it is that every eater in America would read this book."—Ruth Reichl

From a pioneer of the regenerative agriculture movement, a memoir-meets-manifesto on betting the farm on a better future for our food, animals, land, local communities, and our climate

Raised as a fourth-generation farmer, when Will Harris inherited White Oak Pastures he was a full-time commodity cowboy who played hard and fast with every tool the system offered–chemicals, antibiotics, steroids, and more. His ancestors had built a highly profitable, conventionally run machine, but over time he found himself disgusted with the excess, cruelty, and smalltown devastation this system entailed. So he bet the farm on forging a different way of doing things. One that works with nature not against it, and bridges the quickly widening delta between consumers and their food. Armed with tenacity, conviction and an outsized tolerance for risk, Harris called his approach “radical traditional” and it made him the pioneer of regenerative agriculture long before the phrase existed.

At once an intimate, multi-generational memoir and a microcosm of American agriculture at large, A BOLD RETURN TO GIVING A DAMN offers a pathway back to producing food the right way. At a time when food supply chains are straining, climate-induced catastrophes are playing havoc with harvests, and concern around who owns America’s farmland are more prescient than ever, Will Harris urges us to consider where the food we eat really comes from, and to re-connect to the places and people who raise what we eat each day. With keen storytelling, a good dose of irreverence, and an unflinching willingness to speak truth to power, Harris shows us why it’s never been more important to know your farmer than now.

Featured in Food and Country directed by Laura Gabbert and Ruth Reichl

©2023 Will Harris (P)2023 Penguin Audio
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What the critics say

"There’s a lot to like about the book — Harris’s cheeky sense of humor, for one. And his exploration of his family’s roots, their sacrifices and hard-earned victories...But it’s Harris’s dogged insistence on explaining the hidden costs of the “abhorrently cheap food”...that makes the book so necessary."—The Washington Post

"A Bold Return to Giving a Damn is more than a memoir—it is a full exploration of the history of food production in this country, with all its beautiful and ugly aspects. It’s the education we all need to embrace."—NY Journal of Books

"A solution-based offering from a Georgia farmer who has practiced regenerative agriculture for over three decades...Throughout, Harris pushes readers to have the courage to give a damn about the future. Two of his adult daughters came back home to farm; inspired readers will want to join them."—Booklist

What listeners say about A Bold Return to Giving a Damn

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Great Achievement and story

I love that the writer read the book. His insight and delivery was perfect for this title.

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Honest and Engrossing

The best audio book I’ve listened to this year. Combination of the amazing story of the revitalized White Oak Pastures delivered by its creator in his own authentic voice makes this a most compelling experience. And if you ever wondered about a better way forward for our food, our ecosystems and our way of life, this is a great place to start.

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Amazing book.

Literally had to listen to this book twice in a row. Far to much info to digest in one go. love that the author read it himself. Years of knowledge and a deep understanding of what is good and natural with first hand experience of hiw to do it wrong make this a complete must read for anyone even considering making better food choices.

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So much info!

It took me a bit to get used to Will's gravelly accent but this book was so informative and inspiring. He shares all the rough parts of his journey, his struggles with government, and corporate greenwashing, along with a bit of farming history and carbon science. I was riveted the whole ride. I'd love for Will to write a book that details the specifics of rotational grazibg and husbandry, like a how-to manual.

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A must read if you care about your health or the environment.

Will Harrison I hope to come visit your farm some day. I really enjoyed your book. I thank you for what you are doing for the environment and for providing healthy food choices. You are a true inspiration.

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Inspiring and influential.

I am happy Will Harris did the narration himself as he is a wonderful and compelling speaker who is so enjoyable to listen to. His voice calms my soul and his no nonsense, unapologetic approach is the inspiring call to action I needed to help me get to the next level on my food sourcing journey. Well done to all the folks behind White Oaks.

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Mr. Harris and his families story

Great book, and listening to the author tell his own families story, made it that much better. Glad I gave it a listen. Hope others will also.

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a beautifully layed out description of the food crisis

Will Harris has a voice that truly speaks the truth with a balanced disposition that is pleasant to listen to. He addresses the real problems with real solutions...!

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