books on self-reliance
This list of books on self reliance will help you to stock your home library with valuable resources.
Homesteading tips that are old school yet helpful as you work towards a life of self-sufficiency.
I love books.
Even in this age of smart phones and instant search results, there is nothing quite as satisifying as finding tips hidden within the pages of a book.
Maybe that’s why I enjoy libraries so much. I will walk in empty handed and walk out with a stack of books.
Over the years I have worked to stock my home library so I can get lost in my collection any time without ever leaving my home.
What does self-reliance mean?
Being self-reliant means having the ability to do things yourself without having to rely on outside help. This can be incredibly helpful if you are a homesteader looking to be more independent at home. A few ideas are:
- With your Food – Growing a garden, raising meat, and foraging to supply as much food for yourself as you can without needing to constantly rely on grocery stores.
- With your things – Fixing and doing repairs in and outside of your home yourself without needing to rely on contractors or repair help.
- With what you wear – Making your clothes, mending shoes, or quilting blankets.
- With what you use – Making cleaning products, soaps, lotions, and basic food mixes.
Having the ability to be resourceful so you can find all that you need at home whether that be with supplies, food, or abilities.
books on self-reliance
If you are new to living this way, then having a few good books on hand that you can refer to as you become more confident in being self-reliant is great way to start.
#1. Self Reliance Mastery: Learn How to Be Self-Reliant, Live Sustainably, and Be Prepared for Any Disaster
This book pulls together experts on being prepared and living a sustainable lifestyle that focuses more on survival skills if there is an event that causes a major collapse. From helping with cavities to generating electricity, you will get a great guide on how to be prepared for any disaster.
#2. The Handbook of Forgotten Skills: Timeless Fun for a New Generation
I love this book mainly because it brings to light skills from the past that are still useful in today’s world. The pages are filled with colorful illustrations that transport you back to your childhood. Get tips on fixing a flat tire to growing and drying fresh herbs. This is a great book to read and share with your children or grandchildren.
The Handbook of Forgotten Skills: Timeless Fun for a New Generation
#3. Life Skills: How to Cook, Clean, Manage Money, Fix Your Car, Perform CPR, and Everything in Between
Less about self-reliance and more about life, this book is a great way to get your feet wet. IT keeps things simple with basic hacks that cover other areas than most books do. I love that it has tips on cooking pasta, something I still struggle with today!
The best part is they have a book for kids, tweens, and teens.
Life Skills: How to Cook, Clean, Manage Money, Fix Your Car, Perform CPR, and Everything in Between
#4. Just in Case: How to be Self-Sufficient when the Unexpected Happens
The title of this book caught my attention right off. I always tell my kids to prepare for the worst but hope for the best, and the title of this book encompasses that motto. This book focuses more on what to do if disaster hits and public services are limited. An important book to read and keep in your home library so everyone is ready just in case.
Just in Case: How to be Self-Sufficient when the Unexpected Happens
#5. New Complete Book Of Self Sufficiency
If you want a book that focuses more on homesteading skills, this book is it. Not only will you get an overview of skills, but step-by-step instructions will make each skill easier to learn. It even has a section on making beer.
New Complete Book Of Self Sufficiency
#7. The Encyclopedia of Country Living
This is one of my favorite books in our home library mainly because it covers just about anything you can think of on self-reliance. It embraces simplicity from every angle giving tips for every area both inside the home, the barn, and beyond.
The Encyclopedia of Country Living
Being resourceful is an important part of this lifestyle and one you may want to incorporate into how you are living today. The less you must depend on outside sources the less in control you may feel day to day.
Bring back skills from our grandmothers and grandfathers and with it a simple lifestyle that is more rewarding that we may realize.
Read any or all of these books on self-reliance and start your journey on reliability and resilience today.
More Books to Consider:
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