Book Review: Goat Song

I just tore through Goat Song by Brad Kessler. I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. But really, does that surprise anyone? No probably not.
This is a non-fiction book about a man who moves to a farm in Vermont with his wife and buys a couple goats. The first year is covered in detail, the second year less detail, and then a detailed story of his pursuit to make cheese in the third year.

The first year the goats aren't lactating, but the humans get them knocked up, care for them, consider their diets and habits generally, help them give birth, milk them, and bond with these four legged cud chewers.

The second year the story becomes more about cheese, which is fine with me, and then the third year becomes entirely about cheese. Yum.

Some highlights include: a detailed look at goat sex, which involves self masturbation on the part of the male goat, and peeing in your own face, also the male, a mouth watering account of fresh chevre made from raw milk, and a tendency to look at the historical relationship humans have had with goats and that relationship's impact on our religions, languages, and many many aspects of our lives. Oh and lets not forget the goat poetry.

If goat sex, goat cheese, and goat poetry aren't your thing, then don't read this book. But if you want to learn more about goats, goat cheese, or are feeling like some time outdoors out of the city might do you some good, I recommend this book so highly.