Name: A Place of My Own
Rating: 3.285714285714286 (7 reviews)
ISBN: 9780385319904

Michael Pollan

The Education of an Amateur Builder

A Place of My Own

Chris Dailey

Multi-leveled meditation on what a build is and what it takes to build one. An amalgamation of architectural history, design, anthropology, sociology, and DIY guide, Pollan takes us through his process of constructing a "writing hut" on his New England property. Starting from the planting of the idea and concluding as his sits down at his recently sanded desk, not a detail is spared as we learn together about siting, framing, shingling and sanding. There are also digressions into modern architecture, sourcing lumber and wood, joints, window, and the tension between builder and designer. While not a guide for building your own Primative Hut, this is a deep dive into what it means to build and what a building means to us.

The author describes the process--design, footings, framing, roofing, windows, and trim--by which he created a space for writing.

The Architecture of Daydreams

rumbledethumps

I really enjoyed the idea of this book, probably because it's a dream of most men, to build their own private space. And I really like a lot of other Pollan's work. but this one just didn't click with me. It took me a really long time to finish, mainly because I'd only read a few pages at a time due to lack of interest. 

It's a bit more self-involved than his other stuff, but still loaded with the interesting diversions and explorations of related side topics that Pollan is known for.

Victoria Simansjah

It's not everyday you get a perspective of a writer designing or building a home. Pollan experiences it first hand and learning from his lens, really gives a new meaning to building a "home." Its a slow and easy read, definitely recommended for commuting.

Michael Hessling

David Furnes

Jake Novick

Jason Horne

The author describes the process--design, footings, framing, roofing, windows, and trim--by which he created a space for writing

A Place of My Own The Education of an Amateur Builder

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