Can you live off the land and still live ethically?

Makenna Goodman on her homestead in Vermont

Makenna Goodman on her homestead in Vermont. Steve Paulson (TTBOOK)

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Makenna Goodman is a modern-day homesteader in rural Vermont. She was inspired by Scott and Helen Nearing, who wrote the classic back-to-the-land manifesto "Living the Good Life." But she also says their philosophy of "the good life" reeks of class privilege and sets up an unhealthy binary between city and country living. Steve and Anne interviewed Makenna as they walked her land and talked about her debut novel "The Shame."

Makenna Goodman shows Anne and Steve around her garden. Makenna Goodman shows Anne and Steve around her garden. Steve Paulson (TTBOOK)

Makenna Goodman speaking with Anne and Steve on her Vermont homestead. Makenna Goodman speaking with Anne and Steve on her Vermont homestead. Steve Paulson (TTBOOK)

Makenna Goodman's makeshift hot tub. Makenna Goodman's makeshift hot tub. Steve Paulson (TTBOOK)

Makenna Goodman talks with Anne and Steve about her land. Makenna Goodman talks with Anne and Steve about her land. Steve Paulson (TTBOOK)

A chicken surveys the landscape. A chicken surveys the landscape. Steve Paulson (TTBOOK)