My father-in-law is an extremely prolific reader. He shows no aversion to the length or breadth of any subject matter. So, when he informed me that he found this particular book to be rather wordy, I knew that I was about to embark on a bit of a literary marathon upon picking it up.

As much as I have relished Pollan's other books such as Omnivore's Dilemmna and Botany of Desire, I must admit that I did find this one to be a bit long-winded and in desperate need of a competent editor to trim approximately 60 pages. Perhaps, if I had regarded the book as a condensed history of architecture, I wouldn't have been as taken aback by the dryness of the content.

That being said, I did come across a quote by Ruskin that deeply resonated with me.

No good work what ever can be perfect, and the demand for perfection is always a sign of a misunderstanding of the ends of art.

My goal every time I sit down to sew a quilt is to achieve perfection, as instilled in me by my mother. Any error along the way can sometimes lead to major flaws at the end, as I have experienced numerous times myself. However, what often attracts me to quilts of old are the slight flaws; the evidence that a human hand crafted that piece of art. So, while I still strive for perfection each time I sit down to sew, I am now better able to embrace my imperfections, knowing that I am actually attempting to create a piece of art; evidence of an imperfect human striving to create something beautiful.

I think Michael Pollan is an exceptionally good writer.

His detailed account of building his little hut held my attention for 221 out of 301 pages. However, as he delved deeper into the philosophical aspects of this small place, I began to lose some of my understanding.

He seemed to invest an enormous amount of deep spiritual meaning into both the hut and the process of building it. Maybe it's because I've always had a more straightforward view that things are just things.

I'm not an architect, and the most I've ever built was a table in high school shop class. Perhaps that lack of experience is why I struggled to comprehend his intense attachment to this particular hut.

Throughout the reading, I couldn't help but keep thinking about his newborn baby growing up while he was out there bonding with his hut. I love my home, of course, but I just didn't have the same kind of profound love and connection that Pollan seemed to have with his hut.

It made me wonder if there was something more to this whole concept of building and attachment that I was missing.

The writing house that Michael Pollan constructed for himself appears to have entailed the most excessive thinking per square foot among all buildings in history.

Initially, I regarded his philosophical musings regarding the meaning and symbolism of the diverse components of his abode as rather amusing, and then it seemed a bit absurd. After all, he undertook this project with the intention of leaving behind the world of words and engaging in something tangible within the realm of things.

However, in some way, he managed to win me back over with his customary brand of thoughtful curiosity and his ability to eloquently capture ideas. His exploration of the building process and the significance he attributed to each element began to resonate with me.

I found myself drawn into his narrative, realizing that there was more depth and intention behind his seemingly overthought decisions. Pollan's writing house became not just a physical structure but a manifestation of his intellectual and creative pursuits.

It served as a reminder that even the simplest of things can hold profound meaning and that our relationship with the built environment is worthy of careful consideration.

As a professional engaged in the architecture/construction industry, I firmly believe that this book is truly outstanding.

It is indeed the case that the book may not appeal to everyone, as it can become somewhat verbose at times. However, if you have an interest in the history of architecture, it is an absolute must-read.

Michael Pollan shares with us the story of his own experience in building a "writing house" in the woods, with the assistance of a few of his friends. In the process, he delves into the history and ideologies associated with architecture and construction.

From uncovering the never-ending conflict between tradesmen and architects to examining how culture and social structure impact our buildings, "A Place of My Own" does an excellent job of revealing the construction world that would otherwise remain hidden from view.

It offers a unique perspective and valuable insights into the complex and fascinating realm of architecture and construction.

Overall, this book is a remarkable exploration that provides both entertainment and enlightenment for those interested in this field.

His journey of attempting to construct his own writing cabin is truly remarkable.

Throughout this process, he not only engages in the physical act of building but also reflects deeply on his learning experiences.

He geekily delves into the architecture and craftsmanship involved, meticulously studying every detail.

While this topic might seem rather dry to most people, I find it to be a breath of fresh air.

It offers a unique perspective and something different to read, allowing me to explore a world that I might not otherwise have encountered.

The attention to detail and the passion for creating something from scratch are truly inspiring.

It makes me appreciate the value of taking the time to pursue our interests and learn new skills.

Overall, his story is a testament to the power of determination and the joy that can come from a hands-on project.

An exploration of designing, materials, building, and work is truly a fascinating journey.

Designing a structure requires careful consideration of various factors such as functionality, aesthetics, and the surrounding environment. The choice of materials is equally important as it can impact the durability, cost, and overall look of the building.

Building a cabin in the woods is a dream for many, including myself. I often envision a peaceful and secluded spot where I can escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The process of building a cabin would involve hard work and dedication, but the end result would be well worth it. I could enjoy the beauty of nature, listen to the sounds of the birds, and breathe in the fresh air.

How I wish I, too, had a spot for a cabin in the woods. It would be a place where I could relax, unwind, and connect with myself and the natural world around me.

Perhaps one day, I will be able to make this dream a reality and embark on my own exploration of designing, materials, building, and work.

Until then, I will continue to dream and plan for that perfect cabin in the woods.

Whether you're envisioning the construction of a charming writing house tucked away in the peaceful woods or simply planning to reconfigure your home office, this remarkable book is tailor-made for you.

It combines the practicality of a building manual with the depth of a philosophical exploration. Every morning, I found myself eagerly anticipating the opportunity to wake up and delve into the next captivating chapter.

I'm currently in the midst of redesigning my workspace, which is located in the basement. Michael has been an invaluable source of inspiration, offering not only ingenious ideas but also profound and thoughtful philosophy regarding the assembly of the space where you engage in your work.

His insights have truly transformed the way I approach this project, and I can't wait to see the final result.

This book is a must-read for anyone looking to create a functional and inspiring workspace, regardless of whether it's in a rustic cabin or a modern home office.

Celebrated author and modern philosopher Michael Pollan has a rather unique aspiration - he wants to build a house with his own hands. This might seem outlandish, especially considering that this bookish man is affectionately called the 'Jewish fix-it man' by his wife. However, his reasons are quite understandable. He felt that working with words all the time didn't give him the sense of doing'real' work. So, with the help of an architect named Charlie and a handyman named Joe, he embarks on this ambitious project.

This book chronicles Pollan's journey of building his house, and along the way, it takes numerous and regular detours through the history of modern architecture. Each design principle is traced back to its historical origin, and Pollan makes a conscious effort to draw connections between the two. This approach works remarkably well, and it enables the reader to view the spaces they inhabit from a whole new perspective. In fact, I gained more insights into Frank Lloyd Wright's philosophy through this book than I had in my 7 years of living in America.

Pollan is a writer with a vivid imagination and eloquent prose. His writing style is what prevents the reader from getting bored with the details. However, by the end of the book, slogging through an entire chapter dedicated solely to windows felt like a bit too much architecture for my taste. So, I ended up skipping to the end.

I’m OBSESSED!!!!!

I really don't have the time to begin discussing this because once I start, I simply won't be able to stop.

I annotated it as if I were having a one-on-one conversation with the author.

This book has completely transformed my reading path for the next several months, especially with its numerous references.

I might come back here to store my thoughts.

In brief, it offers a delightful introduction to architectural theory through the author's amateur construction of a backyard tiny house.

The way the author presents the concepts and ideas related to architecture in the context of building this small house is truly engaging.

It makes the often complex subject of architectural theory accessible and understandable even for those who have no prior knowledge in the field.

The personal touch added by the author's experiences and anecdotes makes it all the more interesting and relatable.

Overall, it's a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in architecture or just looking for an inspiring and unique book.

The building of one's own workplace environment to suit every need of the day is something that most people have daydreamed about. However, few have actually considered it as a serious endeavor. In A Place of My Own, Michael Pollan realizes his own version of such an environment. He takes the reader through his own process of conceptualizing and constructing a small outbuilding that he calls his "writing house".

This process involves pondering the necessities of such a building. He subcontracts complicated work and hires two professionals/friends to assist in the design and construction. Of course, there is also a bookshelf full of supplemental reading to research the many unfamiliar worlds that Pollan has thrown himself into with this project. The reader is treated to eight chapters of defined scope. In a very detailed and beautifully described manner, these chapters discuss Pollan's own experience with his writing house, as well as the summarized spoils of his rigorous research into the complicated academic and cultural underpinnings of every aspect of the design and construction.

While each chapter does provide a lot of information and beautiful writing, it may occasionally become tiresome for those who do not have an appetite for long-winded depictions of construction sites and the unraveling of architectural theory.

Michael Pollan never disappoints. His works are always filled with profound insights and thought-provoking ideas that inspire readers to look at the world around them in a new light.

Of course, now I want to build a place of my own for myself. It would be a haven, a retreat from the chaos and喧嚣 of the outside world. A place where I can unwind, relax, and pursue my passions.

I envision a small cottage, nestled in a quiet corner of the countryside. Surrounded by lush green fields and blooming flowers, it would offer a peaceful and idyllic setting. Inside, the cottage would be filled with warm colors and comfortable furnishings, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Here, I could spend my days reading, writing, painting, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature. I could wake up to the sound of birds chirping and the smell of fresh air, and go to sleep under a starry sky. It would be a place where I could truly be myself and find inner peace and contentment.

Building this place of my own would be a labor of love, a project that would require time, effort, and dedication. But I know that in the end, it would be worth it. It would be my own little piece of paradise, a place that I could call home.

Despite being a passionate advocate of Transcendentalism in theory, I have always found it challenging to read Walden. I had high hopes that this book would serve as a modern equivalent for me. Perhaps it was more my shortcoming than the author's, as I was anticipating a literal narrative of building, intricately interwoven with a more comprehensive discourse on building and nature.

To be fair, there are indeed elements of that in this book. However, there is also an abundance of discussions on architecture, its movements, and meanings. A great deal, in fact. I consider myself to be somewhat of an information absorber and have a penchant for learning about a diverse range of topics. Nevertheless, I found this particular aspect to be rather dull. I often wished that the discussions on architecture were accompanied by basic drawings, similar to those in some of the construction detail sections. This would have given me a more concrete understanding of what the author was referring to. This book takes a very "writerly" approach, with its head in the clouds and a highly theoretical perspective on the subject. For me, it was simply too abstract.

Pollan shines in this book when he describes people. He brings his carpenter and architect to life with vivid detail and infuses a genuine sense of humor into his interactions and the challenges between them. The segment about how all roads lead to gun control with carpenter Joe is undoubtedly my favorite part of the book. The details of construction and his respect for his materials are engaging and understandable, even for someone like me who lacks familiarity with the subject.

All in all, this is a well-written book that, unfortunately, failed to hit the mark for me personally.