A short but truly delightful story unfolds, centering around a group of people who are absolutely determined to grow rich coffee beans. Their goal is to do so without succumbing to the might of big "factory" farms that seem to dominate the industry. This captivating tale is set in the beautiful Dominican Republic. Interestingly, it is loosely based on the real-life story of the author and her husband. The couple, like the characters in the story, faced numerous challenges in their pursuit of growing high-quality coffee beans. They had to battle against the odds, overcome various obstacles, and坚守 their vision. Through their unwavering determination and hard work, they managed to carve out a niche for themselves in the coffee-growing world. Their story serves as an inspiration to others, showing that with passion and perseverance, it is possible to achieve one's dreams even in the face of tough competition.

August 2014 was a remarkable month.

It was filled with various events and activities that left a lasting impact.

The weather was warm and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.

People flocked to the beaches, parks, and mountains to enjoy the beautiful scenery and get some exercise.

There were also many cultural and entertainment events happening during this time.

Concerts, festivals, and art exhibitions were held all over the city, attracting large crowds.

In addition, August 2014 was a time for reflection and planning.

Many people took the opportunity to look back on the first half of the year and set goals for the remaining months.

It was a time to evaluate progress, make adjustments, and look forward to the future with hope and optimism.

Overall, August 2014 was a month to remember, filled with joy, excitement, and possibility.

A charming little book, a lovely story, inspiring and an approach to "fair trade".

This book takes the reader on a journey through a world where fairness and kindness prevail in business. It shows how fair trade can make a positive impact on the lives of people, both producers and consumers.

The story is filled with heartwarming moments and characters that the reader can easily relate to. It not only entertains but also educates, raising awareness about the importance of ethical and sustainable business practices.

Whether you are interested in fair trade or simply looking for a good read, this book is sure to capture your heart and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of kindness and fairness in the marketplace.

It is a must-read for anyone who wants to make a difference in the world and contribute to a more just and sustainable future.

This is a truly captivating piece, almost like a short story that unfolds before your eyes. Julia Alvarez's prose is nothing short of beautiful, and the story she weaves is equally enchanting. It has this alluring quality that really leaves you craving for more details. It makes you wish it was a full-length novel, so that you could truly get to know the characters on a deeper level, understand the hardships they had to endure, and share in the joys of their successes.

After reading this, I couldn't help but have a strong desire to drink a cup of coffee. And now, every time I buy some coffee, this story will always pop into my mind. It has left such a lasting impression that it has become intertwined with my coffee-buying experiences. It's amazing how a simple story can have such a profound impact on our thoughts and emotions.

I highly recommend this read to anyone who appreciates beautiful prose and engaging stories. It's a quick yet satisfying read that will stay with you long after you've finished the last page.

This is really a two-star story.

However, the woodcuts in it were absolutely gorgeous.

Their beauty was such that it elevated this book to a three-star level.

The concept of presenting it as a pamphlet was interesting.

But when it comes to storytelling, it wasn't as successful.

The story might have lacked the depth and engaging elements that would have made it a truly outstanding read.

Perhaps the focus on the woodcuts overshadowed the development of the plot and characters.

Nonetheless, it still has its charm and appeal due to the magnificent woodcuts.

Overall, it's a book that has its pros and cons, but the beauty of the woodcuts is definitely a standout feature.

This is a charming little story that spans 50 pages and delves into the significance of shade grown coffee.

My initial response was a strong desire to purchase a copy and present it to our local coffee shop. They not only serve but also actively promote shade grown coffee.

The resources listed at the end are also quite appealing. Two of the organizations are situated in Seattle and are involved in working with song bird habitat, which is a crucial aspect of shade grown coffee.

This presents an interesting possibility for a program for our local Audubon group.

The story is available in both English and Spanish, making it accessible to a wider audience and potentially spreading awareness about the importance of shade grown coffee even further.

Overall, it's a wonderful read that combines an engaging narrative with valuable information.

I'm not entirely sure what I expected when I started reading this.

At first glance, it seemed to be a story, but upon closer inspection, it certainly seemed lacking.

It had the basic framework of a narrative, but it could have been so much more.

There was a missed opportunity to engage the reader on a deeper level.

The story could have had more storytelling elements, such as vivid descriptions, interesting characters, and a more complex plot.

Unfortunately, there was not enough detail provided to bring the story to life.

It was far too direct, almost to the point of being blunt.

This made it difficult for me to become fully invested in the story and its characters.

Overall, while there was potential here, the execution fell short of what could have been a truly engaging and captivating read.

Charming.

The word "charming" holds a special allure. It describes something or someone that has an irresistible attractiveness. A charming person has a unique quality that draws others in. Their smile, their mannerisms, and their words all have a certain magic.

Charming places also exist. It could be a small village with its quaint houses and beautiful landscapes. Or it could be a big city with its vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions. These places have a charm that makes people want to visit again and again.

Charm can also be found in things. A beautiful piece of art, a delicious meal, or a well-written book can all be charming. They have the power to captivate our senses and make us feel good.

In conclusion, charm is a quality that is highly sought after. It can make a person, a place, or a thing stand out from the rest. Whether it's a charming smile, a charming place, or a charming object, it has the ability to bring joy and happiness into our lives.

I read this book during a plane trip.

As a former barista, I truly cherished the simplicity of the story. It was beautifully intertwined with the depth and intricacies of being a coffee farmer.

The narrative not only presented a captivating tale but also carried a profound message and moral.

It made me reflect on the journey of coffee from the farm to the cup and the hard work and dedication that goes into it.

The author's ability to bring this story to life is remarkable.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in coffee or simply enjoys a good story with a meaningful lesson.

It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

In the Dominican Republic, there are shade grown coffee farms that tell a remarkable story.

It is a story filled with hope, as the farmers work hard to cultivate their coffee beans in the shade of tall trees. This method not only benefits the environment but also produces coffee with a unique flavor.

Love is also an essential part of this story. The farmers pour their hearts and souls into their work, taking pride in every cup of coffee that is produced.

The sound of birdsong can be heard throughout the farms, adding to the peaceful and idyllic atmosphere.

Despite the hard work involved, the farmers know that they are doing a job well. Their efforts result in high-quality coffee that is enjoyed by people around the world.

Accompanying this story is a lovely woodcut illustration that brings the beauty of the shade grown coffee farms to life. It showcases the hard work and dedication of the farmers, as well as the natural beauty of the environment in which they work.

Overall, the story of shade grown coffee farms in the Dominican Republic is one that is both inspiring and heartwarming. It reminds us of the importance of hard work, love, and respect for the environment.

This short work is the captivating story of coffee.

It is described as "a social beverage that bridges nations and unites people in trade, in words, in birds, and in love... through the eyes of Joe, a man with farming in his blood but an increasing sense of displacement from the natural world."

Joe, the son of Nebraska farmers, has a deep love for farming. However, when the small farms fail, he ends up teaching while still longing for a connection with nature.

Then, during a vacation in the Dominican Republic, he escapes the gated resort and ventures into the mountains. There, he discovers coffee and the coffee growers who are threatened by agribusiness that sprays the coffee with veneno (poison).

Joe buys a parcel of land and, together with another grower, forms a cooperative. Others soon join them. They not only grow coffee the "old-fashioned" way but also promote literacy and sustainability.

There is also a love story within this narrative. Although they are careful to say it's not the story of Alvarez and her husband, I believe there is something of them in Joe and "the woman behind the counter."

The book concludes with an afterword by Bill Eichner about their coffee farm and a list of resources.

The woodcuts by Dominican artist Belkis Ramírez are truly wonderful. I especially like the one of "the woman behind the counter" as she sits with the steam from the coffee rising and her hair flowing out and upwards, with visions of a coffee farm in its curls.

Reading around the world - Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a country with a rich agricultural heritage. However, in recent years, the traditional farming methods have faced many challenges. This is where the story of sustainable farming comes in.

Sustainable farming practices not only help to protect the environment but also ensure the long-term viability of the agricultural sector. By using techniques such as crop rotation, organic fertilizers, and water conservation, farmers in the Dominican Republic are able to produce high-quality crops while minimizing the negative impact on the environment.

The importance of supporting sustainable farming cannot be overstated. It not only benefits the farmers themselves but also has a positive impact on the entire community. For example, sustainable farming can help to reduce poverty, improve food security, and promote economic development.

In conclusion, the story of sustainable farming in the Dominican Republic is a great example of how small changes can make a big difference. By supporting sustainable farming practices, we can help to create a more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.