Perspective

The book is presented from a first-person, intimate perspective. The author frequently reports first-hand experience and opinion, commonly using construction such as "I think I understand Huxley's reducing valve of consciousness" (p. 169). The text is, therefore, remarkably personal and intimate. This first-person presence is carried to its logical conclusion in Chapter 4, where the author presents a chronologically dated series of paragraphs that read almost like a diary—in the entries, the author describes the process of planting, cultivating, harvesting and eating potatoes from his personal garden. The perspective used is engaging, accessible and enjoyable—in many ways, the most enjoyable aspect of the text.

The author's experience within the selected topic is extensive. He relates personal experience with virtually all aspects of cultivation covered by the text. When processes outside of the author's direct experience are discussed, they are supported by statements or experiences of experts...