Living Off-Grid, REALLY

Living Off Grid Really? is more than just a how-to guide, it’s an invitation to see the world, and our place in it, through a completely different lens. This compelling book offers an eye-opening look into a lifestyle that most of us could never imagine, yet one that feels deeply rooted in connection, simplicity, and authenticity.

The author shares his fascinating and unconventional upbringing with honesty and heart. His story challenges the norms of modern life and encourages readers to think outside the box. From collecting drinking water for both family and animals, to traveling by horse and covered wagon, Aur and his family lived in a way that most of us would consider extreme, but through this book, we see that it’s not only possible, but also meaningful, empowering, and even joyful.

This book doesn’t just teach you how to live off the grid, it shows you why it matters. It calls attention to our planet and how our daily choices affect it, encouraging mindfulness and sustainability. It underscores the value of teamwork, ingenuity, and living in harmony with nature. There’s a deep sense of presence and peace in the lifestyle Aur describes, less chaos, fewer distractions, and a stronger bond to what truly matters.

As someone who personally knows Aur, he is my cousin, I can attest to the truth and power of his words. I witnessed his family’s lifestyle as a child, and it left a lasting impression on me. Their way of life was completely different from mine: more grounded, more connected, and more intentional. Aur is not just writing from theory, he has lived this life, and that authenticity shines through on every page.

You might not trade your car for a horse and wagon after reading this book, but you will start thinking differently about the choices you make. You’ll reflect on your relationship with energy, with the environment, and with what it really means to live a fulfilled life.

This book is a must-read for anyone curious about alternative lifestyles, self-sufficiency, or simply living with more purpose. Whether you want to make big changes or small shifts, Aur’s story will inspire you, plant seeds of possibility, and open your heart to a simpler, richer way of being.

Aur has decades of real off-grid experience. His expertise in the field of solar energy sets him apart. He is one of the only individuals I know who is truly homesteaded off-grid. He is multi-talented and skilled in carpentry, solar, gardening, growing, canning and preserving, cooking, and problem solving. He also takes part in and does real and regular work in his community to serve those in need. He cooks meals for individuals and families. He volunteers his time regularly on various projects throughout his community. I have seen Aur in action, and it is a beautiful sight to witness. He makes this world a better place. He is brilliant, intuitive, kind, creative, and helpful. His story is remarkable, and I highly recommend his book as a guide to off-grid living and as an inspiration to living a more gentle life on this earth. Aur is one of the most phenomenal individuals I have ever had the honor and privilege of knowing. If you are curious about off-grid living and looking for real, tangible, practical knowledge with an anecdotal twist and an invitation to help the earth and each other, this book belongs on your bookshelf.

Believe it or not, after buying this book I radically changed my life to be more environmentally friendly including selling my car. I think I have to tools too sustain that change now too as long as I go back to the book.

First, a big thanks to Mother Earth News for publishing this. What a way to honor and recognize Aur Beck's experience and expertise by publishing his work. Growing up, Aur used to read your magazines devoutly and learned so much from them. I had the privilege to be an early reader of this book before it was published. While different than any other book you'll ever read, it is both interesting and engaging. I can vouch for some of the stories as I was there. Aur certainly cares more about the environment and people than most people. He has certainly shaped the way I think and behave. If more people could follow some of the wisdom in this book and change their habits, all of Creation would be grateful and future generations might have a better chance of survival and possibly even thrive.

Living Off-Grid, REALLY offers a rare and eye-opening window into a lifestyle most of us have only glimpsed from the outside. Aur Beck shares his childhood experiences growing up truly off the grid—not as a temporary experiment, but as a way of life. His honest, often humorous stories draw readers into a world of resourcefulness, resilience, and hard-won lessons learned through trial, error, and a deep connection to nature.

As someone who has met the author through online community groups, I approached this book with curiosity, and I was rewarded with an authentic and engaging narrative. Aur doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges, but neither does he sensationalize them. Instead, he invites us into his lived experience, sparking admiration and deeper reflection on what we consider "essential" in modern life.

What adds even more richness to this book is knowing how the author continues to live out his values today—traveling, bridging cultures, leading community-building events, and staying true to his roots while embracing the broader world. While our acquaintance is limited to shared online circles, I was genuinely impressed by the insight and humanity this book reveals.

Whether you're an off-grid enthusiast, a sustainability advocate, or simply a curious reader, this memoir will challenge assumptions and inspire fresh thinking about self-sufficiency and the power of community.