This is the best beekeeping book I've seen. It makes it tempting to try beekeeping, in a more laid-back way. Not sure whether I will take the plunge, but will definitely recommend this book to my beekeeping friends and those who are considering it!

For the past few years I’ve thought about taking up beekeeping. Until recently, it had been little more than that – a thought, an idea, a “maybe someday.” Lately I’ve been giving it more intensive pondering and had begun looking more closely into what it would entail. After reading a few introductory books, I was having second thoughts. My idle plans to just stick a beehive or two in my backyard and let the bees have at it were starting to seem like naivete and pipe dreams. My goodness the stuff I’d need to buy, the issues with introducing bought bees, the work, the maintenance, the horrid varroa mites that I’d need to medicate the bees for. Hmm, did I really want to take this on?

As my spirits drooped and I got “sad eyes” about the whole thing, I saw your book offered through netgalley. Idle beekeeping. Now that’s what I had in mind. Could this be the book I’d been looking for? One that would teach me how to help the bees – because, yeah after all they’ve been doing this for millions of years – without it becoming a full time job? Was there a way to do this less intensively, more naturally and – I’m being honest – more easily?

Heck yeah! Your book is packed with bee lore, bee preferences and what bee scouts are looking for when they buzz into the local realty scene. The detailed diagrams of how to spiff up a hive with all the amenities discerning bees demand look very helpful. I also like that your instructions are written with the idea of disturbing the bees as little as possible – not necessarily for the beekeeper but for the bees.

It might still take me a year or two before I’m ready to take the plunge – the first step, I think, will be planting a bee friendly garden in my backyard. But after reading this book, my enthusiasm has been replenished. Thanks! B+

I received a copy of this arc from NetGalley for an honest review. I would love to own bees but living in the city it makes it difficult so I try to do what I can for bees in my life. This book is an easy read with great information. I know a few people who will get copies when it is released.

I have really enjoyed this book! Bill Anderson presents a treasure trove of information, but not in a dry, reference book style, but rather like sitting with your Great-Uncle on the porch and having him explain all things 'bees' to you. I have a warm spot in my heart for bees and have read many books, some very informative, but none more so than Mr. Anderson's. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this title! I look forward to its publication so I may own my very own copy! #TheIdleBeekeeper #NetGalley

I love bees and appreciate the fact that without them, our world will be in jeopardy. For years I have toyed with the idea of keeping bees myself, but the amount of gear, time and knowledge to do so intimidated me. Enter The Idle Beekeeper, where Anderson explains how to use a basic type of hive that requires little interference from the beekeeper. With his system, Anderson states the keeper really need work with the bees two days each year, one day in fall, the other in spring. I found this book fascinating (and motivating), I like the idea of helping a species that finds itself teetering on the brink, and the thought that maybe I could do some small part in helping these amazing creatures. Will I have a hive of my own this year? Let’s just say I’m closer to saying yes than ever before