Yurts: Living in the Round
Want to know what it is like to live in a yurt?  Than Becky Kemery’s delightfully-illustrated and well-researched book is for you.  The typical yurt is a portable, tent-like round structure distinguished by unique roof construction.  Long spans achieved without intermediate supports create airy spaces that impart a sense of openness and connection.  A hole or skylight in the center of the roof invites the sun in and the occupants’ gaze skyward.The yurt dwelling experience is described beginning with ancient, nomadic Turkic and Mongolian tribes in central Asia - the origin of these distinctive shelters.  The Turkic tribes refer to their round homes as an uy and the Mongolians call theirs a ger.  Out of necessity and custom, portable yurts were, and still are, made from locally available wood and wool felt and usually sized to fit on the backs of pack animals.  Yurts are more than a means of shelter for Mongolian and some Turkic tribes.  They are considered sacred places and express the world views of people living in close connection with the cycles of life.Some contemporary renditions of yurts have evolved into permanent structures.  The tapered wall yurt pioneered by Bill Coperthwaite and the frame panel yurt designed by David Raitt are made of wood and set on permanent foundations.  Plentiful color photos in Yurts: Living in the Round describe these unique structures and help tell the stories of their creators.Even the modern fabric yurt can last many years and be used as permanent shelter.  Author Becky Kemery shares her personal experiences of yurt living as well as practical considerations she has learned from others.  She gives suggestions on choosing, buying, setting up, insuring, and maintaining a fabric yurt.  A complete resource guide offers information on yurt companies, financing, plans, as well as homesteading and sustainable living.More than a how-to guide,Yurts: Living in the Rounddocuments intangible benefits of yurt living.  The welcoming embrace of the yurt’s open, round space gives a sense of well-being and wholeness.  People are naturally brought together in a circle which fosters connection and equality.  “Yurts are my favorite form of shelter,” wrote the author.  “They use the earth’s resources wisely and usually leave a small footprint.  They are affordable and accessible.  I also think they make fabulous spiritual and creative spaces.” (Cherie PeacockOut There Monthly2007-11-02)