"Richard Craze yanks the rose-tinted spectacles from the rural idyll and tramples them in the mud. The result is cheeky but charming - a kind of Feel-the-Fear-But-Do-It-Anyway for wannabe downshifters." Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall "In these days when the rural voice is demanding to be heard and 'town versus countryside' issues make headline news, Richard Craze's perceptive examination of the townie exodus into the green acres could not be more timely." John Craven (Presenter BBC1 Country File) "You've recently moved to the country and your old London friends want to come for the weekend. Sunday roast, long walks, late nights by an open fire. What could be better? Er, quite a lot actually, as Richard Craze explains. Your dream of rural bliss can quickly turn into a nightmare if you misjudge the realities of country life. Ex-townie Richard Craze offers some knowing words of advice." Daily Telegraph "This enterprising and helpful book intended for those who are thinking of moving to the country has sprung from an extensive survey the author carried out to discover what the top fantasies of those wishing to move out are, as well as what those who have made the transition think of it now - and what they wish they had done differently, if anything. Craze offers extremely useful advice aimed at enabling people to find the right approach to country living, listing the downsides as well as the advantages, so they can avoid beating a humiliating retreat when the mud overwhelms them." Daily Mail "That cottage with roses round the door may be more of a nightmare than a dream. According to Richard Craze, author of Out of Your Townie Mind: The Reality Behind the Dream of Country Living, many who head for sunlit fields have unrealistic expectations." Financial Times "So, you're fed up of city living and have decided to head to the rural idyll. Don't do it until you've read this book! Richard Craze promises to reveal the 'reality behind the dream of country living,' and he certainly delivers." Grand Designs "Thousands do escape the rat race every year but for some expectations just aren't met. Richard Craze may look like the archetypal village squire but his wellies haven't always fitted so comfortably. Richard's new book is about how to make the move successfully and it's all about knowing what to expect. Do know what you want and what you don't want, and the dream could turn into reality." BBC1 Breakfast News