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While I was reading this book, I went back and forth from between being inspired to being annoyed. The message is good, but the condescending tone just gets to be too much. I wish everyone could read what they say about the feedlot fattening operations - I think many would be inspired to seek out free range meat. Likewise with the heirloom vegetables.
The superior attitude and preachy tone works against their message, though. Why be so snarky towards such easy targets as the vegan starlet? Also, it seems more than a little condescending to say that certain Hindus weren't really vegetarian because of the insect parts contaminating their flour. I don't understand why they seem so determined to diminish the value of vegetarianism - it would have been better to emphasize that this is another good way to reduce the negative impact on the earth.
Trying to persuade people to change their habits is difficult, and it requires a sense of humor, and respect for the people you are trying to reach. It's too bad, but I think most of the people that are going to be persuaded by this book were probably almost there already.
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I'll be purchasing several copies of this book as Christmas presents. I wish everyone I knew could read it. In fact, I think all high school kids should read it, after reading Upton Sinclair's The Jungle. Here, in lyrical, easy-to-read and entertaining language is an inspirational narrative that tells the real truth about how to eat healthy, sustainable, economically and environmentally GOOD FOOD. Even if you never garden, the choices you make when you purchase food have power. This book is not just for those who are interested in growing a garden or raising chickens. Thank you, Ms. Kingsolver.
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Regardless what actions you take after reading this book - if you start your own garden, join a crop share association, swear off CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) meats, or simply start shopping at your local farmers market - you will be effected by what you learn.
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This is certainly a book that makes one take a careful look at one's eating practices. Kingsolver presents a compelling case for trying as much as possible to buy food that is locally and/or organically grown. The book looks and feels great.
By the way, I also found valuable information on these books:
Dare To Be Healthy: The Light of Physical Regeneration
Delicious, Healthy And Easy - Tom's Vegetarian Cookbook: Easy Yummy And Nutritional Vegan Recipes
Eating For Youth And Beauty
Here's How To Be Healthy
Rebuild Your Stomach
Rating:  -
Kingsolver and her family take on a big challenge, to eat locally for a year in a cold climate and to produce as much of their food as possible. This is the ultimate experiment in self-sufficiency and local sustainability and makes me think twice about every banana I've ever consumed. I have great respect or Kingsolver as an author and thinker and she has proved herself to be determined and valiant in this project. It leads me to wonder what life-experiments and challenges I might next tackle. Beautifully written and meticulously explained, I highly recommend this book.
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