Edible Summer…

Having decided to spend some of our summer reading time immersed in all-things-food, we begin with Barbara Kingsolver’s “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.” A few of us have already read it so the others will be moving it to the top of their lists for a common starting place. From there all bets are off. Anything food related is up for grabs and discussion. As a group, we plan on trying and sharing new recipes, visiting many of our local farmers markets, learning more about the negative impacts of giant agribusiness, sharing meals from our gardens, and possibly dining with a local sustainability guru.
The potential reading list is endless, so here are a few suggestions:

By Michael Pollan:
Second Nature: A Gardener’s Education
Omnivore’s Dilemma
In Defense of Food
Harvest for Hope by Jane Goodall
Super Foods Rx by Steven Pratt
Fresh Food from Small Spaces by R.J. Ruppenthal
Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew
The Measure of Her Powers by M.F.K. Fisher

Mark your calendars: Wasatch Community Gardens annual plant sale is May 9th. http://www.wasatchgardens.org

Visit: http://www.localfirst.org
http://www.animalvegetablemiracle.com
http://utahsown.utah.gov

The End of the Affair...

Our group didn't discuss who would write this "review" but we did have an interesting discussion. Our conversations about books seem more robust when one or more of us doesn't care for a particular selection. Definitely the case this time. "The End of the Affair" left us unsatisfied. Unanimously disconnected. The characters felt flat and one-dimensional...leaving the reader without too much compassion for their situation. We talked about marriage, religion, adultery, obsession, hate, suffering and faith. Learning that Maurice's character was a glimpse into the character of Graham Greene, left me liking the book even less.

A year of food life

Although this book has surfaced a couple of times during our gatherings, other terrific suggestions have won the final selection. This has been on my must-read list for some time and it finally made it to the top of the pile. A miracle indeed.
The Kingsolver's decision as a family to embark on this journey of food begins in the desert where sustainable, local food is a constant challenge. The book is balanced between their road trip east, difficult shopping list choices, the changing seasons, and lobbing the heads off turkeys with abundant respect and honor. Each chapter also contains contributions from husband Steve and recipes from oldest daughter Camille.
There is no preaching to be found here. Only choice. For anyone interested in sustainable food practices, local and organic farming, and the impact big agribusiness is having on our food chain, I highly recommend this book.