Book Review: In Defense of Food

I finally had a chance to read In Defense of Food: An Eaters Manifesto, yet another fantastic book by journalist/author Michael Pollan. His books are consistently engaging and inevitably educate me on topics in which I already thought I was well-versed. This slim volume in no exception and manages to pack a big punch as it deconstructs one of the central food paradigms that we in the US have taken for granted (dubbed "Nutritionalism"). As with Omnivore's Dilemma and Botany of Desire, Pollan's sheer enthusiasm for (good) food and the fact that he is not working for a specific group or agenda helps him make a much more compelling argument about changing the way we relate to eating. The essential core of the book is the mantra "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants," which was originally introduced in a New York Times essay. Those three short phrases, as simple as they seem, contain the seeds to some very big ideas and Pollan fills out the book with well-researched facts and rules of thumb that forgo the difficult to follow recommendations of typical guides to healthy eating. This should be required reading for everyone in the US (are you listening Oprah?).

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

I just finished reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, the fantastic new book from Barbara Kingsolver, author of the Poisonwood Bible. It tells the story of her family's attempt to only eat locally grown food for a year while living in the mountains of Virginia. Not only does she tell the story of planting, growing, and finding her food, but her husband and daughter get in the act as well supplying in-depth sidebar information on the issues and recipes as well. Anyone with a budding interest in where their food comes from (and happily that number seems to be rapidly growing here in the US) should read this book. It's a fantastic primer for the gamut of issues surrounding food production/distribution, but it's also totally readable, a rare and pleasant combination which I've also found in the books of Michael Pollan. You can get a preview of Animal, Vegetable, Miracle as well as access to all the recipes it contains at the book's website HERE. But definitely consider picking up a copy of the actual book at your local independent book store.

How To Make Books

My friend Esther, from the lovely little artists' letterpress Purgatory Pie Press, has a new book out that is definitely worth picking up. Chock full of easy instructions with clear illustrations How To Make Books is a handy resource for crafters, zinesters, designers, recyclers, and artists alike. I especially like the suggestions for making books out of recycled paper, envelopes, postcards, and even cake boxes! Plus the whole thing is beautifully designed and would make a lovely conversation piece on your coffee table. Look for it at your local independent bookseller!

Used Book Activism

Better World offers bookworms an opportunity for easy do-goodery. Buying used books through the web based retailer funds a variety of international literacy programs. The only downside is they don't say how much of what they donate from sales, but their parent organization Better World Books seems to have a decent reputation. Find out more here.

Thanks Mim!

Rough Guide: Shopping with a Conscience

I recently picked up the Rough Guide to Shopping with a Conscience and I can't say enough great things about it. Rather than a listing of "green" stores, this handy guide gives a thorough and well-reasoned overview of the issues that face consumers who are interested in consuming from an ethical perspective. From food and household goods to travel and investing, the guide gives a fair assessment of the pros and cons of the different options that currently exist (including opting out) as well as plenty of resources for further investigation. The introduction clearly sets the tone:

"Socially responsible shopping – and ethical consumerism in general – is about taking responsibility for you day-to-day impact upon the world. It doesn't mean deluding yourself into thinking that shopping with a conscience can solve all the world's problems, or that the check-out is the new ballot box. And it doesn't mean following a prescriptive list of evil companies and countries that need to be boycotted. It means taking the time to learn a little about how your lifestyle affects people, planet and animals, and making your own decisions about what constitutes an ethical or unethical purchase."

I couldn't have said it better myself! And unlike the similar, but much heftier tome from World Changing, The Rough Guide is easy for someone new to the issues to pick up and read without feeling daunted. Plus the small size makes it more likely to get thrown in a backpack and carried on shopping trips. I highly recommended it for new and seasoned ethical shoppers alike.

Find out more or purchase it at the Rough Guide site or ask for it at your local bookstore.

Care Packages for the Mind

If you really want to "support our troops" my mother suggests folks participate in Books for Soldiers. She recently signed up as a volunteer for the group which coordinates the sending of "care packages for the mind" to specific individual soldiers. As my mom says, "No matter what our position on the war, there are members of the military far from home who are in need of being remembered."

To volunteer of find out more go here.

Thanks Mim!