Reads

We’ll be adding suggested readings to our list throughout the year. Here are a few to get you started.

Books:

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle – Barbara Kingsolver

One family’s journey to seasonal eating and sustainable food.  A famous author “returning to the land”.  Includes many delicious recipes, testimonials from the family, and other interesting bits.  I especially like this book for obvious reasons–it takes place where I am currently living.  I can see the visible change from old tobacco to organic produce–all masterfully told by the woman who fed my teenage soul with the Poisonwood Bible.

The Omnivore’s Dilemma – Michael Pollan

A wonderful introduction to the complications that have arisen out of the American industrial and petroleum-driven food system.  Pollan diagnoses the nation with a “national eating disorder,” then proceeds to make every single one of us feel awful about what we eat.  This guilt, however, is likely to breed action.  This is a great read for someone interested in the American factory farm system, the corn or soy industry, or fast food.  Read it.

The Unsettling of America – Wendell Berry

A philosophical read for the empowered, independent farmer–or someone who thinks like one.  An in-depth look at the ills of American society and where and why we went wrong.  This is a must-read for anyone in the food world.  Berry’s prose is a perfect side dish to any mindful meal.

Food Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating with More Than 75 Recipes – Mark Bittman

A sort of “Why our food system is messed up and how you can fix it–for Dummie’s”.  I think this is a great book for those who don’t want anything too dense or complicated, and also aren’t too confident about their cooking skills.  Bittman is great with really simple, really easy to follow recipes.  I think this would be a wonderful introductory book for almost anyone that wants to eat better but isn’t sure how.

Articles:

Eat Locally, Ease Climate Change Globally (March 9, 2008)

Getting Real About the High Price of Cheap Food (TIME, August 21, 2009)