This book offered me much more than I expected.

Having read several books by this author in the past, though none of them non-fiction, I certainly anticipated good writing. However, I didn't realize that this book would also be written in part by Steven Hopp, her husband, and Camille Kingsolver, her daughter. They, too, write very well.

Reading this book was like being invited into the family. You were given a real sense of what each person was like and how they reacted to the circumstances of growing and eating what they grew for a year. My initial reaction was that I couldn't eat the way they did, but in reading the tale of their gastronomic adventure, I seriously revised my thoughts on the subject. The food sounded delicious and so different from my usual fare that it would have been an adventure for me, too. I couldn't ever, however, have participated in the killing of the chickens and turkeys. It's not that I don't know how it works or why it's necessary, I just can't handle the blood and guts part of it.

There were many things I loved about this book. Not only was I educated about modern farming and organic gardening, but I also got excellent cooking suggestions. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Lily working with her chickens and eggs in her quest for a horse. Lily was a joy to observe from afar. This book also made me yearn to visit Appalachia, a wish I've had for some time.

Having been enchanted by this book, I ordered another non-fiction book by Kingsolver from the libary, and expect to be equally well educated, if not as enchanted, by it. ( )

2009 ( )

A fabulous book that will bring you closer to the origins of your food. It was empowering to discover just how self-sufficient we can all be. Even just changing a few things that we buy or the way in which we choose our foods can have a big difference on our neighbors, our environment and most directly-our families. ( )

A highly informative and interesting book, even for those who consider themselves fairly well versed in environmental issues. And the fact that it's written by Kingsolver (I'm a huge fan of her fiction) makes it a delight to read -- I'm not otherwise an avid non-fiction reader. ( )

I'll admit that I'm a sucker for Kingsolver's writing, so take the whole review with that as your grain of salt. I loved this book and found it really timely, as I'd signed up for a share in my local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and was discovering the benefits of local, seasonal cooking. My only gripe with the book is that at times I found myself extraordinarily jealous of Kingsolver and her family -- lots of land, lots of time, lots of love. Overall, I was thrilled to have been invited to the Kingsolver family's garden and kitchen through this book. ( )