We own this because we feel we should - it is the companion to the classic we also have. We've not yet cooked anything out of it. ( )

Loved this book. This was one of the first vegetarian books I read, and it was truly inspiring. Lappe has changed some of her views since writing this (food combining), but it's a wonderful primer on animal rights and vegetarianism. I haven't tried any of the recipes, but they sound good. ( )

The classic has been updated, containing the author's prognosis of the world hunger situation and the continuing need for eating "lower on the food chain"; the recipes have been made easier, more varied, and tastier. ( )

This book is part political and economic justification for vegetarianism, part "how to" on combining proteins for the most efficient use of resources.

The main argument is that vegetarian foods are a more efficient use of the environment and can produce more protein per acre than meat when the entire cost of production is taken into account. The way toward ending world hunger is to stop mass producing meat.

Unfortunately as a cookbook, this isn't the most inspired book out there. It's low on taste, high on "efficiency".

In spite of its weaknesses, it's still one of the foundation works of modern western vegetarianism. The passion it lacks in the recipes is more than made up for by the passion the author has for the topic.

Somewhat to my surprise, Lappe's are probably my most-used vegetarian cookbooks, by which I mean that - as a veggie - I have not only made, but continue to make more recipies found in their pages than in any other. If you're into complementary proteins, this book should be on your shelves. ( )