I can't help but compare this book to "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan because I read them nearly consecutively. Pollan goes into more depth...moreI can't help but compare this book to "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan because I read them nearly consecutively. Pollan goes into more depth on the problems confronting our nation's food sources and I would probably recommend that book to anyone who wants to learn about them, but I think I had more fun reading the Kingsolver Family's "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle". My favorite chapters were the ones focusing on the poultry. In fact, I sped through the end of the book to see if the turkey eggs had managed to hatch. (Plus the library wanted my copy back- it was very overdue). And I can't wait to try out some of the recipes.(less)
A pleasant, easy-to-read memoir about the author's time as a student of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. I was a bit worried that it would be a catalog of the...moreA pleasant, easy-to-read memoir about the author's time as a student of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. I was a bit worried that it would be a catalog of the verbal abuse she suffered trying to please the teachers, but that was kept to a minimum. Her relationship with her new boyfriend added an interesting element and i am glad she included it.(less)
The author gives a historical account of sushi while following students through what is possibly the last year of the California Sushi Academy. I enjo...moreThe author gives a historical account of sushi while following students through what is possibly the last year of the California Sushi Academy. I enjoyed learning more about the background of sushi, and the differences between the original Japanese way of preparing it versus the Americanized versions I have come across. However, the third person narrative was sometimes a little awkward. This may just be a personal preference, but I prefer the intimacy of first person. I wish the author had taken the class himself.(less)
“No matter what happens to society, I must maintain my supply of ice cream. This is my secret primary reason for raising rambunctious goats.”
Doug Fine...more“No matter what happens to society, I must maintain my supply of ice cream. This is my secret primary reason for raising rambunctious goats.”
Doug Fine writes about his first year trying to "live green while still staying plugged in" on his ranch in New Mexico. The book covers acquiring and maintaining two female goats, converting a truck to run on vegetable oil, putting in solar panels and a breadbox heater, and getting chickens and starting a vegetable garden. Although I wouldn't recommend this as a complete guide to green living, it does cover some issues, and moreover it is very funny. Especially the parts about the goats. (less)
My favorite part of any urban farm/urban naturalist book is the portrayal of elegant, efficient systems, and Novella Carpenter does not disappoint in...moreMy favorite part of any urban farm/urban naturalist book is the portrayal of elegant, efficient systems, and Novella Carpenter does not disappoint in describing her experiments with raising turkeys, rabbits, and even pigs on an abandoned lot in downtown Oakland. I was able to enjoy her dumpster diving to feed her animals the same way I enjoy watching the spiders in my bathroom feast on fruit flies if I let my worm bin get out of control. Before I read the book the thing that impressed me the most was how brave she was to put all this work into something that could be taken away at a moment’s notice. But by the end she had convinced me that, although her farm was impermanent, the work of farming was the thing that mattered and connected her to all the other farmers in her city and in the world, past and present. (less)
Paul Greenberg provides the histories and comments on the current state of commercial fishing and fish farming in Salmon, Sea Bass, Cod, and Tuna. The...morePaul Greenberg provides the histories and comments on the current state of commercial fishing and fish farming in Salmon, Sea Bass, Cod, and Tuna. The most compelling argument the author makes is that we have chosen to farm the wrong fish and that we should investigate vegetarian, fresh water fish instead of carnivorous, sea fish. He presents both problems and alternative solutions clearly and most of the digressions into his personal experiences fit (the exception being the 9/11 reference). Unfortunately I am not in a position to overhaul the fishing industry, or even effect it through my purchasing power according to the author, so it’s a little unclear how to solve the problems pointed out in the book.(less)
Although I wanted to like this book by a local author on a subject I find interesting, the writing was so rough that it made finishing this book a cho...moreAlthough I wanted to like this book by a local author on a subject I find interesting, the writing was so rough that it made finishing this book a chore. (less)
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