Book Review:: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

I am back from up north.  There is something completely blissful about being in a place where my to-do list is completely useless.  So I read.  Specifically, I read, "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life" by Barbara Kingsolver and family.  This book is far from new, so many of you may have already had the chance to enjoy.  

In case you aren't acquainted with the book, I will give you the gist.  The author and her family commit to a year of local food.  They try to eat only items they have harvested themselves or can get locally (with a few exceptions).  The project was inspired by the desire to cut their carbon footprint and place importance on food, family, and growing culture.

Not only is the book easily accessible and well written, but Kingsolver shares her journey without guilting you about yours.  Some of my favorite parts were the essays from her husband sharing how to get more involved and tidbits from her daughter on what it's like to grow up in our food "culture" with recipes for local meals.  Best of all, the book emphasizes a feeling I have long held, that we each individually may not be able to change the whole world, but we won't get anywhere if we don't get started.  Little changes lead to bigger changes and inspire changes in others.

So if you are looking for some summer reading, maybe pick this up.  Perhaps you will be inspired to garden, go to a farmer's market, or just look a little more carefully while shopping in the grocery store.  Whatever you are inspired to do, surely it will make a difference.

Have you read "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle"?  Did you enjoy it?  What did you most get out of the book?