I just finished reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Subtitled “A Year of Food Life,” it’s a personal account of back-to-the-land living crossed with an inquiry into the (big) business of food. It’s not a new book (it came out last spring), nor is it a new concept. But whether Kingsolver’s arguments for eating locally are old hat or big news to you, this is one compelling read.
On one hand, it’s an account of how one family spent one year with the aim of getting their food “so close to home, [they’d] know the person who grew it.” Often, Kingsolver writes, “that turned out to be us.”
On the other hand, the family narrative is interspersed with an examination of corporate agriculture, the impending food crisis, oil dependency, and the effects of each on our planet, our children and communities. Sound heavy? Well… it is, but Kingsolver manages to take such weighty topics and make them not only relevant but digestible. And she provides steps everyone can take to improve the situation, even if you’re not planning to grow your own food.
As a gardener, I loved the way the author organized the book around the calendar, which, because the Kingsolver family was living so closely in tune with nature, echoes the growing cycle – from asparagus in April to (frozen) zucchini the next March. I learned a lot that I’ll apply to my vegetable growing (without feeling like I just read a book on crop rotation or seed starting). I think Barbara would like that.
For recipes and more, visit the Animal, Vegetable, Miracle website.
Colleen says
Great review, Andrea–thanks! This one’s been on my reading list for a while—I’ll have to pick up a copy next time I’m at the bookstore.
robin says
it was in my top 3 non-fiction for 2007!
blake says
Yes! Loved this book, read it last year. I think of it so often, and I am sure I decided to start growing my own veggies because of it. It’s one of those books you’re sad to put down when it’s done.
Andrea says
Colleen – do pick it up. You won’t regret it. And let us know what you think of it!
Robin – I saw that on your blog. You have good taste, my friend ;)
Blake – I have a feeling it will have that kind of lasting effect on me too.
Mandy Scott says
I read the piece about your blog in Sunset and rushed to check it out.
I truly think Animal, Vegetable, Miracle changed my life. Since I read it, I have started baking my own bread, prepared a giant garden for the spring, started my search for canning supplies and have tried very hard to eat locally and organic when possible. Another book you should check out is The Ominvore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan. It is a bit more dense, but accessible and man, have I learned a lot.
Mandy
Andrea Bellamy says
Great to hear from you, Mandy. I think you’re onto something: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is a life-changing book for many people. Since I’ve read it, I’ve also tried to eat locally and organically as much as possible (it’s definitely easier to eat organic than it is to find local produce this time of year, but the book made that point, too – you have to prepare for the winter months!). I’ve also done a lot more cooking, and tried my hand at canning. Now you’ve inspired me to jump into the bread-making thing, too! Thanks for the tip on the Omnivore’s Dilemma – I’ve heard a lot about that book, so I guess it’s time to check it out.