Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

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Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by: Barbara Kingsolver

Throughout the book you become engaged in the new lifestyle the Kingsolver's take on.  She focuses on the prices and economic value of organic food. Stating valid points: Isn't it better to pay for healthier nutritious better food, rather than cheap unhealthy, "bad" food? Organic products may be worth the cash, because they're worth a lot more than GMO and chemically changed produce. She also points out in Chapter 9, how important it can be to sit down and not rush a meal. Actually enjoy the food. In today's world we seem to be so caught up and busy that food is just stuffed down our throats while driving, typing or working. Meals are supposed to be enjoyed, and a time to relax and connect with other people around you. While i read this chapter I really began to reflect on my life and how caught up in other things we truly are, my dinner and lunch are usually 15 minutes of microwaved food on the go. In this book I related many things to topics and research we have discussed in class and things i have seen on other blogs. Kingsolver discusses nearby restaurants using produce and ingredients from nearby, local farms. We have seen many examples of this like Sprig, and other restaurants from our "Eating Local" bloggers. I completely agree that this system helps the community, economy, and better food quality for everyone.

This book really opened my eyes to some great examples and ideas on wether starting my own little food garden, I may try growing a couple herbs in the kitchen for cooking. I know my mom used to have a nice basil plant that she would take leaves straight of the branches and use in her cooking. (it's a start) I don't know if the majority of people could adapt to such a lifestyle as the Kingsolver's. Organic Lifestlye also added a lot of labor and work to their lives. Always having to check crops, keep them healthy, planting, caring for them, it seems a lot of people wouldn't put that much effort into it (sadly). I love the way the booked tied together the memories and different perspectives of the family members as well as keeping the reader well informed and intrigued on what was going on.

I checked out their website as well and now I can try out some of those recipes even though i have to return the book! :) Animal, Vegetable, Miracle or die...

-Diana Soloaga