Have you read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver? If not, it is a book that has something for everyone. Whether you are an avid gardener, care about the environment, aim to shop locally, love to cook, or just like to eat, this book is for you.

It was released last year, and got rave reviews. I’m not sure why it took me so long to read it, considering I bought it for 2 of my sisters last year and the subject matter is right up my alley.

It probably has something to do with my complete lack of free time with which to read, but this past week I was on vacation and had lots of help and the luxury of laying in bed and reading for hours on end. I came upon Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and decided to check it out.

This book chronicles the author and her family’s year of eating local food- only what they grew for themselves, or could purchase at the farmer’s market. Kingsolver gently teaches the reader why it’s important to do so, and lays out exactly how they achieved this goal. She seriously believes in growing your own food- whether you live on a farm or in an urban apartment- and practically walks you through how to do it. She also makes a case for eating meat- as long as it’s pasture grown.

This book is very entertaining, as she weaves her wit and family history into the pages. There are also essays and recipes by her daughter, and lots of facts about factory farming and environmental concerns written by her husband.

Their project was clearly a labor of love and I am so thankful they embarked upon it and shared it with us. It reinvigorated my passion for eating with the seasons and supporting local farmers and my community. It also got me out to a great local nursery today to buy some lettuce, a tangerine tree, and some potted herbs!

What I love best about Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is the reminder that food is the center of almost all celebratory occasions in our lives and it can, and should be enjoyed.

This book would make a great gift for the holidays!