Ashlie’s #CBR5 Review 24: Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

This book is the tale of one woman and her family as they commit to one year of local eating: it just so happens the “woman” is famed author Barbara Kingsolver. Kingsolver is one of my favorite authors and this book came recommended from a friend with similar interests. I don’t read a lot of non-fiction, though I feel like I should read more so I was happy to give this go. As someone who has a passion for cooking, healthy eating, and supporting local whenever I can, I was particularly interested in the subject matter

I only read a few other reviews, but was surprised with some of the feedback. Some readers found the book preachy and dishonest because Kingsolver does paint an idyllic portrait of the year, but I suppose I took it I with a grain of (locally sourced) salt. For me she is a storyteller first and foremost and I thought that even though this was non-fiction it had a similar tone to her writing, which I liked. Though she does miss opportunities to share dirt about any struggles her family had with their mission, I feel like its because she is more focused on discussing farming and how attitudes toward food, and where it comes from have been shifted with negative consequence.

I loved the inclusion of writing from her husband and daughter: it really gave the novel a family feel. I didn’t feel the preachy vibe but merely thought she wrote with the zeal of a believer and I am able to draw my own conclusions.

I definitely feel like I learned a lot and have some food for thought (hardy har) but don’t feel pressured to make the same commitment. Instead, I’ll mull it over and make some changes where I can and go about my days a little more informed.