Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


One of the best books I've ever read. It's a classic with good reason.

Exquisitely written, with enchanting characters of incredible depth and complexity. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.



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Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A year of food life by Barbara Kingsolver

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a family memoir- a portrait, part philosphy, part urgent exhoratation and part wonderous ode to nature. Written by the author, her husband and her daugther, their journey is a labor of many years, culminating in a 12 month commitment to local eating. While this is not a command to go forth and build our own gardens forthwith, it is an urge to focus appreciation on food procurement, food enjoyment, and food quality. This begins at home- both under our individual roofs, but within our communities and states.



This book coincides for me, with not only Kingsolver's other work (of fiction- Prodigal Summer), but also with Michael Pollan's Omnivore's Dilemma. All of these books depict the struggles of farmers to prevent a food monoculture and eventual food system meltdown. These are not vegetarian manifests preaching respect for the lives of our domesticated food animals. Rather, through examples of proper land utilization, humane and healthier animal cultivation, and finally, with the true enjoyment of these animals as just that- food.



The Kinsolver family's path started with their own love of food growing and food making. The descriptions of cheese making, poultry harvesting, and heritage or heirloom seed cultivation were absolutely intriguing. The industry of her young daughter with her own egg business was inspiring. Finally, it is the story of a family and their legacy of love for each other and their animals and land which make this book such a joy to read.





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One Day by David Nicholls

One Day by David Nicholls

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was the first "romantic" novel in a long while to grab my attention immediately and hold it through every page. I do not want to characterize this book unfairly. It is not a romance per se- it is a novel about friendship and life, coming of age, and learning to love yourself. It's also about choices we make and how seemingly insignificant moments continue to affect us years later.

The characters are immediately sympathetic and relatable. I especially enjoyed the range of emotions this book ellicits- from frustration, to envy, pity, humor, empathy and contentment, to extreme sadness and joy. I will not delve into the story line too much, except to say that the original idea of twenty years of "one day" in the lives of the main characters works so well with this story. You absolutely grow right along with Em and Dex, and remember and re-live your own life experiences at each of their pivotal life decision points. Quite a remarkable achievement.



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