My favorite reading this season
December 11, 2006
I love both giving and receiving awesome books. Though I love to read, I tend to do it in spurts, consuming a dozen books in the span of a month or two and then not picking up another book for months on end. I am grateful to be in the midst of one of my reading sprees at the moment, and I thought I’d share a few of my current favorites with those of you looking for a good read during the holidays.
The Food Revolution: My 8 year old daughter recently told me that she was feeling more and more uncomfortable eating meat. Having devoted myself to periods of vegetarianism (is that even a word?) in my life, we chatted at length about the matter and I agreed to go veg in 2007 as a sign of my support for her. I picked up several books on the subject to prepare for our New Years’ resolution, and this one stopped me cold in my tracks. I read Diet For A New America (by the same author) 10 years and, shortly thereafter, gave up meat for quite a while. After reading this followup to his previous work, we stopped eating meat early…my entire immediate family. A powerful, thoroughly documented volume that details how foregoing meat will make a happier, healthier you and a happier, healthier planet. And the cows won’t mind a bit either…
The Vegetarian Family Cookbook: In the same vein, this is the best vegetarian cookbook I’ve encountered thus far. It’s chock full of fabulous recipes, including family classics and some more exotic fare. More than 300 recipes and a great reference section.
Above All, Be Kind: An insightful manual for raising compassionate children while battling apathy, materialism and negative peer influences and fostering respect for others and the planet. In 200+ pages, the author reveals strategies, profiles and activities designed to bring out the best in your child.
Buddhism For Mothers: A beautifully written book with practical advice for applying Buddhist principles to your journey through motherhood. A manual for coping with the bustling demands of day-to-day life and strengthening your family.
Food & Wine- Cocktails 2006: For when all that talk about peaceful parenting just isn’t cutting it….ha! No really, a delightful little book with more than 150 fine recipes for exotic cocktails destined to impress at your next dinner party. Includes a section on designer garnishes, essential bar tools and a “spirits lexicon”…I have my designs on the Pomegranate Crush (page 37) and Blackberry Mint Margarita (page 92) for my holiday entertaining.
The Price of Privilege: An eye-opening look into the dangers of rampant materialism and how it endangers the very children we seek to nurture. Written by a noted psychologist with 25 years of clinical experience, it will make you think twice about that avalanche of Christmas presents you’re hiding in the hall closet.
As soon as I get a few more free minutes, I’ll write up a list of books I’m giving my children for their birthdays (which oh-so-conveniently sandwich Christmas on either side). There are some awesome finds I’m excited about and I can’t wait to share them with you!
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