5 comments about Storey's Guide to Raising Pigs: Care/Facilities/Management/Breed Selection.

1. This is a must for pig raisers! I should know, I raise 5 breeding sows and write my own farm books, and I even mention this book in my resources section! It's that much of a needed book for pig farmers. Every subject you want to know about pigs is found in this book, from showing at the fair, breeding the pigs, to the business aspect of running a farm...



2. Overall, I would consider this a good but not great book. I was left with a vague feeling of incompleteness after reading it.

   For example, it had several pictures of pigs with 'good muscling' (or 'nice topline' or 'great frame' or whatever). Granted, I'm a novice at pigs but it would be nice if it had pictures (preferably side-by-side) of an example of 'poor muscling' (or whatever) so I can see the difference.

   I also found the 'butchering' section to be lacking. For example, when 'scalding' a carcass, it only talks about dipping the entire carcass into the hot water. Nowhere does it even mention dipping out the hot water and pouring it over the carcass (which is more manageable for a large pig). And the actual butchering (cutting up) part is minimal ('separate the carcass into the larger primal cuts with a butcher's knife').

   My impression is that this book is geared more toward a small farmer wanting to raise a small herd for profit as opposed to a homesteader wanting to raise 1-3 pigs as food. It's just a different mindset. So - if you're a farmer - I would rate this book a '5'. A homesteader would still find it useful but not complete.

   (I can't believe that pot-bellied pigs aren't even mentioned anywhere.)




3. This is a great starter for raising pigs. It gives a lot of the basics on different breeds of pigs. The book is very helpful. Thank you.



4. I learned some about pigs in this book but... have you ever tried to render your own lard??
   This book says just to boil pig fat in water for awhile
   That won't make lard
   Took me four tries to finally get it right
   Practical experience taught me more than this book



5. I bought this just after deciding with my son that we would keep his agriculture project(a nice spot gilt) and raise a litter of pigs for the next year. I have read the book from cover to cover and feel confident that I will be able to raise healthier happier pigs because I have this book. I had this guide and used it as my bible during the farrowing and it was VERY, VERY, VERY helpful. I had all of the supplies and knowledge that I needed to help with the birth of the pigs and it kept me from having to have a vet come out when the sow was having trouble with the last few pigs. A MUST HAVE if your planning on raising pigs for stock shows and don't have a clue!!! Good luck, and I hope you have as much fun raising pigs as we do!!!
   -Mel

5 comments about Family Dog.

1. This book came recommended to me by brother who has a beautifully trained hunting lab (who does double duty as great big family dog in a teeny tiny house!). We are a dog family with many combined years of rescues and pure breeds (depending on who landed on our doorstep at the time). This current generation is the best ever thanks to methods in the Wolters books. Already our 13 week puppy is well beyond our resident geriatrics. I just bumped into the breeder we purchased her from and she stated even they are astounded just how wonderfully well-natured and confident our pup is and still retaining great drive. (The breeder, by the way, is not a fan of Wolters...due the popular criticism that floats around).
   
   
   
   It is naive to assume all children and all dogs should be treated in the exact same manner, regardless of temperament or behavior. Agenda based criticisms of this book are as shallow as this assumption. The author of this book offers a well guided technique for training, time tested for many years now, AND possible solutions to guide owners through problem behavior. Discipline techniques are there to protect the dogs and their owners...my mother with a lame leg could be greatly injured by her 95lb Poodle if he charges past her on the stairs...as well as my 2 year old daughter. A dog that bolts from the front door may have its life ended in moments by a passing car (ask my neighbor). These measures are also only recommended IF there is a problem situation. Overlooked in criticisms are the many warnings to not over train or over discipline (your children as well) and the constant reminders for consistent and logical discipline. (I found this book a great reminder as a parent as well).
   
   
   
   I have discovered that many of Wolters fans are people whose lives depend on their dogs and their dogs lives depend on their training. His book has remained popular for many years for a good reason: it simply and effectively accommodates many people and many breeds and literally leads to a lifetime of happiness.



2. I gave this book along with a lab puppy to my grandsons. It is perfect! The pictures in the book show a seven year old boy training a lab puppy. I have used Wolters' system for training hunting labs for years -- at first read, his system will also work very well for a pet. Don't be disconcerted with a 1963 copyright -- it's still very valid.



3. I think the book is a good starting point. The video presents a different housebreaking method, and is far easier for the entire family to understand. The video is better for the entire family, but the book should be read by the main decision maker. We rewatch the video frequently to pick up pointers on our current stage.



4. I ordered this book for my son who recently got a house dog. The book was sent to him. But I know, from past experence, hhat richard wolters fooks are great. They are easy to follow and the results are outstanding.



5. Folks: I was so happy to find Wolters' _Family Dog_! I had used his _Game Dog_ (though not a hunter) on a previous dog about 20 years ago, but wanted something less for the hunting set.
   
   This book is it! Let me also say, I went to B&N and read Amazon.com and considered all of the other books that simply remind me too much of modern educational pedogogy. Alot of praise at the expense of a well behaved dog. Wolters' book has pictures, is simple enough for a kid to use AND he let's you say, "NO."
   
   This book feels right! And the proof is in the pudding--our 12 week old pup is learning to master the key commands and is already a great family member.
   
   BUY THIS BOOK; leave the other books for new dog owners who a) need excuses for their pups; b) who are scared to be the Alpha dog; or c) who would prefer to never utter the word "no" (really, I bought a book like that insising that you say "Agghhh..." rather than "NO" since "no" had so many negative connotations...)

5 comments about Kitchen Mysteries: Revealing the Science of Cooking (Arts and Traditions of the Table: Perspectives on Culinary History).

1. This is not about making cookies or cooking a thanksgiving turkey in time. This book is about the chemical subtleties that make a good dish a great dish. The chemistry is fairly easy while the cooking is a lot harder here.
   It isn't about healthy foods (even if there are some good healthy cooking hints) and it isn't about quick cooking (even if there are some interesting suggestions about how, for example, render the microwaved food better tasting).
   The two biggest shortcomings in my opinion are a truly lame index and too much quoting from the old masters. Even if I prefer Italian cooking, I can forgive his French cooking slant.
   I consider the shortcomings negligible, and thus I stick to 5 stars.



2. In culinary science, dominated by Harold McGee's lucid and entertaining "On Food and Cooking," a new book has to deliver a lot. "Kitchen Mysteries" does not quite measure up. Much of the problem is the translation from French: I can HEAR the author talking in French, since the translator has kept the idiomatic elegant French constructions that sound so awkward and rambling in English. The content is interesting and has novelty, such as making duck a l'orange by injecting Cointreau into the thighs before you microwave them. Quel horreur!



3. The first things French chemist and gastronomist This clarifies are the terms gourmand and gourmet. A gourmand is not a glutton. A gourmand is a gourmet. A gourmet is actually a connoisseur of wine. Got that? Good. Cause it doesn't get any easier.
   
   This' eye-opening book is all about molecules and atoms in motion and what things like heat, moisture, acid and fat do to transform them into succulent meals - or into fallen soufflés, tasteless pot roasts, and rubbery eggs.
   
   After a brief overview concerning the physiology of taste and the basics of saucepan chemistry, This concentrates on various common ingredients and techniques - milk, eggs, sugar, wine, steaming, braising, frying, sauces, salads, pastry - to name a few. We know that oil and water do not mix, and that microwaved beef is gray and unappetizing. This explains why.
   
   He then goes on to show us how to whip up the perfect hollandaise or mayonnaise, and how to keep the succulence in beef. While the microwave plays no part in this last, This is enthusiastic about this appliance and shows us how to use it properly for making caramel, reheating vegetables and - producing a Cointreau-infused duck a l'orange!
   
   This is witty and humorous and sprinkles his clear and effervescent prose with bons mots from such brilliants as Escoffier, Harold McGee and the great Brillat-Savarin. Readers (like me) whose eyes glaze over at the very mention of electrons may find themselves becoming entranced by This' graceful descriptions of essential chemical reactions.
   
   He explains when and why to salt and answers numerous questions, i.e., why soup cools when you blow on it, why babies shouldn't eat sausage, why use so much oil for deep-frying.
   
   Crisply organized, This' compact volume ends with a glossary of cooking and chemistry terms. The first entry is:
   
   "AAAH: The cry of delight guests utter when the first dish arrives. The sleight of hand responsible for the most beautiful `aaahs' cannot be explained in terms of physical chemistry."
   
   Enjoy.



4. This book contains what the title says it does, however it is not compehensive like On food and Cooking, it is much smaller. This books strengths are its small size, and the information is easy to apply.
   
   The book has been translated from French poorly. It is very awkward English, where I constantly found myself re-reading things.



5. This book is entertaining and full of interesting anecdotes and culinary notes. The science is described with lively enthusiasm, but it is often imprecise or simply wrong. Some of it may be an artifact of the translation, but one is left hoping that the next edition is read by a chemist and a physicist before publication. Beware quoting this book in an educated company, or on your final exam!

5 comments about Winery Technology and Operations:A Handbook for Small Wineries.

1. Excellent reference book with solid chemistry terminology and descriptions, although those just getting started may want to take first year chemistry or at least refresh their grade 12 understanding for the boring bits.
   
   I find it best to just catch the intro to each chapter and refer back to it prior to crush each year for a refresher.
   
   If you are a home winemaker you may find it overwhelming, so maybe stick to consulting your best you-brew expert for advise. I used Bosa in Vancouver Canada.



2. Dr. Margalit's book is an easy to read primer useful for any wine student studying the technology and chemistry behind winemaking. His prose style intersperses the scientific elements with winemaking techniques from the grape ripening stages through the final production and quality checks of the produced wine. He defines most of the key acronyms and explains in simple to read precise language key winemaking concepts, using many graphs and well-placed illustrations. Topics are indexed well, and a series of appendices at the end of the book allow the reader to continue reading forward the topics at a high level, while being able to refer to added technical detail available when needed. The sections on wine acids are very concise and to the point. There is a lot of real world information in here, distilled from many more technical texts not as easy to read as this one. This is a very solid wine making primer. Kim Hartleroad - graduate of the UC Davis Winemaking for Distance Learners program



3. This text includes explanations and procedures which are easy to use and understand. My winery is small and private. With some basic equipment, I have been able to produce some well recieved good reviews.



4. Not your average beginner winemaking book, but good information for those who would like to take their winemaking to the next level. More rigorous material, but making the effort to sort through the science in this book will make your wine better. Great reference for small wineries, and valuable for serious hobbyists.



5. This book won't replace going to UC Davis, but it is a good start if you are looking to break into professional winemaking. It concisely touches on all of the important aspects of making wine with commercial equipment. It is well written and straight forward in its style. Basically, it is everything you want in an intro book.

5 comments about Mother Knows Best: The Natural Way to Train Your Dog.

1. Big suprise, dogs know that we aren't dogs. The gig is up, dogs don't relate to us the way they relate to dogs. Get a book that really teaches you how dogs think and learn.



2. This is a very good book for training yourself to talk to dogs.



3. I have been a dog trainer for many years. This is one of two books that I suggest to my clients. So much common sense with a dash of humor. Easy to read and implement to your training program. Great book.



4. When this book was published in 1985 the concept of natural training was revolutionary. The Monks of New Skete followed in 1991 with a book advocating the same concept of training. However, the principles of a more natural training method have been greatly refined over the years and some of the advice that is contained in this book is wrong (or wrong in most situations).
   
   The author is adament that food should not be given as a reward, reward should be positive attention only. The Monks also believed this but weren't so adament. More recent books have recognized that different breeds respond differently. Breeds bred for close human interaction, primarily the herding breeds, are more closely focused on humans, breeds bred to act independently such as Beagles, and other hounds, and terriers, are not closely attuned to humans and respond better to food rewards. Hey, it's animal behavior 101 that lab rats are rewarded by food and learn from those rewards. Interestingly both Benjamin and the Monks work primarily with German Shepards.
   
   Benjamin also maintains that you can bring a dog back to the scene of its crime, i.e. where it destroyed a pillow, show it the destroyed pillow and correct the dog's behavior. All the recent books acknowledge that you can only correct a dog's behavior if you catch the dog while it is in the act.
   
   Potentially dangerous advice that she gives is to grab a dog by both sides of the neck and get in its face to stare it down. That is threatening and confrontational and may work with puppies but other books warn against that approach with agressive dogs as it will incite them to attack and bite.
   
   There are better books out there pass on this.



5. If you're looking to train your dog, this is a good book that shows you how. I would recommend Train Your Dog - The Positive Gentle Method and maybe a dog obedience class (that will help your dog learn to socialize) also.

5 comments about The Fruit Hunters: A Story of Nature, Adventure, Commerce, and Obsession.

1. I must admit that reading the first couple chapters puts you in the mood for your own fruit eating orgy! But then comes a two page synopsis of the history of the Universe per the New York Times fiction pages. Two stand out. That calculus was 'invented' by Arabs. i.e, Arabic numbers. They actually got all that math when they destroyed a very advanced civilization in India in the 12th century. That is not invention unless pillaging and destruction were brand new. The second was Jefferson and Washington being gentlemen farmers: Growing food for pleasure only. Does this mean that in 1790 they got into their Hummers and loaded up at Costco? There were several more of these and I stopped reading. I read to learn new things, and if an author can't be trusted with general facts what is he doing with the fruit arcana? All in all it felt like a teenage romp on someone else's dime.



2. This is such a great book. Gollner never takes his subject matter quite too seriously - a must if you're writing about a topic so obscure. His descriptions of the fruits he encounters are truly creative - he manages to weave the English language in such a way as to convey the impossible -the taste of exotic fruits to readers who've never heard of, much less sampled them. Without the haughty arrogance of the common food writer who scorns the tastes of the masses, Gollner makes the reader yearn for the fine, rare heirloom fruits that we know exist, yet have given up on finding. And he does this by bringing us into the world of those weird, devoted individuals who have devoted their lives to the pursuit of fruit.
   
   This is an interesting, fulfilling book. Highly recommended.



3. this book is a roller coaster of the highest highs and lowest lows.
   > the mouthwatering magnificent to the toxic and terrible. specialized
   > heirloom orchards to the metallic and oil-drenched fruit
   > industrialization. it brings my juiciest desires and but also my
   > paranoid pathologics. i have begun the tasting of life- and this
   > fruitfully bound catalyst is an uncontrollable force. it so funny, and entertaing, terrifying and entrancing.
   i have to say that I AM a fruit obsessee like the folks written about, and there still are endless exciting adventures and knowledge in here! not only a magnificent story to get lost in, but a wonderful resource if you want to start tasting the best fruits of your area, and the world!



4. After reading this book, I thought comparisons to Michael Pollan were inevitable and was surprised to see no previous reviewers had made them. But perhaps comparing this first book to Mr. Pollan's (Botany of Desire, anyone?) is unfair. This book is more about the people who love and seek out exotic fruits than the fruits (and plants that produce them): More Outside Magazine than Omnivore's Dilemma. Gollner provides description after (somtimes hilarious) description of exotic fruits, the people who seek them and his experiences eating them, but little about the plants and cultures or ecosystems that produce them (life cycle, growing conditions, history of human cultivation, etc.) But hey... the title is "The Fruit Hunters", not "The Fruit Plants". In the strongest sections, the author focuses on recounting a specific trip (e.g., going to the Seychelles to sample Coco de Mer). Weaknesses include an abundance of lists of things like seed banks, early fruit explorers, that are not backed up by more explicit information. These lists seem almost music-video like: flashing glimpses with no substance -- and left me with more questions than satisfaction. The book also sometimes suffers from an over-abundance of "characters", the most egregious and irrelevant of whom appears on page 42, a woman next to Gollner on an airplane. These many introductions can make keeping up with who is whom a little irritating. Overall, its more entertaining than substantive, which may be just what you need.



5. This book is a slapped together group of articles with no effort to unify them. There is much that is good and informative in the book but on general information the author is not to be trusted. For example a Persian saying "Women for breeding, boys for pleasure, but melons for sheer delight." is ascribed to Brazil. Also the author's reference Moon bases and Mars voyages in the present tense makes me wonder if he and I are in the same space/time continuum.

5 comments about The Perfect Puppy : How to Raise a Well-Behaved Dog.

1. This book has all you will ever need to have the perfect dog.
   No silly psycho-babble....just common - every day plan to have a great dog!!



2. This book is full of GREAT information and was very helpful since I had never owned a dog before. But I only gave it three stars because it doesn't have anything that you can't already find online for free! It will be a good reference if I am in a training situation and the power goes out, thus limiting my access to the internet!



3. you can not go wrong with this book, you need patience but it is very rewarding at the end of the training. My pup is very good at 16weeks old.



4. A good reference book and easy reading. Most information very helpful.



5. This is a MUST for all owners of puppies - in fact it should be issued to all intending owners prior to bringing that little bundle home. The book is extremely well organised, the writing clear and well illustrated, the content sound and up-to-date, in fact we can't fault this book given it's intended audience.

5 comments about The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America's Favorite Health Food.

1. Like most health-conscious people i stopped drinking milk years ago due to the amount of steroids and antibiotics that milk cows are injected with and get passed on to milk. Milk is not inherently bad for you, but unless i know exactly where the milk is coming from, i won't drink it. I doubt drinking milk from cows pumped with things such as Bovine Growth Hormone can be good for anyone.
   
   So i started researching the alternatives, and soy milk came up.
   Then after doing some research online, i was shocked by the amount of negative press and "reviews" soy products have been getting; so i decided to do my own research and purchased a large amount of soy beans to make soymilk at home.
   This little experiment showed me (as this book points out) why soybeans are not a staple in any diet in any part of the world, like other beans are: they are pretty much indigestible, regardless of how much you soak them overnight, and cook them..
   You can even blend a bunch of cooked soy beans with water to make a shake, but that will leave you with severe indigestion and nausea.
   I know because i tried it.
   So, yes, most of the things that are said about unfermented soy products are probably true. Unfermented soy products contains a lot of chemicals that cause adverse reaction in humans and probably animals.
   Just because soy beans are a naturally occuring vegetable doesn't mean we should be eating them.. after all one of the most potent poisons known to man, Ricin, comes from Castor beans.
   
   The thing that disturbs me, is that as another reviewer pointed out, the research for this book was probably financed by the "Weston A. Price Foundation" which is basically a front that the milk industry uses to smear soy products.
   Don't believe me? Richard James, an American lawyer living in New Zealand is the owner of the principal website against soy products.
   Do a internet search for "richard james" new+zealand+milk and on the third link down you will find a link to westonprice's website containing a picture of Mr. James in the Weston A. Price "Australia-New Zealand 2003 tour."
   Do you think the fact that such soyproduct bashing website is based in New Zealand, the biggest exporter of dairy products in the world, is accidental???
   I corresponded directly with Mr. James about the picture in question and his connection with the milk industry and he denied he is getting any funding, he even questioned the fact that New Zealand is the biggest exporter of dairy products in the world, until i showed him the links confirming this; then he proceeded to insult me when i questioned his motivation to create the website... his explanation was that one of his "kids" was affected by soy milk, which contradicts the story given on the website about him starting the website because his "birds" got sick because of soy feed.
   This lack of truthfulness makes me doubt the sincerity of Mr. James.. after all he was a lawyer!
   
   Soy products have cost the dairy industry billions of dollars in lost revenue.. do you expect the dairy industry to stand by with their arms crossed and not do anything about it???
   
   Folks, it is time we stop being so gullible.. we are caught between a multi-billion dollar war between the milk and the soy lobbies.
   None of these people writing books on behalf of either industry are interested in your health!, they are interested in making money..
   
   Don't believe anything you read.
   Any Phd will jump at the chance to do "research" on behalf of any industry for the right amount of money.
   Do your own research.
   Stop consuming any non-organic, mass-produced dairy products, stop consuming any non-fermented soy products and as a wise reviewer said.. Moderation is the key!



2. This book starts with a good factual history of soy. It's not your
   typical scare book, but rather loaded with facts in an almost historical
   novel fashion. If you're eating soy you NEED to read this book. Your health may depend on it.



3. Are you caught up in the deceptive hype from the soy industry? If so, you have likely been convinced that soy is a health food. This belief is an unfortunate side effect of not having done your homework, relying instead on the brainwashing propaganda of the soy industry, which in many ways is not much different than that of the drug companies.
   
   They have cleverly targeted health conscious consumers with a well thought out; well-financed campaign to convince you that soy is healthy. They were clearly effective, as "healthy soy" is one of the biggest health myths in the health food industry.
   
   I recently had the opportunity to interview Dr. Kaayla Daniel for our Inner Circle Experts Series http://products.mercola.com/inner-circle/ . I had never spoken with her before and was really amazed at the depth of her knowledge on this important topic.
   
   The Truth About Soy
   
   Let me assure you that if you carefully review the thousands of studies published on soy you will reach the following conclusion:
   
   Any possible benefits of consuming soy are FAR outweighed by the well-proven risks of soy.
   
   The problem with many of these studies is that the conclusion is NOT supported by the study, or is only partially true, with serious omissions that are conveniently excluded from the conclusion. For example, they might say that soy reduces your risk of colon cancer but neglect to state that they found it increases your risk of ten other cancers.
   
   You could delve into these studies yourself and form your conclusion, or rely on Dr. Daniel to do this for you. She did her Ph.D. research on this topic, which eventually resulted in this book.
   
   The soy industry has been so effective in their manipulation techniques that they've even been able to hoodwink the FDA to allow soy to carry the health claim of reducing heart disease and cholesterol. However, the FDA may soon retract that claim, thanks to a 65-page petition recently filed by Dr. Daniel, Kilmer McCully M.D., Mary Enig, Ph.D., Galen Knight Ph.D., and the Weston A. Price Foundation.
   
   In 2005, the foundation also successfully stopped a soy-industry petition to the FDA requesting a soy-prevents-cancer health claim. Had it been approved, soy consumption would likely have doubled to more than $8 billion in annual U.S. sales.
   
   Soy Consumption and Thyroid Problems
   
   You might be aware that thyroid problems are pandemic in the U.S., especially in women. Well, one of the major reasons for this is because of the isoflavones in soy that is being widely consumed. Soy protein products contain isoflavones that can damage thyroid function, and for this reason alone should be avoided
   
   The Dangers of Soy Infant Formula
   
   This is perhaps the most tragic use of soy as a food. Many well intentioned parents put their infants on soy formula, either because they believe it is "healthier" or because they are allergic to traditional commercial infant formula.
   
   Either way, it's a prescription for disaster. Soy formula causes harm to your baby in two primary ways.
   
   First, most soy formula has 50 to 80 times the amount of manganese as dairy formula or breast milk, which can adversely affect brain development and lead to ADD/ADHD and other learning disabilities and behavioral disorders.
   
   Additionally, there is the hormonal equivalent of 2 to 5 birth control pills in a daily dose of soy formula, which can cause significantly premature puberty and other sexual abnormalities, thyroid damage and an increased risk of cancer.
   
   In my mind this product should be banned. In fact there was a recent movement in California to have that done but the proposal has been on hold since 2005.
   
   Additionally, there are a number of foreign governments like Israel, France and Germany that have taken very strong anti-soy positions.
   
   This book is an ABSOLUTE must read if someone you know or love is convinced soy is a health food. But even if you don't eat soy, it's still a valuable read, providing an entertaining, in-depth look at the "dirty little secrets" of the food processing industry.



4. Powerful soy lobby? Try powerful dairy lobby. This book is:
   
   1. Sensationalist;
   2. Inaccurate;
   3. Irresponsible;
   4. and Hypocritical.
   
   Clearly a biased book with an ulterior motive of greed, either for the dairy industry or book sales. As if we need MORE false information circulating, and in print, no less... Very irresponsible. Shame on the author.
   
   The world of soy, nutrition, or health (just like anything else) is not black and white. Rather than waste your time or money on this book, do your own research and form your own opinion.
   
   I personally consume both soy and dairy on a daily basis, often fermented or cultured (such as miso and yogurt) which I believe helps my digestive health. I try to eat organic products with the most "good" bacteria. I eat plenty of fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and whole grains. I eat very little meat, canned foods, and refined white sugar. My diet sounds healthy, but it is truly delicious and flavorful, including lots of garlic and spices. Many of my entrees are naturally sweetened by the sugars in onions and other produce. Luckily, I do not have any food allergies.



5. The meat and dairy industry must feel pretty threatened by the tiny little health food section found in some supermarkets to go to such great lengths to scare the public into believing that trying a glass of soymilk or sampling a veggie burger will eat you alive in the form of cancer. "Miracle food"? Now that's downright insulting. Common sense tells us moderation is key.

5 comments about What Einstein Told His Cook: Kitchen Science Explained.

1. My husband and I are both engineers and enjoy cooking. This book appealed to us and is a wonderful explanation of the science behind the kitchen. The author has a certain humor, which keeps the book interesting, and explains details well, even for non-technical people. I would recommend it as an addition to your kitchen.



2. The headmaster at the school where I teach recommended this book for my domestic arts class and it has been a great source of information - the kind you don't normally find in the usual textbooks. We have enjoyed learning all the ends and outs of information that is not normally covered in cooking classes. Plus the book is divided into sections with very creative titles; and with the use of well-placed humor, this book is not only very informative but very entertaining!



3. I found this book to be a very easy and entertaining read. The author did a very good job of making it entertaining with some anecdotes and tongue in cheek writing style. It was also very informative. If you are a fan of Alton Brown style of delivery, you will probably enjoy this book.



4. Full of trivia as well as little morsels of fact everyone wonders about. Completely worth the price, it just so happens we have all new facts and ideas!



5. This book is REALLY interesting! So far, I've just skipped around from section to section but soon will inevitably read it from cover to cover and love it all.
   So far though, I see absolutely no rhyme or reason why the name Einstein was used at all in the book title. It just seemed like a weird marketing gimmick.
   
   The book is good and stands on it's own. There's no need to tie it to the genius of Einstein. Or maybe I just missed the point....

5 comments about Food Not Lawns: How to Turn Your Yard into a Garden And Your Neighborhood into a Community.

1. definitely not a how to book. there are no pictures - i would have liked to see pictures of her garden....



2. I was very excited about ordering this book. I envisioned it would gave step by step, practical advice on how to transform my suburban yard into a lush garden. I was very disappointed, however, to find it full of advice that was either too vauge, or too complicated for the average home owner.
   Ms. Flores starts off the book preaching about environmental concern. She could have spared the reader, since anyone who would buy this book is already concerned about their eco-system. Several pages of the beginning of the book give spacey, loose instructions on observing your community and yard space, as if the average reader has unlimited time to stare at her yard, and go on excursions for resources.
   
   Flores goes on with her irrational ideas, giving several suggestions which are ILLEGAL, like diving into dumpsters and stealing off of thrift store lots. She also devotes quite a few paragraphs to setting up a water conservation system, which starts with recycling bathwater, which BTW, she also mentions is illegal in many cities. There's no in-between or alternate suggestions given. Flores, instead goes rambling on about elaborate modifications that the average person would not do to begin a garden.
   
   This book might be good for those who have extensive knowledge of gardening, lots and lots of free time, and advanced mechanical skills, who want an all-or-nothing approach, but it offers very little for a beginner.



3. This book has so many great ideas that I just had to have it. She makes many great "eco" points that had me going "ah, I never thought of that." I'm very glad I purchased this book.



4. This is a interesting lots of help starting you own garden in your front yard or back.



5. It's not that the information in this book is bad or wrong, it's just that it can be obtained from any permaculture website in about 5 minutes. The book is very limited. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!