Barbara Kingsolver pens the narrative, an engaging, month-by-month look at their garden — from the first asparagus to the last squashes — and all of the adventures in between: raising turkeys, canning tomatoes for weeks on end, cookies with zucchini hidden in them, and “harvesting” poultry. Her husband contributed short, informational articles on how people can take action in support of local foods, the environment, small farms, organic foods, slow foods, and making bread. Daughter Camille provided a teen’s perspective on the project, as well as recipes and weekly menus. Lily, the younger daughter, contributed greatly to the humor of the book, as well as the spirit of innocence, wonder, and entrepreneurialism (she started an organic egg business). The “Hoppsolver” family raises many of the issues common in today’s dialogue about food safety, ethics, and the industrial food machine without ever sounding preachy or unrealistic. Putting the kitchen and dinner table back at the center of family life is as much the message of the book as supporting local growers.

Copyright Keri Collins Lewis 2005-2014. All rights reserved.