Let's be honest.  Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is not the first book most high schoolers turn to when looking for something to read.  I fully expected another angry rant about the dangers of processed food.  I get it, i thought to myself, do not go to McDonalds.  However, when I started reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, i was hooked.  Needless to say, Kingsolver's combination of witty anecdotes, endearing memories, and real-life reason for eating organic far exceeded my expectations.  In chapter five, Kingsolver talks about the origins of her family farm, the legend of a goat named Charley, and the dying treasure of the widely criticized tobacco industry.  I was wishing I could come along as I read about hunting for what Kingsolver is sure is the tastiest mushroom in the world.  Kingsolver pulled at my heart when she shared the plight of the small farmer and how tobacco was the reason her parents were able to send her to college.  I found myself chuckling when i delved into chapter six and learned of a third grader's transformation from a chicken lover to a chicken farmer saying, "We'll only kill the mean ones."  And when Kingsolver described the organic feast she prepared for her fiftieth birthday party, I can't say I wasn't just a little jealous.  Each chapter is concluded with a recipe after a short reflection from Kingsolver's daughter.  This book does a good job of convincing people that eating local is a good choice while simultaneously tempting readers with mouthwatering, organic recipes.  After reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, I'm sold, not just on the importance of eating locally, but on the joys of a simple lifestyle.

Here's the recipe for the strawberry rhubarb crisp served at Barbara Kingsolver's birthday...

3 cups strawberries, halved

3 cups rhubarb, chopped

1/2 cup honey

   mix together thoroughly and place in an 8-by-8-inch ungreased pan.

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup brown sugar (or a bit more, to taste)

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/3 cup butter

   mix until crumbly, sprinkle over fruit mixture, and bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes, until golden.

www. AnimalVegetableMiracle.com