Besides long titles, what else do these books have in common?

Reading is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy an evening. I can’t think of a better way to unwind after a long day. I’ve also noticed that I can sleep through the night much better than if I had chosen to check my emails one last time instead. A note to self; keep smart devices out of the bedroom.

Another side note, I have come to really appreciate not just physical books but also books on audio! I commute to work via car and have used this time to listen to something great. I usually can go through a new book every 2 weeks. If you’re in your car as much as I am, try checking out the audiobook section at your local library. You never know what you might find!

 

1.  Stuffocation: Why We’ve Had Enough of Stuff and Need Experience More Than Ever – James Wallman (Published March 2015)

A must-read and deeply thought-provoking book of which has single-handedly catapulted my personal journey into minimalism via decluttering and mindful consumption.  (Read July 2015)

 

2. The Dorito Effect: The Surprising New Truth About Food and Flavor – Mark Schatzker (Published May 2015)

I must admit, I was a bit skeptical to pick this one up. What is the “Dorito Effect” and why does it sound made up? Why is this getting so much hype? I don’t even like Doritos.

However, my skepticism quickly vanished near the beginning of this read. Suffice to say, Schatzker packs this book to the brim with information.

Although not a strictly pro-vegan book by any stretch of the imagination –Schatzker’s other work is titled “Steak: One Man’s Search for the Tastiest Piece of Beef”, it is understood that Schatzker is writing from a perspective of an omnivore. This read is truly unbiased as he is able to give the reader an in-depth look into America’s food industry and food culture. One of his key points includes how supply and demand have become the premier features of today’s food products with less of a focus on sustainability of the resources used as well as the resulting quality (i.e. taste) of the products themselves. I cannot stress enough how Schatzker’s book is a must-read for all audiences, vegans and omnivores alike. (Read September 2017)

 

3. The Vegan Way: 21 Days to a Happier, Healthier Plant-Based Lifestyle That Will Transform Your Home, Your Diet and You – Jackie Day (Published October 2016)

Filled with Day’s down-to-earth writing style and simplicity of the subject matter of the photographs, Day explains the benefits to transitioning to Veganism in an unintimidating, thoughtful, and exciting manner. I felt empowered to go Vegan after reading this book and did so less than one month later. (Read February 2017)

 

4. The Lucky Ones: My Passionate Fight for Farm Animals – Jenny Brown (Published August 2012)

An inspiring read by Brown, the woman behind the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary located in upstate New York. (Read March 2017)

 

5. Bonjour Kale: A Memoir of Paris, Love, and Recipes – Kristen Beddard (Published May 2016)

What a story! An ex-pat learns to navigate her life, the language, and the culture of Paris while balancing homesickness and lack of her favorite cooking ingredient: Kale. With stark determination, Beddard works with various farmers and other individuals to successfully bring back this once ‘legume oblique’ to the agricultural composition of France as well as to the dinner plates of French men and women. (Read April 2017)

 

Have you heard or even read some of these books? Are any of these books on your to-read list?

 

 

[Photo Credit — Jake Epstein — Hingham, MA]