More Book Reviews

In Defense of Food: an Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan

This book had many points but is based around the idea to "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." I know that makes it sound like a book on how to lose weight but it definitely isn't. Most of the book is a discussion of basic tenets that people have centered their diets around such as only eating low fat food or buying packaged food that makes health claims. It's one of those books where you want to underline every other sentence (even though it's a library book and you can't) and find someone to read next to so you can tell them how interesting everything you're reading is (sorry Pat!). I like reading about studies and this book found all the interesting ones. And it throws in fun facts like how there was a decline in heart disease during World War II, most likely because of the scarcity of certain foods and the rationing of sugar and gasoline. And I like reading about food. So there you go.

East by Edith Pattou

This story is based on a Norwegian folk tale (one that I've never read but might search out now). The book is intended for young adults but that's why it's good, I'm not sure it would work as a book intended for adults since they would try to throw something in the story that doesn't belong. It's a long book and hard to summarize but it centers around a girl, Rose, and what happens when a polar bear takes her, willingly, from her family.