book reviews
Leanne Brown wrote Good Enough: A Cookbook— Embracing the Joys of Imperfection & Practicing Self-Care in the Kitchen as a burned-out new mother. Much more than a cookbook, this is a mix of essays and stories about self-care with about 100 recipes. The dishes draw from a variety of ethnic traditions and include plenty of vegetarian options. This book is ultimately about embracing the joy of imperfection and finding peace and happiness in and out of the kitchen. Paperback from Workman Publishing. $19.95. How to Grow a Monster , by New York Times-bestselling author Kiki Thorpe, follows a brother and sister whose mom grew way too many zucchinis last season and their attempt to stop the zucchini madness. Named “Book of the Year” by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, this 32-page book for ages 5 to 8 is part of the Makers Make It Work series. The story explores gardening and includes a gardening- related activity for kids to try. Paperback from Kane Press, Astra Publishing House. $5.99. In A Ranch for Generations , author, journalist and blogger Robyn Rominger tells the story of a California ranch and the lives of its inhabitants from the time it was homesteaded during the Gold Rush to the present day. We learn of the families, love lives, travels and business dealings of the various generations. Some suffered hard times and others enjoyed the good life. Whether it was raising cattle or sheep or growing crops, the residents preserved the land for agricultural purposes. Paperback from Amazon. $25.05.
The First-Time Gardener: Raised Bed Gardening by CaliKim guides beginners through growing their first garden in a raised bed, complete with photographs, helpful hints and lists of pros and cons. It covers choosing the best raised bed for the available space, shows how to build simple beds and provides information on soil, mulch, watering and fertilizing. An organic gardener from Southern California, CaliKim is known for her YouTube channel, CaliKim Garden and Home DIY. Paperback from Cool Springs Press. $26.99.
Grill master Steven Raichlen shows how seasonal produce can be the centerpiece of a backyard barbecue in How to Grill Vegetables: The New Bible for Barbecuing Vegetables over Live Fire . The James Beard Award-winning author’s advice includes everything from selecting a grill and finding fuel to grilling and smoking techniques. Recipes cover appetizers, salads, side dishes, entrees and desserts. Meat is used in some dishes as a condiment, enhancing the flavors of the vegetables. Paperback from Workman Publishing. $24.95.
California Bountiful’s Book Reviews highlight books related to rural living and California agriculture. To suggest a book, email cbmagazine@californiabountiful.com.
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