I got this One Book meme from a fellow February blogger Annie, who has the wonderful blog Churches in Venice.
One book that changed your life:
The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan
I read this book in the summer of 2006 after it was recommended by Roz and Chris on the Slow Travel forum. After reading it, I immediately put my name on the waiting list of the local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). It wasn't so much that the information was new to me. Afterall I had been shopping at farmers markets and buying organic for years. It was that there was something about the book that made me want to do more. I started really researching the local food movement. And it eventually led me onto the path of starting a magazine called Edible Santa Barbara which is all about the local food and wine culture of Santa Barbara County.
One book that you've read more than once:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin
I have read this book countless times. It's a classic—beautifully written with insightful character observations and a wonderful sense of humor.
One book you'd want on a desert island:
How to Survive on a Deserted Island by Tim O'Shei
I've never read it and really have no idea what it contains, but it does seem like the practical choice, doesn't it?
One book that made you laugh and One book that made you cry:
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
I've combined these two categories because this is one of my favorite books of all time and it made me both laugh out loud and cry.
One book that you wish had been written:
The Complete and Accurate Story of Every One of Krista's Ancestors
I'm such a history buff, there's nothing I would love better than to read the history of all my ancestors—from my grandparents all the way back to the first hominid. Let's hope that the author has the character insight of Jane Austin, the journalistic talent of Michael Pollan and the story telling ability of John Irving.
One book that you wish had never been written:
I'm definitely not a believer in censoring or banning books, so I think there's a place for every book somewhere in the world.
One book you're currently reading:
Full Moon Feast: Food and the Hunger for Connection by Jessica Prentice
This is a fascinating book about the connection of the moon with the traditional foods that were eaten in various cultures from around the world. The interesting thing about it is that she makes it relevant to what and how we eat today. It even has recipes.
One book you've been meaning to read:
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
I've tried a couple times, but have never made it all the way through. Perhaps if this was all I had on that deserted island...
