As I write this review of the new book “American Grown”, it sits at #10 in Amazon’s best-sellers list. That makes it pretty popular!
American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America is nothing to do with politics, even though it’s written by Michelle Obama, the current First Lady. Instead, it’s a book about gardening, and growing your own vegetables, and encouraging kids to eat more healthily. Subjects close to my heart!
Highlights of the book:
- The author proceeds are going to the National Parks Foundation.
- “American Grown” is a very easy read. It’s rather more ‘coffee table’ than “how to” gardening book, but that’s OK – inspiration inspires change! There’s certainly enough information to get you started.
- The photos are good quality and interesting. I particularly enjoyed the older photos of WWII Victory Gardens, they were really atmospheric and (as a non-American) I hadn’t known much about them until now. Eleanor Roosevelt inspired people across the country to plant their own community gardens to reduce demand on the food supply during the war.
- “American Grown” ties in well with Michelle Obama’s efforts to improve childrens’ eating habits (her “Let’s move!” campaign). The book highlights ways to get kids involved in growing vegetables.
- There is useful advice as well as good photos. The plans and illustrations of various community gardens around America show the variety of possible plots and locations. There are hints and tips – for example, I’m personally a big fan of raised gardens, they save a lot of backache – and interesting anecdotes, and even some easy recipes from White House chefs. Divided into 4 parts by the seasons, it can be used as a quick (if not detailed) reference book.
- The author is forthright about her worries that her vegetable garden wouldn’t grow. Just like any other gardener. I worry about my vegetables too – but if I kill them or something eats them before I get to them, I sigh, perhaps post a self-deprecating item in my blog about it, and move on. I suspect she had more pressure than many of us – her garden was rather in the spotlight (although I expect that she did have some rather expert help available if she needed it!).
- I learnt from “American Grown” that the gardens are the source of the vegetables and greens that are used for state dinners and family lunches. There’s also a beehive for honey (“it tastes like sunshine” says Mrs. Obama). About one third of the produce is donated to Miriam’s Kitchen which provides healthy meals to Washington’s homeless. I think it’s a far better use for that space than the lawn which used to grow there!
For me, I’m delighted that someone who could be viewed as quite influential has published such a book. I hope it is a great success, and encourages adults and kids to get outside into the fresh air and ‘grow their own’, knowing they are following an excellent tradition!
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I didn’t even know she had a book about the garden and the beehive. That sounds like a book up my alley. Thanks for your review!
Hi Mil, that’s why I included the bit about the bees! It’s not a big part of the book at all, but I’m glad it’s included because of the current stresses bees are under.
When we started growing vegetables at home, it was the first time that my step children ever tried certain vegetables. Something about growing your own encourages the curiosity in children. Great Book.and I like your review of it, too…
Sonya Lenzo
Thanks Sonya! I’m glad you liked my review. Yes, I keep hearing that about children, how much more interested in vegetables they become when they’re involved in the growing, it’s another really excellent reason for growing your own. Thanks for sharing!