There are many reasons that we feel locally grown pesticide free produce is important (see our “About Us” page).   We would like to share other views on that subject.  We cannot speak to the accuracy of the author’s viewpoints nor can we deny that the authors have their own agendas, but we found their views thought provoking and reasonable.  We also have some fun books about gardening. While we recommend that you buy these books and share them with family and friends, they should be available at the Corrales Library.  If you have trouble finding these books, you can borrow them from us.  See the “Contact Us” section.

We have recently added “WORLD ON THE EDGE” by Lester R. Brown.  This book pulls together many of the themes of our other recommendations and adds a few more. More importantly, it expands them to a world wide perspective.  The uniqueness of this book is that it not only outlines our problems, but it offers solutions.  Environmental issues affect everyone, regardless of what country you live in.  While the threat of global warming and the associated consequences may not seem imminent, changes are occurring  and may be accelerating.  While we are not totally convinced, we are concerned.  Our concerns are less for ourselves than for our children and grandchildren.  Read this book and form your own opinion.  

VAN RIPER FARM READING LIST

WORLD ON THE EDGE by Lester R. Brown.  A provocative account of the trends of our water scarcity, food shortage, climate change, population growth, resource shortage problems and the resulting consequences.  Brown documents the problems and offers solutions.  A sobering read.

THE OMNIVORE’S DILEMMA by Michael Pollan. If you are curious about how our modern food industry has changed what we eat and the impact those changes have had on our health and well being, this book is for you. Scary!

IN DEFENSE OF FOOD by Michael Pollan.  After explaining what has happened to our food supply in The Omnivore’s Dilemma,  he explains what we can do about it in this book.

ANIMAL, VEGETABLE, MIRACLE by Barbara Kingsolver. A charming story of the challenges her family faced by eating locally produced food for a year.

A GARLIC TESTAMENT - Seasons on a Small New Mexico Farm by Stanley Crawford.  Crawford shares with us his experiences, on a small farm in New Mexico,  growing garlic and selling garlic.  We could really identify with his story. An easy fun read.

PEOPLE WITH DIRTY HANDS - The Passion for Gardening by Robin Chotzinoff.  If you are a gardener or a gardener want to be, you will find this collection of stories fascinating.

Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew.  An oldie but goody.  We encourage everyone to garden.  If you don’t have much space, this book is for you.

LOCAL FLAVORS by Deborah Madison.  A fabulous cookbook that focuses on locally sourced food from Grower’s Markets.  Includes lots of Deborah Madison’s personal experiences with these markets.  After reviewing this cookbook, you will want one of your own.

We would be happy to lend any one of these books to you, and we welcome your suggestions for additional titles.

HAPPY READING!

HEALTHY EATING!