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7th January 2010

Post reblogged from artislovely with 19 notes

It takes 3

artislovely:pinkhotel:

There were three books I read this year that had a significant impact on me, particularly, in ways I never expected.

1. In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan:

One of the now infamous bylines of the book is:

“Eat food. Mostly plants. Not too much.”

It seems like a no brainer but, Pollan is right.

A major part of the book that really stood out for me was his discussion on obesity, America, and diabetes:

“Apparently it is easier, or at least a lot more profitable, to change a disease of civilization into a lifestyle than it is to change the way that civilization eats.”

I was, in a way, a little overwhelmed how strongly I felt after reading this. Instead of taking the necessary steps to feel better, and make a better life for yourself, it’s easier for Americans to function out of convenience (even if it is not healthy). Have we really become that lazy as a society? What about our ancestors who only could eat off of the land? Why do we have to artificially preserve almost every damn thing that is put into our mouths these days instead of making it ourselves? What happened to families discussing their day, news, life, etc. over a meal vs. eating on the go?

For a society that has evolved so much overtime, sadly, I sometimes believe that we haven’t evolved at all.

2. Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer:

I briefly mentioned it before, but Foer does an outstanding job with his entry into investigative journalism.

This book went into significantly more detail than I was prepared for regarding factory farming and the treatment of animals.

Even though I was close to being a vegetarian before reading this book, as of the late, I’ve been struggling with the transition of giving up fish and fully committing to vegetarianism. Regardless if you eat meat (or not) or what I personally decide to do in my own life, give this book a read. You won’t regret it.

3. No Impact Man by Colin Beavan:

Hands down, this book had the most profound impact on me. I can’t say exactly why it has other than it is probably one of those books that I just read at the “right” time regarding my own struggles, choices, and goals.

I think the general gist of this social novel is:

“When I take my last breath, will there be a wish that I had more stuff? I’ll wish for only one thing, I think. That I loved better. That I had been better at loving and not being distracted by stuff or accomplishment. This life is so short and it will soon be over. What will we use it for?”

No matter what words I choose to write, none of them will do it any justice- rather, I urge you to please, please read this book.

Great list. The 1st 2 books are on my to-read list. I hadn’t heard of No Impact Man, but I am adding it now.

Source: pinkhotel