Recommended Books on Food and Life

This list should be much longer than only 5 books, but 4 of these I read in the past year and they were fresh in my mind.  I would love some other recommendations for books that would fit in this category that I can put on my reading list for 2013.  I have strong opinions having to do with eating REAL food...natural, God designed, in season, local, pure food.  I also have a strong calling to live more simply with less stuff and less distractions.  So the books below that I have read and LOVED all have taught me so much about real food and simplicity living.

1. In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan  A must must must read for anyone who eats food.  If you fall into that category and haven't read this yet, please do yourself a favor.  An eye opening book at only 200 pages, it's a fast read.

2. The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan Another gem by Michael Pollan.  Delve deeper into the food industry.  I think you'd be shocked by what you learn from this book.  The author should be Secretary of Agriculture of our country.  Things need to change in America's food industry and we all need to be on board.

3. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver  I read this book several years ago and have been on the seasonal eating bandwagon ever since.  In this book Barbara Kingsolver and her family pledge to eat only locally and seasonally for a whole year.  Before reading about her journey of seasonal eating, I had never learned about the seasonality of our food.  My eyes were opened and I have embraced this way of enjoying food.

4. 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker  Inspirational book that makes you step back and really look at all that you have.  How excess has become a normal part of our culture.  How much do we really need?  I loved this book and want to read it again this year.

5. Almost Amish by Nancy Sleeth  Another book about living a more simple life.  This author speaks to my soul with her quest for a slower, more simple, sustainable life.  Slower, Simple, Sustainable makes my heart go pitter-patter.