42 pages • 1 hour read
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
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Book Brief
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2007400
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Virginia • 2000s
2007
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver is a memoir that chronicles a year in which Kingsolver's family attempts to eat only locally sourced food, including what they can grow themselves, driven by concerns about sustainability, environmental impact, and health. The book integrates personal anecdotes with academic explorations on the state of US farming, offering practical advice for others interested in following a similar path. The book includes descriptions of animal slaughter and processing.
Informative
Contemplative
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Serene
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver has been praised for its compelling narrative on sustainable living, blending personal anecdotes with informative content on local food systems. While some critics found the tone occasionally preachy, many appreciated the inspirational and educational value. Kingsolver's passion for the subject is palpable, though not all readers might embrace the lifestyle changes proposed.
Who Should Read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle?
A reader who enjoys Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver is passionate about sustainable living, local food movements, and environmental issues. Fans of Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma and Wendell Berry’s works will find it compelling for its blend of personal narrative and advocacy for ecological responsibility.
Steven L. Hopp
Steven L. Hopp
Kingsolver's second husband and co-narrator, Hopp contributes essays on key issues related to sustainability, supporting the family's experiment and sharing his expertise as an ornithologist and environmental science professor.
Camille Kingsolver
Camille Kingsolver
Kingsolver's eldest daughter, Camille serves as a narrator, giving a young person's perspective on environmental issues and sharing recipes, while striving to adhere to locavore principles even while attending college.
Lily Hopp Kingsolver
Lily Hopp Kingsolver
The younger daughter of Kingsolver and Hopp, Lily is an important protagonist whose chicken business provides a lens to explore the meat industry, learning as she grows to distinguish between pets and food.
400
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Virginia • 2000s
2007
Adult
18+ years
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