Book Reviews
California Vegan
By Sharon Palmer, RD
California Vegan, like the recipes it features, is bright, fresh, and inspired by the state itself. While California's myriad cultural influences and distinct regions are the themes of its chapters, the unifying thread is an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce. Palmer's health-conscious recipes are easy to follow and are accompanied by beautiful photographs. The dishes included in the book are suited for a variety of occasions. For an al fresco dinner party, the Mediterranean tofu in parchment is simple to prepare, and offers a stunning presentation. For tasty comfort food, the chickpea shakshuka is richly spiced, hearty, and filling. The carrot zucchini spice muffins work beautifully for sharing at a potluck brunch, preparing ahead for quick weekday breakfasts, or using up extra produce. Of all the recipes I tried, though, the orange almond olive oil cake was the one I'd recommend most highly. Not only does it use three quintessential California crops—oranges, almonds, and olives—but the dessert itself is rich but not heavy and would work equally well for entertaining or just for snacking.
California Vegan (ISBN 978-1493050505) is a 288-page book published by Globe Pequot. This hardcover book retails for $19.99 and can be purchased online or at your local bookstore. Amy Burger/VRG Volunteer
Bear Boy
By Justin Barker
This young adult book details the true story of a teenage boy in California who not only inspires incredible change in a zoo, but also raises a quarter of a million dollars to save two bears and place them in a sanctuary—all before he could drive. It's a page turner, no matter the reader's age. You may want to keep a box of tissues nearby, too, just in case.
Barker's writing flows beautifully. The story itself is articulately told and relatable as he grows from a lonely child pushed around by school bullies into an empowered young man who reaches an international audience. His efforts save the lives of Ursula and Brutus, two sibling black bears being kept in a cruelly small cage in a public park. Barker's empathy and compassion shine as he finds resources to take his story to the media and mobilizes the entire vegan and animal rights community to his cause, all while keeping up with school.
It is deeply moving to see how one person, a teenage boy no less, can create impact and effect change. He absolutely proves that one person can make a difference. Barker closes the book with three questions: What is important to you? Who will you stand up for? How will you make the world a better place? Readers will finish this book considering the reach they have in the world.
Bear Boy (ISBN 978-1-7360-8430-4) is a 240-page book. It is published by Brutus & Ursula, LLC, and retails for $13.49. Order this book online or at your local bookstore. Rissa Miller/Senior Editor
Kind Poems
By Gretchen Primack
For literature or animal lovers, this collection of eloquently written free-form poetry brings the plight of animals in modern society into the limelight. Poignant and heartfelt writing and evocative imagery offer the readers a chance to re-examine their relationship with animals, the earth, and each other.
The book includes 55 poems on timely topics such as the Covid pandemic, as well as plant life and humanity's complex reliance on animals. Poems gather steam from the various cruelties endured by animals, such as veal calves, circus animals, trophy hunting, and more. But the writing is so sophisticated, it makes the emotions of, say, a mother cow losing her baby into something so personal, the reader feels as if they are personally losing a child.
Primack's sensory language creates an experience with each poem. The book explores a full range of emotions, not just abuse or loss, and her masterful management of imagery will take you into many different lives.
Through the collection, artwork by Dana Ellyn, Gus Mueller, and Jane O'Hara put animal faces to these poems. Each artists' work deepens the reader's connection to the poetry's purpose and story.
Kind Poems (ISBN 978-1-5905-6639-8) is a 98-page book. It is published by Lantern Publishing & Media and retails for $15. Order this book online. Rissa Miller/Senior Editor
