The Family Meal

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is the latest read from the well-known author of the Poisonwood Bible, and it is probably the largest diversion that I have ever seen (read?) an author make. Not only does she employ her husband and daughter to add sidebars and quips, but she has ventured from fiction to very much non-fiction. Overall it is a read worth your time, but if you have touched any of Michael Pollan's work, you may find it a bit redundant.

One section I have found particularly interesting is her commentary on the lost art of cooking and the family meal. While it is entirely understandable to feel time crunch and opt for a quickie meal in the car or heated in the microwave, Kingsolver, makes valid points about not only the nutritional benefit of a home cooked meal, but the developmental and psychological impact that it has on those who partake.

We all know that wholesome family time and well rounded meals make us better people. Better communicators, negotiators, and problem-solvers. It tends to generate greater empathy. What I was not aware of was the prevalence of the family meal in the lives of the highest achieving children in America.

As we have our holiday meals and join our families, let's promise that we will not wait until the next holiday to sit around the table and break bread.