Book lovers don’t need a special day to commemorate our love for books but, let’s be honest, we cannot resist a reason to celebrate books. One of these days I hope to find myself in Barcelona in late April because Catalans know how to celebrate their patron saint, Sant Jordi (or Saint George in English). An important holiday in Catalan culture, which happens to coincide with World Book Day, on April 23, bookshops and makeshift stands offer books for loved ones to gift each other along with a red rose.
This month, to honor Earth Month, our series included profiles on food-focused non-profit organizations, whether the organizations focused on food justice or how food can play a pivotal role in helping connect us and promote conversation.
We asked those we profiled if they could share a favorite book about food and they were all too happy to oblige. Pick up a copy of one of their favorites to give to a loved one as a way to celebrate World Book Day.
“One resource that I love is The Slow Food School Garden Curriculum. But beyond school garden reading, I love and have a special place in my heart for Michael Pollan's Omnivore's Dilemma. I read it about 11 years ago during my first year of teaching and it definitely supported my "spark" for food equity and starting Gardeneers. I also love The Color of Food by Natasha Bowens and am looking forward to reading the recent release of Leah Penniman's Farming While Black.” ~May Tsupros, CoFounder, Gardeneers
“I am so hungry to dive into Dorothy Iannone: a Cookbook. The complete facsimile of this extraordinary artist’s 1969 book is chockablock with recipes, notations, and her vibrant and radical illustrations and patterned gestures. She produced the cookbook when she was living with the Swiss artist Dieter Roth, and it reveals a dense expression of her provocative and fiercely feminist vision through the lens of food and cooking.” ~Laura Fried, Director, Active Cultures
“I’m a huge fan of Molly O’Neill’s A Well-Seasoned Appetite, which is organized by season and by ingredient. As a self-taught cook, O’Neill introduced me to so many unfamiliar ingredients – especially fruits and vegetables - through recipes and stories. She did for me what Purple Asparagus seeks to do for Chicago’s children.” ~Melissa Graham, Founding CEO and Head Spear, Purple Asparagus
Another reader for Farming While Black…“I'm currently reading Leah Penniman's book Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm's Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land." ~Danielle K. Perry, Executive Director, Growing Home
“ ‘Once a Tramp, Always…’ by MFK Fisher is up there! Also, The Flavor Bible." ~Nicole Schnitzler, Founder, Doors Open Dishes
Perhaps one of these might inspire you to pick up a book today and celebrate World Book Day. Happy reading!
