Cookbook Review: The Vegan Table by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau...

I thought it was time for another cook book review since the last one went over so well, and what better book to review then Colleen Patrick-Goudreau’s “The Vegan Table.” This is actually one of the very first vegan cookbooks I ever got my hands on. I found it in my local library months before I’d even gone Vegetarian. I was however already leaning in that direction - which is why I was in that particular section of the library in the first place. Now, it’s been so long that I can’t remember exactly what came first me listening to Colleen’s wonderful “Vegetarian Food for Thought” Podcast, or me picking up her cookbooks in the library, but somehow I feel like they happened simultaneously and independently of the other. I don’t think it dawned on me at first that the wonderful recipes I was making out of that book from the library were penned by the wonderfully inspiring voice I was listening to each afternoon via the internet. Eventually something clicked though, and I put two and two together. In fact it was Colleen’s Podcast that was the final push I needed to make the transition to veganism. I think I borrowed this book from the library half a dozen times that year before finally receiving my own copy of it as a Christmas gift.

Right away I fell in love with this book because Colleen makes veganism so easy and accessible. Her recipes use simple, whole food ingredients - nothing strange or out of the ordinary, she doesn’t even use seitan. Still she comprises a variety of dishes in this book for every meal of the day, and she includes a ton of wonderful information about food, cooking tips, food lore, and veganism. I also really love that she has a section on vegan celebrations and party planning. These things are all extremely helpful to the newbie vegan, but they can also be utilized by long-time vegans too. Most of the cooking methods are quick and simple to master, and many of the recipes can be made without oil, soy, gluten, sugar, or salt, and there are specific indicators letting you know that incase you have these kinds of dietary restrictions.

Even after four years of veganism I still get use out of this book, in fact it’s remained one of my ‘go-to’ cook books especially for when I’m cooking for a ‘mixed crowed.’ For me, these recipes feel tried and true, they’re practically ‘no fail’ or at least I’ve never failed making hem and they’ve always been winners among even the most ardent ‘carnivores’ that I know. For me as a newbie vegan this book was an indispensable resource, and I learned so much by reading and cooking through it. Colleen writes in an easy, down to earth style that makes you feel comfortable and confident. She inspires you, and gets you feeling excited about cooking. Her passion for veganism, for cooking, and for education are clear on every page of this book, and I love that atmosphere her personality lends to the pages.

Some people have criticized the book for it’s layout - which I fully admit is a bit strange, but once you get the hang of it, it really isn’t hard to find the recipes you want. Some people have also criticized Colleen’s use of white flour, sugar, and non-dairy butter - particularly in her baking recipes, and I guess it can’t be said often enough that veganism and health-food are not necessarily synonymous. That’s not to say that Colleen’s recipes are unhealthy, but her baking recipes are also not ‘health food’ they’re baked goods, and most people I know like a little sugar in their cake. The fact that her baked goods do use white flour, sugar, and non-dairy butter is what makes the recipes so accessible to newbie vegans. If she was using a ton of crazy ingredients her recipes wouldn’t have the same air of simplicity, and they would be more intimidating to the average newbie. One of the greatest things about Colleen’s recipes is her ability to provide you with veganized versions of the familiar and comforting foods that you grew up without compromising on flavor or taste, while still keeping it relatively simple.

Though I haven’t made as many recipes from this book as I would have liked the ones I have made have been delicious, here’s what I thought.

Pan-Fried Asparagus with Lime Juice - LOVED IT
Tofu Benedict - Loved it
Tempeh Bacon - Very good
Swiss Chard and Caramelized Onions - LOVED IT
Spring Vegetable Risotto - LOVED IT
Pad Thai - Very good
Tofu Scramble - Very good
Marvelous Mushroom Risotto - I thought this was okay, but then I'm not the biggest mushroom fan. My husband loved it though.
Polenta Hearts - Fantastic
Roasted Red Pepper Coulis - LOVED IT especially over the polenta hearts
Red Velvet Cake - Personally I'm not a fan of this kind of cake but my husband is. I made it for his graduation and he and all the omnivores loved it.
Better Then Tuna Salad - Pretty good
Herbed Scalloped Potatoes - Pretty good
Golden Corn Pancakes - Loved it!
Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms - LOVED IT
Apricot Whole Wheat Muffins - Pretty good
Magical Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms - Pretty good but I prefer my own homemade miso
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Onions - LOVED IT this is a `go-to' holiday recipe for me now
Roasted Beets and Fennel Bulbs in Fennel Oil - I thought this was just okay, but then I'm not the biggest fan of fennel.
Pan-Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with herb infused marinade - loved it!
French Onion Pie - Didn't like it. However I did try this back when I just turned vegan, and didn’t particularly care for tofu. I wouldn’t be opposed to giving this recipe another whirl now that my tastes have changed.
Cauliflower with Spicy Vinaigrette - Loved it!
Masoor Dal - Pretty good
Fruit Sushi - LOVED IT
Frozen Mango Lassi - Loved it
Cuban Black Bean Soup - Loved it
Eggless Egg Salad - Loved it.
No Queso Quesadillas - LOVED IT
Muhammara - LOVED IT
Boston Baked Beans - Pretty good
Caramelized Tempeh Shawaramas - LOVED IT - my new favorite way to eat tempeh
Mushroom Pecan Burgers - LOVED IT
Tofu Spinach Lasagna - LOVED IT - a `go to' when cooking for Omni's
Traditional Vegetable Soup - Pretty good
Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions - LOVED IT
Golden Mushroom Gravy - LOVED IT
Mushroom walnut Pate - LOVED IT
Tempeh and Eggplant Pot Pies - LOVED IT
Irish Soda Bread - LOVED IT
Gado Gado Vegetable Skewers - LOVED IT
Potato Salad in Radicchio Cups - LOVED IT
Tomato Basil and Arugula Bruschetta - LOVED IT
Basic Pizza Dough - LOVE It - this is my `go to' dough for pizza
Beet and Sweet Potato Pizza - Loved it
Pineapple Upside Down Cake - pretty good.

In short I would definitely recommend this book to just about anyone. It’s versatile enough for curious omnivores, newbie vegans, vegetarians and long-time vegans too. However if you’re looking for a vegan health book, or a No SOS book - salt, oil, sugar. - or a raw book, then this is not the right book for you, and you’d be better off finding a book that uses those words in it’s advertising.

This really is one of my favorite and most beloved cookbooks, so I hope that if you haven’t checked it out yet you feel inspired to do so now.

If you want to learn more about Colleen and the work that she does you can check out her Website, which is phenomenal by the way, and be sure to click on her Podcast!

Cookbook Review: Appetite For Reduction by Isa Chandra Moskowitz...

I’ve recently gotten into the habit of writing reviews on Amazon - try it and you’ll soon discover it can be addictive! Mostly I write reviews for cook books or other vegan-related items - you know, to rally support! And it recently occurred to me that I’ve never actually written a cook book review here. Since this blog is primarily about food and cooking that seemed absurd to me and so I thought it was high-time I rectify that.

Every Day Quinoa Chickpea Salad 

To start with I decided to pick “Appetite for Reduction” by Isa Chandra Moskowitz because this is seriously one of my favorite cook books ever. Along with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau's "The Vegan Table,” "Appetite for Reduction was one of the very first vegan cook books I ever received. I was given it as a Christmas gift in 2010 near the very beginning of my vegan journey and so for me this book was an excellent primer, it taught me a lot of basic tools, and techniques for vegan cooking. Not to mention the new ingredients, flavor combinations and ideas it introduced me to.

Lentil Eggplant Chili Mole with Scallion Corn Bread

There is so much about this book I absolutely love and hold dear. The layout is fantastic the recipes are all laid out nicely in an easy to read font, and they’re mostly kept to one page. Instructions are minimal but precise and easy to follow. The ingredients lists - for the most part - are short, and most items are common pantry staples. I really love Isa’s conversational tone and style, her introduction and recipe headings are a joy to read, and add that extra something that every cook book should strive to have. She’s funny, witty, and has good stories about the creation of the dishes, which is something I really like because I’m always curious to know how an author happened upon a particular dish or flavor combination. I also like that she takes the trouble to suggest dishes to pair with each recipe. This works out really great because sometimes a dish sounds awesome, but you just can’t decide - or don’t know - what to pair it with. This was especially helpful in the early days of my veganism. I also love all the helpful hints, tips and tricks that pepper the book - again, invaluable information to a newbie!

Jerk Asparagus 

Now, some people have complained that the recipes are ‘too’ low-calorie, but that is exactly the intention of the book. If you’re not on a strict diet, or don’t care about being low-cal, you can still get benefit from this book, and it’s easy enough to amp up the calories if you like. For instance instead of using 1 tsp of olive oil as suggested use 1 tbsp - this is what I do more often then not. Despite the fact that this book is designed for weight-loss, and weight-management I think there’s something in it for everyone. I know it’s a book I come back to time and time again even though by now I own over 100 vegan cook books. There’s just something about this book, and the recipes that stole my heart. Oh - and speaking of calories, nutritional information is provided for each recipe for those of you who care about such things.

Cajun Beanballs and Spaghetti 

My only qualm with this book is it’s lack of photography. I'm a very visual person and I really hate it when a cook book has limited or no pictures. I love beautiful food photography and find that the pictures help inspire me to make the dishes. This book simply doesn't have enough pictures, and of the ones it does contain I feel they are not as beautiful as they could be.

Spicy Blue Potato and Corn Salad 

But, don’t let that get you down. The recipes will speak for themselves. Almost everything I’ve made from this book has been excellent, and I’ve made quite a few things. Such as the...

Trattoria Pasta Salad 

Everyday Chickpea Salad - LOVED IT - a `go-to' salad
Balsamic Vinaigrette - LOVED IT - a `go-to' dressing
Spicy Blue Potato and Corn Salad - Pretty good
Sushi Roll Edamame Salad - LOVED IT - a `go-to' salad
Green Onion Miso Vinaigrette - LOVED IT - a `go-to' dressing
Big Fat Taco Salad - pretty good
Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Toasted Cumin Seeds - pretty good
Cool Slaw - pretty good
Wild Rice Salad with Oranges and Roasted Beets - LOVED IT
Tinfoil Beets - Love it - a good method
Orange Sesame Vinaigrette - LOVED IT
Caesar Salad with Eggplant Bacon - LOVED IT
Caesar Chavez Dressing - LOVED IT - perhaps one of the best Caesar dressings ever.
Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad with Grilled Tofu - LOVED IT
Catalan Cous Cous Salad with Pears - Pretty good
Romesco Dressing - LOVED IT
Trattoria Pasta Salad with white beans - Pretty good
Sun Dried Tomato Walnut Dressing - LOVED IT
Strawberry Spinach Salad - pretty good.
Cauliflower Mashed potatoes - this was okay, but then as much as I love cauliflower I'm not all that fond of it mashed.
Silky Chickpea Gravy - LOVED IT
OMG Oven Baked Onion Rings - LOVED IT
Scallion Potato Pancakes - Loved it
Brussels Sprout-Potato Hash - LOVED IT
Bhutanese Pineapple Rice - Loved it
Polenta Stuffing - Pretty Good
Quinoa Puttanesca - Loved it
Soft Broccoli Polenta - this was okay, but at the time I made it I'd never eaten polenta before so maybe this needs a re-do.
Ethiopian Millet - Meh, not for me.
Butternut Coconut Rice - pretty good
Eggplant Kibbeh - I thought this was just okay, but my husband really liked it
Tamarind Quinoa - pretty good
Garlicky Mushrooms and Kale - loved it
Jerk Asparagus - loved it
Pineapple Collards - This was okay.
Mushroom tibs - pretty good
Orange Scented Broccoli - LOVED IT
Eggplant Dengaku - loved it
Herb Roasted Cauliflower with Breadcrumbs - pretty good
Ye'abesha Gomen - Pretty good
Curried Cabbage and peas - pretty good
Baked Falafel - LOVE IT this is my `go-to' falafel recipe
Chipotle Lentil Burgers - LOVED IT
Black Bean Zucchini and Olive Tacos - LOVED IT
Garlic Lemon Yogurt Sauce - pretty good
Mango BBQ Beans - pretty good
Black Beans in Red Velvet Mole - This was okay, but then I'm not the biggest fan of mole.
Curried Green Onion Hummus - loved it
Red Thai Tofu - pretty good
Lettuce Wraps with hoison-mustard tofu - LOVED IT
Curried Scrambled Tofu with Arugula - LOVED IT
Red Wine and Kalamata Tempeh - LOVED IT
Tamarind BBQ Tempeh with Sweet Potatoes - LOVED IT!
Buffalo Tempeh - LOVED IT
Fusilli Roasted Veggie Primavera - LOVED IT
Pasta con Broccoli - Loved it
Easy Breezy Cheezy Sauce - Pretty good
Spinach Linguine with edamame Pesto - LOVED IT
Edamame Pesto - LOVED IT
Ginger Bok Choy and Soba - LOVED IT
Pasta de los Angeles - LOVED IT
Spinach Lasagna with Roasted Cauliflower ricotta and Spinach - LOVED IT
Miso Udon Stir-fry with Greens and Beans - LOVED IT
Mac and Trees - Pretty good
Cajun Beanballs and Spaghetti - not a fan,
Black Eyed Pea and Tempeh Beanballs - I was not all that thrilled with this dish, but at the time I’d made it I’d never eaten tempeh before, nor black eyed peas. I think this would be a lot better upon a second try. I’ll let you know if I try it again.
Mom's Marinara - Loved it
Bistro Broccoli Chowder - pretty good
Arabian Lentil and rice Soup - LOVED IT
Manhattan Glam Chowder - Not for me, but then Mushrooms can be hit or miss for me.
Summer Loving Curried Corn and Veggie Chowder - LOVED IT
Red Lentil and Root Veggie Dal - pretty good
2nd Avenue Vegetable Korma - Loved it
Curried Chickpeas and Greens - LOVED IT
Potato-Spinach Curry - pretty good
Chipotle Chili with Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts - not for me
Lentil and Eggplant Chili Mole - pretty good
Fresh Corn and Scallion Cornbread - LOVED IT
Quinoa, Kale and White Bean Stew - Loved it
Portobello Pepper Steak Stew - LOVED IT
Moroccan Chickpeas and Zucchini - LOVED IT
Veggie Potpie Stew - LOVED IT
Sweet Potato Drop Biscuits - LOVED IT
Smokey Tempeh and Greens Stew - LOVED IT
Eggplant Provencal - Pretty good

Caesar Salad with Eggplant Bacon 

Overall this book is just amazing, really and truly. I’ve had such great success with it that I’d happily recommend it to any vegetarian, vegan, or omni. In fact I’ve made many dishes from this book for my omni friends and family and they’ve always been a hit. So if you haven’t got a copy of “Appetite for Reduction” yet, what are you waiting for? Go out there and grab a copy tout de suite! And if you do own a copy already, what do you think?

Bhutanese Pineapple Red Rice

You can learn more about Isa and get some delicious recipes too over at her website The Post Punk Kitchen

"Super Immunity: The Essential Nutrition Guide for Boosting Your Body’s Defenses to Live Longer, Stronger, and Disease Free" - by Joel Fuhrman, M.D.

"When most of us think of preventative medicine and proper health care, we think about getting shots, taking medications, or having diagnostic tests. We’ve had these products and services marketed to us for the last fifty years and have accepted a belief system that equates more medical care with better health, survival and longevity. this equation is simply not true."  'Super Immunity' - Joel Fuhrman

I have been wanting to talk about "Super Immunity" ever since I read it back in January, I just haven’t been able to find the time to actually sit down and collect my thoughts on the matter. I don’t know if there are really enough words for me to describe just how phenomenal I think this book is. Truly! It is absolutely revolutionary!

Now, I am no stranger to the concept of healing foods. Hippocrates said "Let thy food be thy medicine, and let thy medicine be thy food." and I very strongly believe in that. I’m well aware of which foods are healing and which foods are impairing, and for those of you who know me, you know that I loathe getting sick, so I go to great lengths to preserve my good health. I have never been a fan of pharmaceuticals, even back when I was just a kid, and didn’t understand why exactly pharmaceutical drugs were bad. I have always had a healthy distrust of them. As I became older my concept and understand of why Big Pharma was bad grew, and expanded and I realized that for the most part mother earth had bestowed upon us virtually all the tools we need to remain healthy. I see that even more now that I’m actively studying holistic health. However knowing something, and really knowing it are two very different things you see?

Joel Fuhrman is a doctor - not some quack - but a well recognized, and renown doctor who is a prominent figure In the health community, it’s that more then anything else that sets this book apart for me. After all it’s one thing to hear information such as this from a random guy or gal next door, and entirely other thing indeed to hear it from a well educated doctor. To me that makes all the difference. Fuhrman certainly isn’t the only doctor who speaks out about the role of diet in disease, and the impotence of modern medicine but those that do are few, so every new material is vital.

Super Immunity really should be on everyone’s ‘to read list’ even if you think you’re well versed in health matters I know there is something in here for everyone. I myself didn’t think I’d learn a whole lot from it, and I was proven wrong. This should be mandatory reading. What’s really great about it is that it’s a comprehensive book, taking the latest scientific research and nutritional information, then translating it into an easy to read format, which makes it all the more accessible to the average person. This in itself is fantastic, because lets face it, how many people really want to sit down and read a textbook about health/nutation? - Besides me of course. - and how many people would actually learn anything from such a dense work? This book makes it easy. The information is presented neatly, it’s laid out so that it’s easy to follow, and it’s very easy to absorb.

The book specifically focuses on - and discuses at length - how we can super-charge our body’s immune system and protect ourselves from disease. A word that encompasses everything from the common cold and influenza to the big ones like cancer and heart disease. Fuhrman describes at length and in detail the foods we should be eating on a daily basis to arm ourselves against foreign and internal - remember we all have cancer cells in our bodies, by why do some people develop the disease when others do not? - invaders. He breaks down in detail just why goods like mushrooms, leafy greens, berries and cruciferous vegetables are so good for us. He breaks down their makeup, provides their nutritional information, and to maximize their potential. He also describes the difference between healthy carbs and refined carbs. The ridiculous carb debate has been going strong now for 30 years at least, and still so few people actually understand A) what a carb is B) that there are different kinds of carbs and C) why some are bad and some aren’t. Furhman breaks it down so it’s easy to understand. He gives charts and graphs so you can literally follow along. He dispels many of the myths surrounding the great and ridiculous carb debate made famous by the carb-phobia craze-diets perpetuated by the likes of Atkins. He then talks about healthy and unhealthy fats, another debate that has people just as lost and clueless. Fuhrman is firmly against using oil -which I can understand - and would rather we get our fats from whole plant sources such as nuts, seeds, and avocados. He also discuses protein, calcium, iron, omega-3 fatty acids which have their own silly myths, as well as other essential vitamins and minerals, and lays out for us the best ways - and the best foods - to get these essentials from.

All of this is great information, but some of you may already be familiar with it. I know I was. - Although I’m always interested in reading the latest, newest up to date statistics on the matter, which he includes. -However, one of my favorite chapters in the book is the chapter entitled "The Failure of Modern Medicine." which I consider to be one of the most important in the entire book. It’s this chapter more then anything else that I think should be mandatory reading, and to hear it from the lips of a respected doctor makes it all the more potent. Through the course of this chapter Fuhrman tackles and debunks all the myths that enshroud modern medicine. My favorite one being that ‘human life span has increased over the last century due to the advances in modern medicine.’ Which isn’t true at all. This idea is so commonly believed and accepted that people just don’t even question it, but it couldn’t be more untrue. Human life span has been increased because of improved sanitation, better living conditions and a lower infant mortality rate. Fuhrman also discuses Big Pharma, and whether or not many of the medications - past and present - that have been or are being toted as the latest miracle drug actually have any benefit at all, or If their potential for harm greatly outweighs their promises of potential benefit. In this chapter he discusses everything from the flu vaccine - completely ridiculous - to Tylenol, advil, and Ibuprofen - potentially poisonous - to other over the counter and prescriptions medications.

It was this section on chemical drugs that I found the most enlightening and the section about the flu vaccine in particular I found interesting. Fuhrman explains that if the flu vaccine takes any effect at all it may have worse consequences then it’s supposed benefits. He also goes on to explain that there are over 200 different strains of influenza, and that the flu shot isn’t manufactured to protect against all of them. At most it’s designed to protect against 1 or 2 of the top three strains breaking out that year, which is why you can get the flu shot and still get the flu. This is something I’ve been questioning for about ten years, so to have it actually confirmed is pretty interesting. I also quite liked the section in which he talks about antihistamines, antibiotics and antivirals, all very interesting sections in their own rights.

The other Chapter that really piqued my interest is the one entitled "Cold and Flu - What we need to know." in which Fuhrman describes all the commonly used cold and flu remedies. In this chapter he explains scientifically why they don’t work, or why they may be beneficial. I love myth busting so this was a fun chapter, but it was also extremely interesting and informative. Chicken Soup, increased fluid intake, nasal saline irrigation, humidified air, and vitamin C all get thrown out the window along with the toxic over the counter meds, for uselessness. Instead Fuhrman suggests calorie restriction during the length of your illness, not doing anything physically exerting or taxing on the body, and suggests supplementing vitamin D and zinc. He also suggests Elderberry extract which I actually had the opportunity to try out.

Somewhat ironically I came down with a slight cold 2 days after reading this book. I did exactly what he suggested. Calorie restriction, I kept the few meals I did eat to meals loaded with super foods, took my multi-vitamin with vitamin D and Zinc and most importantly started taking Elderberry Extract. I also drank Echinacea tea which I do practically all winter anyway. My cold never progressed beyond a slight stuffy/runny nose, a sense of tiredness and an itchy throat. I never got flow-blown sick. Never got a full on sore throat or full on head congestion. It was a miracle. I also only felt that way for about 3 days, and during that time I didn’t take any medication for it. Very cool indeed, so I definitely support the elderberry extract!

Lastly - another thing I love about this book is the collection of recipes in the back. The recipes have been designed for maximum nutrition, they’re loaded with super foods, contain no oil, and no bad carbs. I haven’t yet tried all the recipes but of the ones I have, they are fantastic! I am particularly fond of the salad and the soup recipes. They’re light yet filling, and you feel so good after eating them. A few recipes I haven’t made yet that I can’t wait to try is the forbidden rice pudding, sweet beet potato cakes with strawberry sauce, Goji Chili Stew, mighty mushroom stroganoff, black been brownies, black cherry sorbet, and the coconut carrot cream pie. YUM!

So yeah, you must go out and find a copy of this book, I really can’t speak more highly of it, it is a truly mind-blowing read.

"The Kaiser Health Foundation, which studied this issue, in depth, determined that one third of medical spending is devoted to services that don’t improve health or the quality of care - and may make things worse! Too many people are becoming sicker and sicker. A lack of medical care is not the problem,, and more medical care is certainly not the answer."  - 'Super Immunity' - Joel Fuhrman

*** Note - Image found using Google Images ***

'Healthy At 100: How you can - at any age - Dramatically Increase Your Life Span and Your Health Span' by John Robbins

"The myths and stereotypes we have about old age are so deeply entrenched in American society that they can insinuate themselves into our psyches without our ever knowing what they are. It is difficult to escape the messages that our culture sends about the aging process. From birthday cards that decry the advance of age to the widespread use of demeaning language about the elderly - ("geezer" "old fogey" "Old Maid" "Dirty old man" "old Goat" etc.) to the lack of positive images of the elderly in ads and on television programs, each of us is continually imbued with feelings of aversion to those who are old." - John Robbins - 'Healthy at 100'

"I do take heart though from the fact that modern western culture is not the only way people can live, and it’s prevailing assumptions are not the only way people can think" - John Robbins - 'Healthy at 100'

I am a big fan of John Robbins. Both "Diet For a New America" and "Food Revolution" are brilliant pieces of literature that are extremely well researched. Robbins is definitely one of the leading voices in both the health and vegan community. So when I discovered his book "Healthy at 100: How you can - at any age - Dramatically Increase Your Life Span and Your Health Span" I was very eager to read it. The name alone caught my attention, Healthy at 100 is a concept that for most of us I think seems unrealistic. However I don’t think it’s all that crazy to imagine myself as a healthy centenarian, in full control of all of my faculties and fully capable of enjoying the life I’ve always had.

For most people in the western world however the words ‘old age’ are synonymous with decline. We live in a society that treasures youth and beauty, and feels disgusted by age. We live in a culture that perpetuates ageist stereotypes, such as old people unable to do anything for themselves. We consider it normal to continue to rapidly decline as we get older, when in fact this doesn’t have to be the case. Many of us - young people in particular - view aging as a fate worse then death, and we shouldn’t.

In his book John Robbins lays to rest many of the ageist stereotypes that we’ve always grown up with. He points out the ridiculousness of how we perceive age and aging and debunks many common myths surrounding old age. However he also points out that the tragedy of our culture here in the west is our complete lack of respect for the aged, and our total compliance in allowing ourselves to decline as we age simply because it’s ‘what’s always been.’ It was these parts of the book that I found particularly interesting because here he explores the psychology behind how the average westerner sees aging compared to how aging is viewed in other cultures around the world. In many cultures spanning the glob from South America all the way to Asia it’s true that the older you are the more respect you receive. Age is seen as a triumph and a virtue, and the elderly in these cultures are revered, they would never consider themselves somehow incapable simply because they are ‘old.’

"The consequences of ageism are similar to those associated with discrimination against other groups. People who are subjected to prejudice and intolerance often internalize the dominant groups negative image and then behave in ways that conform to their negative image. Thus older people often hold ageist views about their contemporaries, about those who are slightly older then they are, and even about their own worth" - John Robbins 'Healthy at 100'

In addition to debunking the myths of age, Robbins focus’s the book on four very different cultures credited with producing the worlds healthiest oldest people, deeply exploring just how exactly these cultures have been able to remain in perfect health even at an advanced age, often exceeding 100. Those he focuses on are the Abkhasians in the Caucasus south of Russia, the Vilcabambans in the South American Andes, the Hunzans of Pakistan, and the Japanese of Okinawa. Through his extensive research of these varying cultures Robbins discovers that they all have something in common. Diet, Lifestyle and Attitude.

All four of these cultures consume diets of whole foods, no processed fair and their diets are for the most part plant-based. Containing little to no meat, and little to no dairy products. Their traditional diets are also relatively low in sugar, salt, fat, and oil, and consist almost entirely of vegetation that is both local and seasonal. Their lifestyles are also very active. While they may not engage in rigorous exercise regimes like we do here in the west, they are active in many other ways. People in these cultures walk a lot, they participate in communal work, organization, and farming. They work in their own personal gardens, play with their children and regularly engage in outdoor activity. Many people from these cultures would think nothing of walking 2 miles just to visit a friend. As far as their attitude goes they perceive aging as a happy process. They look forward to their golden years rather then dread them as people in western cultures do. They also have strong familial bonds and have lifelong connections with friends. They suffer less stress, and it’s not because they’re lives are less difficult, it’s because they take a positive attitude towards life, and tend not to fret about things that are out of their control. Stress and loneliness in Robbins opinion - and I’m inclined to agree - can kill a person just as quickly as smoking or an unhealthy diet.

"From our culture we learn what is expected of us, and to a considerable extent we then often conform to those expectations. When the prevailing image of aging expects older people to be asexual, intellectually rigid, forgetful, and invisible many elderly people will take on these characteristics even though doing so may run counter to the way they had previously lived their lives." - John Robbins ' 'Healthy at 100'

I not only found the chapters concerning these cultures completely captivating but also inspiring and uplifting. Here in the west we have so few positive association with age that it was great to be able to read about people in their 90's, or early 100's walking, running, and/or hiking miles per day. To read about 90 and 100 year olds still happily working either in their community or at actual jobs is inspiring. This is not something we see in North America. If people in our society even make it to 90 they are very often immobile and in nursing homes, hell it’s more and more common in our culture these days to see people in their 70's in that state. We consider the 90 year old grandma that lives on her own, and walks everyday to the grocery store an exception to the rule in our society when in fact - as is proven by these cultures - it should be the rule!

Through this book John Robbins has shown that getting older doesn’t have to be scary or something to dread, but rather it should be viewed upon as an opportunity. An opportunity to educate others and to show people that age doesn’t have to mean decline if you don’t want it to. Through this book Robbins imparts on us the tools we need to live healthy, joyous lives of meaning and longevity. With an emphasis on a simple whole foods diet, a manageable daily exercise routine, the cultivation of strong loving personal relationships and a positive attitude and outlook. With this book as our guide we can easily make our later years a period of wisdom, vitality, and happiness. We can at any age be productive members of society and our community, and we do not have to fall into the death trap of ageist stereotypes simply because that’s how it’s always been for us.

"Ageism represents a prejudice against a group that all people will inevitably join if they live long enough. As a result an ideology that equates aging with deterioration steals hope from everyone and from every stage of our lives" - John Robbins - 'Healthy at 100'

I highly recommend this book, as much for it’s well researched information as for it’s efforts to shift the cultural norms and common perceptions of aging.

"It remains an indisputable fact that in Hunzans as in Abkhasians and Vilcabambans, a large proportion of elder citizens have retained their faculties, remained vigorous and enjoyed life right up until only weeks or months before their deaths. It is an established fact that the elderly in each of these regions have had extremely low rates of heart disease, cancer, obesity, arthritis, asthma, dementia and the other degenerative infirmities that plague so many older people in the west. It is a fact that they have remained for the most part remarkably fit and active as they age" - John Robbins - 'Healthy at 100'

*** Note - Image found using Google Image search***

'The Beauty Detox Solution: Eat Your Way to Radiant Skin, Renewed Energy and the Body You’ve Always Wanted' by Kimberly Snyder, C.N.

"In order to become younger, many of ones habits must be changed. To do this constructively one can do it only with an open mind and with the wholehearted desire to see if it really works. A closed mind, a mind which has made it a practice to frown on radical changes in thought, habits and actions, is the greatest stumbling block towards any progress on the road to become younger. "
Dr. Norman Walker -Become Younger

This is another one of those books that - like "Crazy Sexy Diet" - I initially ignored because I thought it was just another fad diet book. Once again I was proven wrong, and I’m so glad that I decided to give this book a chance. Like the before mentioned CSD this isn’t a diet book, it’s a lifestyle book that focuses on bringing you to your optimal level of health through long term dietary and lifestyle changes.

After Christmas I was searching amazon for health and wellness books I hadn’t read yet, that I could spend some of my Christmas money on. In almost every search this book kept popping up. I continued to ignore it, until finally I decided to at least read the reviews. From those reviews I was able to gleam that this book was in fact about health, how to achieve it and sustain it through holistic measurers and a nutritious plant based diet. Strangely it happened to be the negative reviews that got me the most curious about reading this book. Some people seemed outraged by the books obvious vegan and raw lean, and many claimed that the advice offered within it’s pages was ‘unrealistic’ and ‘unaccessible to the average person’ after all that drama how could I not read the book? Luckily I found a copy of it collecting dust at my local library, took it home and devoured it.

The author Kimberly Snyder has an interesting story, and while she didn’t turn to veganism and raw food because she was battling an incurable disease she was fighting a grab bag of maladies that seem to plague a great majority of us. Battles with weight, poor complection and bad skin, lack of energy, poor digestion, constipation, indigestion, and more. By chance she came across an Australian holistic nutritionist - she was living in Australia at the time - who ran a holistic detox center and from there she was transformed. Giddy and impassioned by this new information Snyder realized that she was not truly living the life she wanted or was meant to. Within one week she quit her job, quit law school, dumped her boyfriend and broke her apartment lease. Instead she decided to take a trip around the world - that ended up lasting 3 years - in which she would study natural health and beauty, as well as holistic living in various remote communities across the glob. Upon her return she got jobs at beauty companies, and longevity centers to further her knowledge, became a certified clinical nutritionist and started her own business. This story in itself is amazing and inspiring, but the rest of the information within the book is certainly worth reading for all that it has to offer.

This book focuses on holistic healing, and healing oneself through diet and lifestyle changes. The book goes into great detail about why consuming massive quantities of meat and dairy products is toxic for our health, what symptoms and diseases they initiate and how they react in the body on a chemical level once ingested. There is a lot of really good solid information in this book about the PH balance of your body, how to attain a more alkaline ph as well as how to sustain it. Though the author herself is vegan she does not call for those interested in her plan to take an all or nothing approach. Her program Is very adaptable to all diets. Though one thing this book does advocates quite strongly is eating raw foods as often and as much as possible. Some people may be put off by that notion, however all the recipes in the book are super simple and easy, and don’t require any expensive equipment. - Except for a juicer but if you don’t have one - I don’t - then you can simply follow the plan by drinking a smoothie each day rather then a juice.

"The Problem is not that ageing is inevitable, it is that most of us don’t understand what causes it" - Kimberly Snyder, C.N. 'The Beauty Detox Solution"

In addition to PH Snyder talks a lot about food pairing which is a concept I find very interesting and I think makes a lot of sense. She says fruits should be eaten first and on their own as they digest the fastest, or they can be eaten with non-starchy high water content vegetables. She recommends eating proteins and Starches closer to the end of the day because they take longer to digest. The reason this order is important is because say you eat a bowl of rice and beans for dinner it is going to take a long time to break down in your body and digest. If you eat an apple after dinner for dessert, the apple will already be broken down and ready for digestion but it can’t be processed because your digestion is still working on the rice and beans. Which leaves the apple sitting on top of the rice and beans, in a state of fermentation. Which in turn causes bloating and gas. This is a really interesting concept, and I think it goes a long way in explaining how some of us may feel bloated after eating certain meals that are seemingly healthy. This isn’t something I’d ever heard of before so I really appreciate the chapters devoted to it. This is definitely a concept I’ve been trying to work into my daily meals and on days that I have done it I find my digestion is smoother.

Another concept she discusses in some length is the idea that we should eat light to heavy. Eat our lightest meal in the morning and our heaviest meal at night. Her rational for this is because eating a heavy meal in the morning will leave us feeling bogged down most of, if not all day, where as a heavy meal at night will digest over the course of our sleep. She also recommends starting the day off by drinking water with lemon, followed by a green juice or smoothie. No solid food early in the morning leaves are digestive enzymes free to repair other parts of the body that may need attention. Attention they might not get if our enzymes are once again busy breaking down yet more food.

There is an extensive amount of information on enzymes and probiotics and how they help to keep us not only healthy but looking young as well. I found the information on enzymes particularly fascinating and I’d recommend the book based solely on those chapters, but there are a lot of great ideas, concepts and principals discussed in the book that are at least worth knowing, even if you don’t practice them.
Snyder also includes lists of the best foods, minerals, and fats to eat for beauty. She includes a detox plan that has three levels depending on your comfort and how much you want to commit. Each level is suppose to be of some benefit to those interested in participating. She also includes a bunch of recipes. None of which I’ve tried yet, however they all look really delicious and I can’t wait to start making some of them!

"Detoxing ourselves by getting rid of old waste is key to allowing our digestion to function optimally" Kimberly Snyder, C.N. 'The Beauty Detox Solution"

As for the negative reviews I’ve read of this book, to say that this plan is unreasonable or unrealistic for the average person is ridiculous. None of the recipes require any heavy prep, nor do they require any strange ingredients or expensive kitchen tools to prepare them. - Except of course the before mentioned juicer but we discussed that. - Snyder’s whole idea is that we should eat healthfully, and simply using as few ingredients as possible as long as those ingredients are nutrient dense. While she does recommends colonics, or enemas, as well as taking probiotics and digestive enzyme supplements it is not an all or nothing deal. If you don’t want to get a colonic no one is putting a gun to your head. If you don’t want to go to your local health food store and buy a probiotic supplement then no one is forcing you. This plan is all on you, it’s at your own pace, at the level for which you feel comfortable and there is no judgement from Snyder about which road you wish to take. I think the people who post such negative reviews containing such ridiculous statements are really just after another fad diet book, in which they can continue eating the garbage they already eat, while making it look like they’re actually making significant change when they aren’t. If that’s you, if that’s what you’re looking for then forget this book.

On the other hand if you’re serious about grabbing the reigns of your health then you might want to consider giving this book a good and thorough read. It just might be the thing you’ve been looking for.

*** Note - Photo found using Google Image Search ***

'Crazy Sexy Diet' - by Kris Carr...

"I am capable, confident, intelligent, resilient and in charge. Health and happiness are my birthrights and I accept with gratitude." - Kris Carr, "Crazy Sexy Diet"

Forget the silly title of this book, and ignore the word diet. What Kris Carr proposes within the pages of this ‘how to’ isn’t a diet, but a complete lifestyle overhaul. Lifestyle changes - not diets - are what we as a society should be focused on, not only to make us look and feel better but to improve our overall health and help us fight in the struggles against pre-mature aging, pre-mature death and disease.

For those who know me well, know that I do not believe in diets. I never have and I never will, I have in fact never gone on ‘a diet’ in my life. Why? Simple, diets do not work! Or rather they work only in the short term, gaining you superficial results that you almost immediately loose the minute you stray from the diet plan. Many new fad diets have come and gone over the years, and I have had too many girlfriends fall victim to the dangerous insanity most of these con men and woman perpetuate. Atkins, South Beach, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, you name it and I have a friend who’s tried it, and in virtually every case they’ve failed. Either the diet didn’t work for them, or they lost an exorbitant amount of weight in a very short time only to gain it all back in the weeks or months that followed them ending the diet. Very often I’ve known people to gain back not only what they lost but more, and sometimes as much as double. One thing all diets have in common is restriction and control. The reason why any of these diets work in the first place is because they have the dieter eating an unreasonably low amount of calories. Portions are tiny, and while certain things are restricted or allowed only in moderation within the scope of the diet, none of these programs ever truly seek to remove the unhealthy foods entirely. In fact many of these diets tell you that yes you can continue to eat your bacon and eggs and potato chips and pop and still loose weight, which is insane. It does however speak to the vast majority of people who want to reap all the benefits of diet without actually putting forth and real effort or work.

The word diet in my opinion - when used in it’s current mutated manifestation meaning ‘a restricted eating regiment’ rather then it’s actual original meaning ‘the foods a human or animal habitually eats - is one of the most heinous words in the human lexicon, offering nothing but negative connotations. ‘Diet’ books by contrast are nothing more then highly publicized mass-marketed money making schemes that pray on the weakness and insecurity of easily led people. They promise solutions that are neither realistic or sustainable for the long term. They are complete and utter shams peddled by charlatans. Diets are not the answer, lifestyle changes are.

So what does my disdain for diets and diet books have to do with the Crazy Sexy Diet you may ask? Well it’s my utter abhorrence for the subject that had me automatically reject this book based on it’s title. When I saw the word diet I didn’t even deem the book worthy of a glace at the back cover. However as time went on I began to pick up fragments of "Crazy Sexy Diet" in the media or from friends who’d read it, for a while the book seemed to be everywhere, but still I turned my nose up at it. Then a few months ago I happened upon an interview with Kris Carr that I was immediately drawn into.

I discovered that Carr was not, after all, peddling another fad diet book but rather a lifestyle shift. One inspired by the fact that she is a cancer survivor. I learned that in 2003 at the age of 31 she was diagnosed with terminal cancer that was completely inoperable. A dozen tumors in her liver, ten more in her lungs and absolutely nothing anyone could do for her. No radiation, no surgery, no chemotherapy. Though she sought out second and third opinions the prognosis was always the same. Not willing or ready to give up she took matters into her own hands. She found an oncologist willing to work with her, and she completely transformed her life. Nearly ten years later she still has cancer but it’s dormant, not growing, not spreading, not expanding, she is healthy. I was in awe, and I wanted to know more.

So about a month and a half or so ago when I saw Crazy Sexy Diet collecting dust in my local library I decided it was time to finally give the book a fair shake. I took it home, cracked the cover and devoured the entire book in one night, almost in one sitting mind you. I was that captivated, that intrigued, and that enthralled. Since then I’ve read bits and pieces over again, and I have to say this book is really kind of life-altering.

"Wellness is not just about nutrition. It’s also about ecology, spirit, passion and culture. The Crazy Sexy Diet takes in all these interconnected issues" - Kris Carr, "Crazy Sexy Diet"

Now, being that I’m already vegan, and a health nut ta boot, not to mention pretty familiar with the raw lifestyle though I’m not a raw foodist myself most of the information in this book was not news to me. A lot of it I’ve read in other books, or articles, or heard in lectures, but it had been a while since I’d read anything nutrition related, or more accurately anything raw or detox related. It also just so happens that at the time I picked this book up I had been experiencing some unpleasant ups and downs - which I still am - which I mentioned in a post a few weeks ago. Two weeks of vacation really through me off my routine, and it’s been difficult getting back on it since coming home. I had been having a lot of stomach upset, bloating, gas, indigestion and hadn’t really thought too much about it since I’d been so busy, but once I started reading this book it clicked. Finally the reasons why I was feeling so off balance were starting to make sense to me. Sometimes you just really need a refresher course you know?

Though a lot of this book was a refresher for me, there were thing of which I was vaguely familiar that the book explained more fully. The book also goes way beyond changing your diet which I appreciate. Carr covers topics of personal care, meditation, relaxation and other holistic health and wellness treatments. This book is loaded with tons of useful information whether you’re a newbie or a veteran I think there’s a little something for everyone here.

I especially enjoyed chapter 2 which is all about PH Balance in your body, enzymes and eating more alkaline. Chapter 5 which is all about digestion and explores the process in a lot of depth. Chapter 6 Which is all about juicing. Something I’ve never done, and never been that interested in although Carr (as well as others) make it sound so sexy and fun! That I’m actually very interested now in investing in a juicer. Chapter 7 Which is all about taking care of your body through meditation, exercise, dry brushing, essential oils, massage, breath work and so on, and finally the sections in Chapter 9 that deal with probiotics and digestive enzymes were of particular interest. It’s amazing what you don’t know about your intestinal flora, and how backed up your bodies waste management system can become. Never in my life have I ever even entertain the notion of going in for a colonic but honestly it doesn’t sound like a half bad idea, especially considering how off kilter I’ve been feeling as of late.

I also really liked the upbeat nature of the writing. The book didn’t feel pushy or make you feel bad, it laid out simple truths that you can either accept or not. She fills the book with positive affirmations and does a really good job of making you feel like you have support and comradery. I think this is important particularly for people who may not have a good support system in their life. You can get to feeling like you’re all alone in the world but Carr makes you feel like part of a group. I also like the way she speaks positively about the body, and her encouraging words to help the reader feel more comfortable with theirs. In a society where so many woman - and men too - have severe body image issues these reassurances are very comforting.

Another great thing about the book is she offers a 21 day cleanse. Each day is laid out with her suggestions, advice, menu ideas and comfort and support. It’s a really great section of the book that she obviously put a lot of heart into. In the back of the book are a bunch of recipes to use during the cleanse or anytime and they’re also pretty wonderful. A lot are raw, but there are many cooked recipes as well, and several recipes for green juice and green smoothies. In the very back of the book Carr offers a great resource guide. Which is perfect for those who’d like more information on PH Balance, Fighting Cancer, Gi Index, and so on. As well as cook book ideas, and support for people transitioning to a gluten-free or vegan - or both - diet.

Now, having said all of that, I’ve read a lot of reviews that criticize the book for it’s use of bad language. Yes there is swearing, not an overly dramatic amount mind you, but it’s there. Think of this book as a kinder gentler "Skinny Bitch" but with a different goal. She never calls the reader an idiot or a bitch or anything like that but she does curse. Some people don’t like that, personally I could care less. I grew up in a family full of construction workers and I’ve been cursing like a sailor since I was 9. However if you’re sensitive to that kind of thing you may want to keep that in mind. Other people have criticized the book for it’s not being realistic or workable for the average everyday person. Personally I think this is an excuse, and it’s the same thing I hear from omnivores all the time as to why they’re not vegan. Honestly anything worth doing takes a little bit of work, and If you haven’t got the time to be sick, or don’t want to get sick then you need to find the time or make the time to be healthy. It’s as simple as that. If you don’t want to buy a juicer then don’t, make green smoothies. If you don’t want to buy a dehydrator then don’t you can use your oven on it’s lowest temperature setting but honestly it’s not even necessary for simple raw food preparation. What you need is to find balance, and do what works best for you. It certainly isn’t Kris Carr’s fault if you don’t know how to manage your time, so keep that in mind too.

The information in this book is solid, it’s well researched and well informed. I think she does a really good job of making a connection with the reader, and helping you realize the things that might not be so great in your life without being pushy. She’s great at offering support, and she makes you feel comfortable. Whether you agree 100% with her, or her plan, or not doesn’t matter, I really believe that there’s a lot of good here, there’s a little something for everyone and I think we could all benefit a little from the advice within these pages. So go order yourself a copy on Amazon or pick it up at your local library, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed as long as you read it with an open mind and an open heart. Remember that your health is everything, so stop putting it on the back burner.

"I am calm and light, I am peaceful and easygoing, I find beauty in simplicity." - Kris Carr - "Crazy Sexy Diet"

*** Photo found through Google Images ***

'Never Cry Wolf' - by Farley Mowat...

"Whenever and wherever men have engaged in the mindless slaughter of animals (including other men), they have often attempted to justify their acts by attributing the most vicious or revolting qualities to those they would destroy; and the less reason there is for the slaughter, the greater the campaign of vilification."
                                                  Never Cry Wolf - Farley Mowat - 1963

When I first read this quote, the truth of it cut so deep into my core that I had to read it slowly, four or five more times. I wanted to savor the words, and meditate on them. It’s the kind of statement - both haunting and piercing - that transcends time. For as long as the human species has been alive, and for as long as we continue to survive we have and will continue to murder out of greed and out of fear. No truer words could be said about humans, and in fact the statement is so paramount that it should be etched onto the tombstone of humanity.

Tuesday I was in my beloved local library searching through the rather large section of books that fall into the category of ‘animal science/animal behavior’ This is not a section of the library I had ever ventured to before, nor is it a subject I felt compelled to research thoroughly. That is until the winds of interest suddenly changed and I found myself blown quite haphazardly into a vast world of literature I never knew existed. Among those books I found this little gem by Farley Mowat. Knowing nothing at all about it, yet finding myself almost mesmerize by the picture of two beautiful wolves on the cover, I slipped it onto my already towering stack.
Two days later when I was trying to decide which book to read first I immediately grabbed for this one. I cracked it open, read the first paragraph and was hooked. It’s been quite some time since a book completely overtook me and this one did. I could barely put it down. I read the first 130 pages well before lunch, and finished the rest of it after dinner. I’ll tell you, that six hour break between meals was a killer. Every now and then I’d pick the book back up and read a paragraph or two before forcing myself to put it done so I could do the rest of the things I had planned for the day.

For those of you who are unaware Farley Mowat is a popular and distinguished naturalist and author from Ontario Canada. He’s written tons of books, many of which are internationally acclaimed, and two movies have been made based on his work. One of them "Never Cry Wolf" the adaptation of this book, and the second "The Snow Walker" starring Barry Pepper, which you may be more familiar with.

This book was written in 1963 and details Mowat’s experience investigating the cause of declining caribou populations in Arctic Canada and determining whether or not wolves - as Canada’s Dominion Wildlife Services suggested - were responsible. The book chronicles the time he spent living nearly alone in the frozen tundra studying the wolves, and examines his growing affection for them.

There is some controversy over how accurate or factual the book really is, some critics have called Mowat Bias a liar and worse, and in turn many of those critics have also been called the same by others. Controversy or no I could care less. Whether the book is 100% factual I have no idea, but I doubt it is. Though if we’re being honest has there ever been a biography, autobiography or book supposedly based on ‘true events’ that is 100% factual? Not likely. With books in this category a certain level of embellishment is the expected norm. Books such as these of course are meant to entertain, and life isn’t always ‘stranger than fiction’ but regardless of the books factual integrity I loved it. I loved every second I spent reading it, and I knew immediately that I’d have to discuss it here once I’d finished it.

It may sound boring to you, the premise of a man alone in the arctic tundra studying beings who can not speak as we understand it, and who can not interact in a manner in which we are accustom. You might wonder how much one could write about a baron landscape but you will be amazed. Not once was I bored, in fact I was enthralled. Mowat writes with passion, and beauty. His words are evocative and haunting. He writes with humor, and paints such vivid pictures that one could easily imagine themself inhabiting the time and place of which he writes. Mowat’s writing style is a perfect balance of lean yet detailed, simple yet complex, and his characters - the wolves - are truly magnificent creatures/creations. The wolves are so richly drawn that one almost forgets they’re wolves

Factual or not the book is peppered with penetrating quotes like the one above. His musings and observations are astute and exquisite and leave the reader with much to mull over and think about later. I still can’t shake the books imagery from my mind, and have thought about it at least once everyday since I finished it. I like to believe that Mowat’s wolves were real, and that his account is mostly true, as this book had a huge impact on how society views wolves. For centuries they were hated and feared by virtually every culture. There was a time, not so very long ago, when people were actively trying to eradicate them. Though the idea of the wolf as a ruthless, bloodthirsty savage deserving of nothing more then our contempt is a powerful one this book went a long way in transforming wolves from monsters into a cause for sympathy and compassion in the hearts of many readers. For that reason alone - at least from a conservation stance - this book should be held in some esteem.

It swiftly and ferociously plunged itself into my heart, and has become an instant favorite of mine. A book I highly recommend for it’s beauty as well as it’s perceptive observations of humanity.

"We have doomed the wolf not for what it is, but for what we deliberately and mistakenly perceive it to be - the mythological epitome of a savage, ruthless killer - which is, in reality, no more than the reflected image of ourself."

- Farley Mowat