She left here last early spring, is livin' there, I hear

I often think that the "New Year" would be better celebrated in the Spring, when nature itself is renewed. It is unrealistic to really start jogging or eating local in January anyway. As we shrug off the cold, grey weather and start to notice buds, dogwoods, and irises, we also make plans for summer and spring. I have read a couple of great books lately that have inspired and encouraged me to make positive changes in our health and daily routine. We already do pretty well, but I found a few resources that I am excited about:

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (the MUST read for Rutherford County this Spring)
The Omnivore's Dilemma

Avalon Acres (Our co-op)
Hatcher Farms (Our local Dairy)

A great organization:
Food Security Partners of Middle Tennessee

You're very well read, It's well known

Summer reading list and reviews, by Toughmama:

Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit-Disorder: Last Child in the Woods

I love this book. It really reiterates what I was already thinking and gives credence to my hands-off approach to outside play. I try not to get up their butts, both so I can work, read, or relax AND so they can be kids. Our parents didn't have any problems with this philosophy (Aint Cindy used to LOCK us out of the house! And, I actually roamed around the woods when I was a kid, gasp, alone!) This book just backs up the obvious benefits to letting kids be kids, and I enjoyed it.

The Glass Castle:

Now, sort of along those same lines, this book reads more like a work of fiction, but is relatively the life of Jeannette Walls, whom I'd never heard of before reading this book. In a nutshell: grew up poor, played outside, crazy parents, hit it big by working hard. Good quick read.

The Mother by Pearl S. Buck (an incredible woman as well):

This women, the main character, is the epitome of focused and hard working. Ayn Rand eat your heart out. Also, quick to read, but I feel inspired by this mother's diligence, outlook, and persistence.

Wicked: Gregory Maquire

Much, much better than my pals told me it was, and than I expected. I read the whole thing enjoying every minute. You never know what is on someone's inside or in their past that leads them to where you see them today.....

The Painter from Shanghi:

I guess part of it is that during the school year, I am too zonked to read or am grading papers at night, but I have enjoyed each of the books that I've read this summer. And, this one, too. I knew nothing of Pan Yuliang, but now I feel like I have the inside scoop. I love reading artists' biographies.

What should I read next?