Good Reads & Views

The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100 by Dan Buettner
Nonfiction

What is it? A cookbook that features culinary traditions of people who live in the Blue Zone regions of Sardinia, Okinawa, Nicoya, Ikaria, and Loma Linda; life expectancies are much higher there than anywhere else in the world. Each chapter features a specific region, the story of that region, the ingredients that may account for its unusual longevity, and simple recipes made with those same ingredients.

About the author: Buettner is the founder of Blue Zones, an organization that helps Americans live longer, healthier lives. His groundbreaking work on longevity led to his 2005 National Geographic cover story "Secrets of Living Longer" and a second, "The Search for Happiness," in 2017. He has authored several national bestsellers and is a National Geographic Explorer.

You might also like: The author’s Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way and his newest, The Blue Zones Challenge: A 4-Week Plan for a Longer, Better Life.

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How to Eat: All Your Food and Diet Questions Answered by Mark Bittman and David L. Katz
Nonfiction

What it is: This “artful (or at least competent!) blend of science and sense” is a straightforward resource about the current state of nutrition, debunking myths and addressing diet trends.

Why it stands out: It is formatted as a conversational Q & A with readers. Instead of stating that a food is good or bad, the authors recommend that one should ask what that food is replacing. Is the bagel replacing oatmeal for breakfast or a donut? Is the fruit juice replacing water or a sugary soft drink?

Reviewers say: “A sensible guide to health from two genial experts” (Kirkus Reviews); “a versatile, approachable guide” (Library Journal).

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