BOOKWORM TIP OF THE MONTH
John Robbins’ “Diet For A New America”
John Robbins’ 1987 classic, “Diet For A New America”, was indeed nominated for a pulitzer prize, but that is just a publicist’s teaser. The real titillation is that, before he wrote this book, Robbins was the heir to the Baskin-Robbins ice cream dynasty. In a rare demonstration of principle and courage, Robbins eschewed the family fortune, and indeed skewered the very industry from which that wealth was derived. But this book is no celebrity tell-all. In fact, it is thoroughly researched and footnoted. It is well organized and well argued. It is nearly a scientific presentation of the thesis that a complete rethinking of the American diet is in order, that conversion to a largely vegetarian diet can solve numerous personal, social and environmental problems simultaneously. It is not an overstatement to say that Robbin’s style and thoroughness will disarm, intrigue and perhaps even win-over the most jaundiced top-of-the-food-chain predators among us. We DARE YOU to read it.