IMPACT Book Reviews

What we’re reading this summer

There’s no time like the present to add more meals into your weekly rotation. We’ve reviewed three plant-based dietfriendly cookbooks to expand your palate this summer. Not into food? Escape to another world with two fantastic nonfiction tales from Canadian authors.

GOOD FOR YOUR GUT

A Plant-Based Digestive Health Guide and Nourishing Recipes for Living Well

BY DESIREE NIELSEN 2022, PENGUIN CANADA

Desiree Nielsen’s new cookbook isn’t just full of gorgeous photos and nourishing recipes, it also includes six chapters all about gut health and how to heal any digestion issues. The recipes are easy to follow, and have been categorized into PROTECT, HEAL, and SOOTHE, based on how they support the gut. The breakfast cookies are a new staple in my life, and I’m excited to try out the ginger beer, sweet treats and sevenday meal plan. — Heather Poulson

LOOKOUT

Love, Solitude, and Searching for Wildfire in the Boreal Forest

BY TRINA MOYLES 2021, RANDOM HOUSE CANADA

This is an amazing story of one woman’s quest to find peace and a purpose in her life. With flashbacks to her humanitarian career in Africa, Trina Moyles describes how she spent four summers as a lookout observer in the Boreal forest with one companion, her faithful canine Holly. Together they experience extraordinary wildlife encounters and observe first-hand the dangers and devastation that forest fires can wreak on the environment. It brings to light the incredible work that is done by brave individuals to save our precious forests. — Louise Hodgson-Jones

LOST IN THE VALLEY OF DEATH

A Story of Obsession and Danger in the Himalayas

BY HARLEY RUSTAD 2022, KNOPF CANADA

Restless and always searching, American Justin Shetler travelled to the Indian Himalayas, seeking spiritual enlightenment. A wilderness survivalist, he believed he would find meaning only at the extremes. He was never seen again. In the tradition of narrative, non-fiction page-turners, Harley Rustad’s account of Shetler’s disappearance explores the struggle of man coping with being alive. With compassion and adept storytelling, Rustad details how Shetler’s restlessness drove him to chase the mysteries of life and, perhaps unwittingly, death. — Jessica Natale Woollard

THE TWO SPOONS COOKBOOK

More than 100 French-Inspired Vegan Recipes

BY HANNAH SUNDERANI 2022, PENGUIN CANADA

For any lover of French cuisine, this is a must-have for your cookbook library. Over 100 French-inspired vegan recipes, including favourites such as Broccoli and Potato Croquettes, Mushroom and Spinach Quiche, Parisian Crepes with Chocolate Hazelnut Spread and Banana, Buttery Brioche and of course, Classic Flakey Croissants. These decadent recipes are accompanied by beautifully photographed, mouth-watering images. French cooking can be easy, approachable and vegan, while still being gourmet! Just say oui! — Elaine Kupser

THE VAN LIFE COOKBOOK

Delicious Recipes, Simple Techniques, & Easy Meal Prep for the Road Trip Lifestyle

BY SUSAN MARQUE 2022, ULYSSES PRESS

In small kitchens, every inch counts, something author Susan Marque has taken into account in The Van Life Cookbook. While not 100 per cent plant-based, this van-life-sized cookbook features more than 50 recipes including Camper Van Bean Burger, Oat Milk French Toast and Strawberry Coconut Cream. The recipes offer flexibility by design—you’re not always going to have infinite ingredient options on the road. However, this cookbook isn’t just for those on the move. The recipes are great if you’re only cooking for one or two, live in a tiny apartment, or don’t care for leftovers. — Marissa Tiel