I started the year reading Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser, which on the heels of reading Harvest for Hope by Jane Goodall, just furthered my commitment to eat healthier in 2006. Obviously each author had their own agenda, but even taking that into consideration, some of the stories and information were pretty frightening — and enlightening.

I decided to take a break from the subject of the globalization of the food industry, and instead read the story of a woman who made the globe her home. Rita Golden Gelman, in Tales of a Female Nomad, shares the story of her life and travels over the course of about fifteen years. Starting in Mexico after separating from her husband, Rita ‘took the path less travelled’ and explored the world and its people. A great read for women as well as armchair travellers. Next up is Julie and Julia, another foray into food, this time one woman’s quest to prepare every recipe in Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. As someone who has cursed many a recipe that did not turn out quite as designed, I can’t wait to dig in.