Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I purchased this book as and accompaniment to Sally Fallon's "Nourishing Traditions." While much of the information given was very interesting, I found the format a little "wild." I am usually a more right-brained individual, and enjoy a variety of fonts and formats, but in this case it seems a little overboard! I found it difficult to find the answer to specific questions about fermentation; such as how to properly store fermented products. I'm sure the answer is in there somewhere, but I didn't have time to reread the whole book to find it! I think it is also very important to point out that you will get more than just information about fermentation in this book. The author lives a very different life-style, a strange mix of homosexual, hippie and Amish. His lifestyle choices are expressed throughout the entire book; and because I do not espouse his choices, I found it very bothersome. It would be one thing to discuss these things in the introduction, or in a chapter of the book; but his ideas about life are expressed on nearly every page! I do not deny him the right to express himself, I just wish there had been something on the cover information to indicate that this was more than a cookbook. For example, I would not write a book full of Biblical principals and Scripture references without giving some outward indication that it was a "Christian" book. I wish that Katz would have shown this same courtesy to his readers, as his ideas are in direct conflict with what many, like myself, would find appropriate. Ultimately, I ended up throwing the book away. The format made it difficult to look up anything, and the "wild" approach to fermentation was a little overwhelming to someone new to fermentation processes. I did not feel comfortable passing on a book that promoted and normalized a lifestyle that conflicts with my personal beliefs, so I threw it away. Again, let me emphasize that I believe he has the right to express himself, and to share with the world his unique lifestyle. I just wish he had been more upfront about this aspect of the book, so that those who do not agree with him could exercise our right to not purchase his book. As to the content, He does have some interesting nutritional and historical information. He also gives recipes for some things not found in Sally Fallon's book. For someone already familiar with fermentation, his recipes could be helpful and fun. So if you have already experimented with fermentation, and are looking for something new and less controlled, then you might find this book helpful. Beware however, that to find this information, you must first dig through the stories of Katz's personal life. Some that may be bothersome if you value Biblical principles. Personally, I recommend Sally Fallon's book, "Nourishing Traditions." It contains information about all types of food preparation, including fermentation. The recipes are easy to follow, and so far have been delicious!