I’ve been traveling a lot lately, and rather than falling into my usual trap of reading fluffy magazines, I’ve used that travel time to dive into some good books.
I pounded through Mark Bittman‘s “Food Matters” in just a few days. Much like Michael Pollan‘s books about what’s wrong with American food production, Bittman writes that how we eat is unsustainable for our individual well being, for the welfare of the animals we raise and for the environment as a whole.
Since I really love Bittman’s approach to cooking, it has the bonus of numerous recipes and suggestions for better ways to cook and eat.
Once I finished Food Matters — though I fully expect I’ll be going back again and again to use those recipes — I quickly moved on to “A Lapsed Anarchist’s Approach to Building a Great Business.”
How could you not be drawn in to a book with that title?
It’s by Ari Weinzweig, one of the founders of Zingerman’s Deli, the Ann Arbor-based iconic foodie destination. I interviewed Ari for a future blog post, but first I’m reading his insights on what’s turned Zingerman’s from a good place to get a sandwich to a $35 million community of businesses — including a division that trains others how to operate by the Zingerman’s principles.

So while I plan to write about the vision that’s driven Zingerman’s, in the meantime, here’s a great Q&A with Crain’s Detroit Business to give you a preview of what’s to come.
I plan to begin posting short summaries of books I like, with some questions for you, my thoughtful readers. What’s on your bookshelf? What books have gotten you excited or spurred you to think differently?
The Newvine Growing Book Club will kick off with Four-Hour Workweek. Stay tuned.