Review: Super comprehensive compendium on the joys and benefits of juicing -- it's funny, too!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 13, 2012
Oran Kangas's JUICING JOY:  FRUITS, BERRIES, AND MELONS packs a powerful punch.  First, Kangas is a crazy fun writer to read.  What I mean by that is he has a funny, self-deprecating style that makes reading through page after page of information about the health benefits of juicing a really refreshing experience.  This is a guy who truly believes in the benefits of juicing, and by the end of the book, so will you.Kangas's book is divided into three sections, dealing with:1) The Benefits of Juicing2) How to Get Started3) Recipes.The Benefits section goes into great detail about the physical and psychological benefits of consuming large quantities of freshly juiced organic fruits and veggies.  He explains how juicing works, why it improves your immune system, aids in digestion, and keeps your body in tip top working order.  The Get Started section includes plenty of info on the various types of juicers on the market, along with Kangas's advice on which type of juicer you might want to purchase for your personal lifestyle and goals.  He also provides info on various types of juicer-produced drinks, as well as which fruits work best.  The Recipes section includes thirty juicer recipes, including preparation directions and full nutritional information.The book also includes a Resources section (with a listing of books and websites readers can use for more information), as well as a very comprehensive Glossary.Overall, the information in this book is comprehensive and very convincing.  I have no experience in juicing myself, but Kangas's book has convinced me to give it a try (this is something my husband has been pushing for a few months now, so the book came at a very good time).  I did find some of the material to be repetitive (there's a lot of overlap here, so you will find some information showing up in several different places), but as a long-time teacher I've found that repetition works.  I don't know if all of Kangas's claims are true (from what Kangas says in this book you'd think juicing can cure cancer and make us all live forever!), but I learned more than I ever expected to.  And I have no doubt juicing would be a healthy addition to almost anyone's diet.I recommend JUICING JOY for anyone who has considered trying juicing.  Kangas plans a future volume on veggies (he says beginners should start with fruit, though, since the sweeter taste is so easy to love).  He also has a cookbook coming out soon, as well as one focusing on weight loss.[Please note:  I was provided a copy of this book for review; the opinions expressed here are my own.]