The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America

This is a book about gardens and gardening, It features gardens and garden ideas
across the country, and spanning the seasons. There are delicious looking recipes at
the end of the book. We see and hear about the White House Garden, which I loved the
idea of from day one.

This book is about communities, generosity and nutrition. This is about children, the aging
and dogs . This is a book about everything you want to think about in the summer, and what
you should want to think about year round. Planning is one of the keys, sharing is another. And
of course, a garden gets us moving so it is very much a book about what is important to this first
lady. Children, nutrition, good healthy food and living. I will pick this up many times in the future.
It makes me smile :)

American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across AmericaShe has really created a treasure. This is an inspiring book of stories, pics, tips and a bit of history. I love it and my son (10 year old) is so excited that it was written with him in mind. "It feels so good to have someone so important care about us" (per my son about kids in America). My son has no political agenda, nor does this book. She makes no money on this book, but she is very proud of it none the less. I bought it along with a step-by-step how to book on gardening as this is my second year gardening and I am not very good. I knew this book was not a how to gardening book, and I knew it would inspire me. I look forward to using this beautiful book to help me create a garden that will bring my son closer to eating veggies because the only ones he eats right now are the ones I sneak in (thank you Miss Chase Lapine and Jessica Simpson for your sneaky and deceptive booksThe Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids' Favorite Meals Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food). This book gives me hope for all of the over-weight kids out there that may decide they want a garden, hey, you never know. Benefiting from the fruits of your labor is an awesome message.

My copy of "American Grown" arrived within a few days of placing the order. Could not put the book down... The photos are absolutely beautiful and recipes are within my skill-set. I've been dragging my feet in completing our vegetable garden and Sunday spent nearly four hours working the garden, including "sticking" a dozen tomato plants and some bell peppers. Decided to plant raised-beds to separate the squashes and another for an assortment of beans. Have about two more rows and got some really good ideas. Did pots of peppers and aromatics (basil, cilantro, etc.) Gardening is so relaxing as well rewarding. These young people are very fortunate for this experience. Ordering a second copy... decided to "gift" the book to a young culinary student as a graduation present. Thank you Mrs. Obama for your commitment to our young people and steering them in a healthy direction.

I love that this book shows the White House garden as a work in progress. However, the real focus of the book is how gardens create communities: between farmers and the community, chefs and schools, neighbors to each other. The outreach programs that are included are powerful in their message and affect motivation. Our First Lady's vision is powerful. Brava.

I was suspicious that this book would only contain Mrs. Obama's narrative about her experience cultivating the White House Garden.... and yes, a lot of the book is dedicated to fun little stories concerning things like her "Let's Move!" initiative, the history of the White House Garden, and Bo the White House dog.

But I was pleasantly surprised by how much functional gardening information there was! I do not know if first time gardeners could survive on this book alone, but it will definitely get you off on a good start. Probably most inspiring are the pages near the beginning where she lists everything that went wrong in the garden after the first year--I wish I had had that when I first started gardening several years back. And as someone who personally likes absorbing more than enough information, a lot of little details in this book are incredibly illuminating.

And worst come to worst, if you, a first time gardener, decide to never garden ever again, this book is beautiful. Others have said coffee table quality. I will echo those sentiments and add that I am a coffee table connoisseur and this is a beaut: 1) most of the pictures are lovely, nay, divine 2) It's incredibly historical 3) It has recipes that look, and yes, taste delicious 4) It has inspirational snippets from the first lady.

Mrs. Obama's AMERICAN GROWN .... is not only a wonderful book full of interesting anecdotes, history and accurate information on vegetable gardens, its recipes are GOOD! And, the sale proceeds go to the U.S. national parks, one of the best vacation "deals" in our beautiful country. While I'm certain one may download this material to any number of electronic devices, having the hard copy is an heirloom in the making.

This book is a total charmer...Michelle Obama's garden and related projects are the best things going on in politics at the present moment. With humor, intelligence and an interesting look at history of gardening at the White House, and the beautiful photographs, the book will delight garden lovers and cooks everywhere. Many great seasonal recipes included too. A really uplifting delight!
American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America

This is mostly a book about growing healthy vegetable and some fruit in a garden. It happens that the garden is at the White House, and the author and gardener is former First Lady Michelle Obama. There are diagrams of gardens throughout the seasons and the years and recipes of foods from the gardens, which I thought were the best part of the book.

There is information about Ms. Obama's push for healthy foods and lifestyle. I am glad that she mentioned that part of the problem was our emphasis in education on academics which has led to shorter recesses and P. E.

This wasn't a political book, although of course, it wouldn't have been published if she wasn't the First Lady. It was a book about gardening.

"American Grown" is about our garden, in our house. The White House is our national house, belonging to we the people. The Presidents and their Ladies are custodians for us. Some have preserved our precious history like Dolley Madison when the British sailed up the Potomac and set fire to Washington. Some have beautified the exquisite plantings like Jacqueline Kennedy's Rose Garden. Some have graciously gone far to open the mansion to us all. Others have used the bully pulpit of the White House, as did the most admirable Barbara Bush, to promote reading and children's literacy.

For over 30 years, I passed the White House daily on my way to work, and almost always even when it is freezing outside there were long lines waiting to visit. I also have seen children who are WALL-E III blubber babies, almost destined for diabetes, Yes and their families triple-sizing themselves into heart attacks. And I am a hands-on farmer whose son raises organic veggies on his farm. The issues are important and "American Grown" is a fine contribution to understanding them: not negative blame-shame but a positive example.

On all counts, "American Grown" is worth five stars. It is a beautifully produced book with outstanding photography and layout, at an amazingly low price for such quality. The connections historically to the White House past and to other wonderful gardens make this a nationally valuable book. As such, it would be a splendid gift to visitors from abroad. The text is eminently readable. Would that everyone wanted a "War and Peace" size book. Many do not. This is adroitly organized and written so one could linger a long time----or happily read it in an hour.

The gardening advice is sound. I use raised beds myself as do many here, and they permit better soil structure and quality, and are efficient for water as well as plant care. Many nuggets of information and encouragement shine in the pages. The connection between growing and eating across the four seasons is through the charming bridge of recipes that can be prepared in an everyday sort of kitchen by everyday sort of cooks and eaten with relish by everyday sort of people, like me.

But the book can be better understood in a larger context. It is one part of a mindful effort by the First Lady----and MANY others----to promote more self-sufficiency, healthier eating, a fitter and healthier people, and engagement in gardens by young and old. The School Gardens effort (thank you, Alice Waters) is one piece of this mosaic. So is the Robert Woods Johnson healthy eating and obesity reduction initiative. So are the discussions and speeches by the First Lady that engage our national media on gardens and health.

Still, be an informed buyer. This is not a complete guide for beginner gardeners nor a comprehensive recipe book nor a thorough historical study of White House gardens. It is a glorious, splendid visit to our own garden, we the people in work gloves and jeans, and as such, a pleasure to read and to experience. And by all means,if you are inspired, get some Lumbricus terrestris---earthworms---as your partners.

Michelle has written an engaging book of her gardening experiences at the White House, some history of WWII Victory Gardens, Community Gardens, recipes, getting children involved, etc... The photography is stunning on my Kindle Fire. I couldn't wait to download it to my iPad, only to find it couldn't be done...at least not yet.

"American Grown" by Michelle Obama is a really useful book. It has really beautiful photos of the garden and the things produced by the garden. I think the first lady had a good idea. We could use a book that promotes health. A garden is healthy because you are getting exercise while tending it and you get the fresh produce that it produces.

The book is basically divided into four sections, spring, summer, fall and winter, that feature the garden during each season and what kinds of things they planted and harvested. I like the fact that Mrs. Obama included children in the garden project and there are photos of children from various schools and the girl scouts in the book. Included are profiles of the White House cooks and their use of the gardens productions. There is a history of White House gardens which I found interesting and there is also a bee hive on the grounds. She discusses producing compost and gives diagrams of how the garden is laid out. She talks about community gardens in the cities and farmers' markets.

There are recipes included in the book and the one that appealed to me the most was the Sweet Potato Quick Bread though the Spinach Pie looked good too. I like the emphasis on getting children interested in gardening. I think Americans would be healthier if more people grew their own food.-- Valerie Lull, Autahor, Ten Healthy Teas

The book is beautifully presented and tries to offer information.
I am shocked at the negativity it has produced. As I expected, the negative reviewers were only interested in spewing hateful words and political outbursts.
I want to know what is happening to this country. At least I respect the office and the people in it, no matter their politics. Each election year brings more hatred than the last.
This book was written to highlight the danger our children and grandchildren are in with regard to their health. The first lady at least is trying to do something about it.

It is perhaps readily apparent that this audiobook lies way outside the scope of my ordinary reading. Way, way outside. However, since it was given to me, I resolved to listen to it, despite my lack of interest. I expected to be bored to tears with gardening tips, but it really wasn't that bad. Not exactly a glowing commendation, but, considering how little the subject matter has to do with me, that's fair praise.

The focus does lie primarily on gardening, with tips for how to create and maintain the garden, as well as how to know when to harvest. Amateur gardeners could certainly find this a helpful resource. Along with that, there's quite a bit of interesting history. The book does feel a bit convoluted, though, with sudden jumps from story to story. This could have been much better organized.

More interesting to me, though, were the parts where gardening took a back seat to Michelle Obama's work as a whole. This audiobook clearly serves to promote her ideas about gardening, healthy foods and obtaining exercise. Certainly, I am one of those people who could benefit from listening to her, and I admire her passion and that she's actively working on improving the country.

Though I am not the ideal audience for American Grown, I recommend it highly for those interested in starting a garden or in Michelle Obama's efforts to create a healthier United States.

Michelle Obama does the bulk of the narration, and I credit her with keeping me from utter boredom. She has a very beautiful voice, and it's so full of her passion and commitment to her cause. You can hear how much she cares in her narration, and it made everything much more meaningful than it might have been had some other narrator been hired.

The other narrators take only very short sections. They vary widely from White House staff to garden managers to Olympic athletes. All of them were involved with the White House kitchen garden or similar projects, and, while, in theory, getting to hear from these different contributors in their own voices was interesting, it didn't really pan out that way in practice. Very few of them had what I consider to be pleasant voices to listen to, and I was always grateful when I got back to Obama's narration.

There have been complaints about this book not being about gardening in the respect that there is no practical information or tips. If one reads the complete title of the book they could not possibly misunderstand. It is simply the story of the White House kitchen garden and others. The miscreants that use a book review to showcase the political anger and resentment that is too prevalent in this country today need to spill their vile elswhere. This is just a book for Pete's sake, the proceeds from which will all be donated to the National Parks.

this Book was very put together and the talented and beautiful First Lady along with a great team combined the hard work and effort in the white house garden to create a book that also helps out so many with great sources for inspiration in the garden and the great foods developed,etc.. this book feels great on a coffee table as it does just chilling and reading it anywhere. very well put together and it makes one feel healthy by just reading it and turning the pages. job well done as always.

The book is beautifully presented and tries to offer information.
I am shocked at the negativity it has produced. As I expected, the negative reviewers were only interested in spewing hateful words and political outbursts.
I want to know what is happening to this country. At least I respect the office and the people in it, no matter their politics. Each election year brings more hatred than the last.
This book was written to highlight the danger our children and grandchildren are in with regard to their health. The first lady at least is trying to do something about it.

It is perhaps readily apparent that this audiobook lies way outside the scope of my ordinary reading. Way, way outside. However, since it was given to me, I resolved to listen to it, despite my lack of interest. I expected to be bored to tears with gardening tips, but it really wasn't that bad. Not exactly a glowing commendation, but, considering how little the subject matter has to do with me, that's fair praise.

The focus does lie primarily on gardening, with tips for how to create and maintain the garden, as well as how to know when to harvest. Amateur gardeners could certainly find this a helpful resource. Along with that, there's quite a bit of interesting history. The book does feel a bit convoluted, though, with sudden jumps from story to story. This could have been much better organized.

More interesting to me, though, were the parts where gardening took a back seat to Michelle Obama's work as a whole. This audiobook clearly serves to promote her ideas about gardening, healthy foods and obtaining exercise. Certainly, I am one of those people who could benefit from listening to her, and I admire her passion and that she's actively working on improving the country.

Though I am not the ideal audience for American Grown, I recommend it highly for those interested in starting a garden or in Michelle Obama's efforts to create a healthier United States.

Michelle Obama does the bulk of the narration, and I credit her with keeping me from utter boredom. She has a very beautiful voice, and it's so full of her passion and commitment to her cause. You can hear how much she cares in her narration, and it made everything much more meaningful than it might have been had some other narrator been hired.

The other narrators take only very short sections. They vary widely from White House staff to garden managers to Olympic athletes. All of them were involved with the White House kitchen garden or similar projects, and, while, in theory, getting to hear from these different contributors in their own voices was interesting, it didn't really pan out that way in practice. Very few of them had what I consider to be pleasant voices to listen to, and I was always grateful when I got back to Obama's narration.

There have been complaints about this book not being about gardening in the respect that there is no practical information or tips. If one reads the complete title of the book they could not possibly misunderstand. It is simply the story of the White House kitchen garden and others. The miscreants that use a book review to showcase the political anger and resentment that is too prevalent in this country today need to spill their vile elswhere. This is just a book for Pete's sake, the proceeds from which will all be donated to the National Parks.

this Book was very put together and the talented and beautiful First Lady along with a great team combined the hard work and effort in the white house garden to create a book that also helps out so many with great sources for inspiration in the garden and the great foods developed,etc.. this book feels great on a coffee table as it does just chilling and reading it anywhere. very well put together and it makes one feel healthy by just reading it and turning the pages. job well done as always.

While the pictures and stories this book contained were beautiful and moving, I had hoped for a little more historical background. However, what was in there was well-written and engaging. I tried the spinach pie recipe and it was fantastic!

I grabbed this book off the library shelf before closing time and could not put it down once I started reading it! I love it because it details the gardening ideas and techniques along with successes and failures.There are recipes, detailed growing bed plans, great photos but above all Ms Obama gives credit where credit is due! She gives a little history and notes her tireless crew,their history and how they got inspired by our land and its vast produce!One is left feeling in need of creating ones own yield but also how can one get our own community involved to work together and eat and live healthier lives! I am not an American citizen but Americans should feel proud of this first lady who does not blow her own trumpet but blows the trumpet for all the Americans and schoolchildren who open up there minds to helping people and the land be more healthy!Bravo!...and breaking the Guiness book of Records for jumping jacks on the South Lawn by school kids, well done..it is a wonder that in this insecure world,they open up the gardens for any of us to tread!!!
ps. I will be ordering more than one copy of my own!

American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America by Michele O'Bama
Starts out with why Michele O'Bama was raised, remembering fresh food in the neighborhood and also playing outside, walking to school.
Today children don't play outside or have much of a recess anymore and are getting obese. Her idea to get kids moving and to make sure everybody has more fresh food that they can grow themselves.
Struggles Mrs. O'Bama came across when she went to plant the garden for food to be used on their tables. Talks of other states and how the National Park Service is involved in the
garden for those who can't see..Broken up into chapters where the seasons are featured.
Especially liked the previous presidents gardens and what they planted and where.
Recipes included also!

It saddens me that people will let their political affiliations come between them and an outstanding book. American Grown is an inspiring look at the White House garden, from planning to inception to its current state. It really is an interesting read all on it's own, but add in the practical gardening tips and delicious recipes and it becomes a gardeners dream. I really have to hand it to Michelle Obama, the love she has for this special garden really shines through and serves to inspire you on many levels-Not just gardening. As a further testament both my daughters (9 and 14) picked up the book on their own to take a look and both became instantly engaged.

There is nothing wrong with eating foods containing milk, eggs, and butter - what is unhealthy is a constant diet of processed foods, and the harmful additives put in these foods. Natural foods, foods made from whole fruits and natural grains and dairy are the healthiest. The best milk, eggs, and butter are straight from the farm fresh, and you can NOT get more HEALTHIER or more DELICIOUS than that!!!!

The information on community gardening gave me many ideas to improve the garden I am involved with. The stories about the White House garden were great. I have started a Three Sisters bed in my community garden. The photography is beautiful and the recipes are delicious. I have tried at least six of them at this point.

Just went through this gorgeous book. I have a little garden at home and I find the tips and pictures inspiring. Those who trash this book are jealous of the Obama's and nothing they do, including inspiring us will ever be good enough for these haters.

Our First Lady has created a great garden and written a fun, inspirational book. I was so inspired I planted some veggies. Go, Michelle!!! Go, White House staff!!! All of this makes me very proud of the work of all those community gardeners in America. This is the wave of the future.

Gardening and healthy eating are points of passion for the First Lady, and this well-conceived and well-written book shows it. It's an inspirational, enjoyable read with designs towards getting the American People and their children to eat healthier.

This Beautiful and delightful charm will not only bring conversation when sitting on a coffee-table as a striking centerpiece. First Lady Michelle Obama shares her gardening joy with the nation, from planting to home-grown vegetables and much more. Gardening in both the Northeast and Southwest has been my favorite hobby over twenty-five years, and I also have collected books on anything gardening. Michelle gives simple presentations about different types of foods and the importance to our health for all ages, describes the trials-and-tribulations from planting to harvest, and the joy of including our children on fun gardening projects. The excitement of growing lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and much more is interesting for all. She also includes fragrance and scented plants such as herbs, and what to plant in different seasons. The First Lady includes stunning photos that will brighten up our day, yummy recipes, and helpful gardening tips. I highly recommend "AMERICAN GROWN" to all garden lovers, and to families who enjoy sharing the intriguing world of gardening. This book is also educational, and can be introduced to young adults who wish to use this book as a guide for science projects. This hands-on gardening book with all its information from gardening to local produce is not only a book to be proud of, but will indeed warm the hearts of gardeners all across the world!

Saw it at Kmart last week and was intrigued. Most of the book is photographs and they are amazing- buy this book hardcover and not Kindle. Thomas Jefferson's garden plan. Kids planting victory gardens in the 40's. The vivid greenery of the present garden. I could not put it down. The writing is straightforward and easy to read, and still I felt myself becoming completely fascinated with Mrs. Obama's discoveries. This is the kind of book I might read again and again. The criticism that the book is not a how-to book is correct. The criticism that the book had positive reviews before people could buy it is incorrect, it was in stores before May 29th. I would recommend this book to, um, 50% of Americans, I guess. It's really good, though.

My family and I really enjoy this book. The writing, photography and layout are all wonderful. I definitely recommend this book to everyone. The book shows the First Lady's dedication to healthy living, and I think this is really inspiring. The book shows us that - investing a some time in a home garden - can lead to a healthy and satisfying result. The First Lady is a great role model, and I thank her for organizing this great book. I know I'll enjoy re-reading it in the future.

This book will raise the interest of children if read with the adults in the house. A large backyard garden is not the only way to grow greens and kids can plant herbs lettuce and such in pots. The First Lady's initiative to increase healthly options for kids has encourage me and my friends to start a community garden. The kids are active with planting and weeding and guess what it gets them outside too. They also learn about local produce and new vegetables. Thanks to Mrs. Obama

Just started growing my own vegetables. Happy that the First Lady wrote this book. Very proud of her. She is a very smart woman with a law degree. Good job Mrs. Obama. Hope that she writes more books.

In her introduction, Mrs. Obama states her initial doubts about starting a garden. One of them wasn't feeding lead-contaminated veggies to dignitaries & children, but that's what happened, initially. "Obama's organic garden: Disease-laden problems?

New concerns are being raised as to whether the Obama White House organic garden and other similar urban/suburban gardens -- including those in the Seattle area -- are safe to eat out of.

Previous articles here and elsewhere pointed out that the lead content in the White House vegetable garden is 97ppm. Contamination is thought to be caused by the application of sewer plant "sludge" or bio-solids -- as a fertilizer --on the White House lawn, primarily during the Clinton administration." --This is from the Examiner site's Aug. 9th, 2009 article "Sewer sludge = more potential concerns for White House and Seattle-area organic gardens"

I'm frankly tired of her trying to "make her mark" with these stupid commercials & books letting on like she knows more than the average "Joe" about healthy living. Like everything else Mrs. Obama & her husband propose, it may sound good & wholesome initially, but look into it, and you see a lot of hurtful things resulting from their agenda. Like Obamacare, which her husband promised would lower our health insurance costs, and you now see struggling low-wage earners whose annual deductable went from $1,000 pre-Obamacare, to $6,000 with Obamacare. No Obama doesn't care- neither him nor his wife. If she REALLY cares about healthy-eating, she & Barack wouldn't be eating lavish, lobster-laden meals all the time. (But of course, it's the "Let them eat cake" syndrome with these hypocrite liberal Democrats. )

Just where did Michelle acquire all of this gardening knowledge? Incredible! Photos of her childhood home in Chicago posted online show no gardening going on in the backyard.. Perhaps it was in college or as an attorney when she picked up this gardening knowledge. Another possibility is that this book is complete B.S. created with the help of ghost writers, professional photographers and food stylists for the dupes out there dumb enough to shell out the $29.95. This in turn allows someone that is not a nutritionist to somehow design the nations public school lunch program. Which now has parents and kids across the nation up in arms.

Have you seen the photo's of the kids 'lunches' tweeted and shared online of Michele's lunch program? GMO wheat buns, little cups with nine grapes in them, cellophane packs of crackers, HFCS chocolate milk, unidentifiable piles of slop, $millions of your dollars going in the garbage. Check them out.

Her kids: cordon bleu chef's making gourmet food to order with an extensive menu.

I watched an interview where Mrs. Obama was promoting this book and she explained that of course she has a huge staff that works on the garden, as she could never do this by herself. The recipes are not hers either; they are from the White House kitchen. It made me furious that she has some influence to do good and she chose to "write" and make money off a book. Why couldn't she use her influence to label GMO's to help ALL Americans instead of profiting from a book about a garden she barely helped create and grow. I know she has many friends in CA who would appreciate the help on Prop 37.

First Lady and suddenly a writer/cookbook author? Are the proceeds going to help fund public school garden projects and nutritional programs? I suggest you check American Grown out at the library and take the money you would have spent and put it towards your local farm to table projects. This book has been pushed/published in an over saturated market of "why to, how to" garden. We get it. Look to Growing a Garden City for an inspiring, true story, selfless committment, how to book. And, I also humbly suggest you check out (or purchase!) Robbin Gourley's, First Garden, this book focuses on the timeline (in synopsis form) of the Peoples Garden and includes a more than generous tribute to Mrs. Obama's effort, plus Robbin Gourley's water color illustrations are like owning fine art. *The recipes in both books have been questioned - fantastic! You should think, test and do for yourselves- a recipe is meant to be adapted to your own tasting, and we should strive to use locally grown produce and be scratch cooks and bakers (again, we get it). But for a more visually appealing and thru the history look at the peoples garden, please turn to the aforementioned Gourley book. Purchasing her other books would be highly recommended too.