This book is a valuable contribution to Macrobiotics. It eases the beginner in leaning how to eat according to its dietary principles without the intimidation one might expect when beginning a new healthy way of eating. This is also a great book to carry in your handbag when cooking away from home. It was difficult to keep the book on our shelf because everyone who saw it wanted to borrow it. A friend told me that it was the first time she was able to remain on the diet due to the simple yet very flavorful recipes and clear explanations Melanie describes in the book. Many of our friends have purchased the book. I refer to it as the Contemporary Macrobiotic book because Melanie presents ideas in a way that others have yet to do. We also noticed that her presentation of the diet is not as rigid as most Macrobiotic books. Another wonderful aspect about the book is that the ingredients for the recipes were much easier to find than with other books on the subject. You may want to order two books because it has a tendency to want to be borrowed. We are extremely pleased with our purchase.

~ Andy Nicola (9 ki and I ching master)