Review of The Heart and Soul of Food

[Kibet Hillary]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Heart and Soul of Food" by Dr. Robert Carter III.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Non-communicable diseases are on the rise, and this is associated with dietary choices. How can we have a paradigm shift and a brighter, healthier tomorrow? Does it have to take pandemics and other rising chronic illnesses to bring us to the nutritional wisdom that our ancestors knew? How does food shape our identities? More than this, as human beings, we need people, as we are social creatures. What of their influence on what we eat?

“Food is the root of so many health problems and our collective mental health decline into depression, but it also holds the key to a healthier and well-nourished future.”

[Carter, Robert; Carter, Kirti. The Heart and Soul of Food: A Philosophical and Practical Feast for Expanding Your Culinary Horizons and Consciousness (pp. 161-162). Deville Carter. Kindle Edition.]

The Heart and Soul of Food: A Philosophical and Practical Feast for Expanding Your Culinary Horizons and Consciousness by Dr. Robert Carter III and Kirti Carter is a revolutionary nonfiction book. From the start, the authors touch on the rising incidence of lifestyle diseases, and indeed, the projections of the same by the World Health Organization paint a very sad picture of the future. However, there is a solution, and this is where we learn about the way food can be a remedy; the purpose of food is not just to satisfy our cravings. Indeed, our change in dietary habits will not only help humankind but also even wild animals, who the author reveals have also been affected by our food choices.

The Heart and Soul of Food is so good that I cannot remember the number of times that I encountered enlightening statements that I would bookmark for use as quotations, including in my review. Then I would read on, even a page later, and find a more striking statement. Every chapter was enlightening, and if I was not learning something new, I was unlearning and relearning as the author exposed several prevailing instances of misinformation and disinformation. The definition of excellence in writing ensures every statement carries weight and speaks to the heart of the issue, especially for an issue like food, where our brains seem to be wired to follow a path. We have to be intentional in getting out of the treadmill and thriving, not merely surviving, from what we consume.

Apart from learning about food and diet, this was also a learning journey on technologies related to food and other culinary issues, and much more. One of the lessons that will definitely stay long in my mind is the need for regenerative agriculture and to look at sustainability from a wider angle, not just the issue of the reduction of carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions. Apart from the minor errors I encountered while reading the book, every other aspect was exceptional. For the transformative lessons and the humor that was included as well, I rate The Heart and Soul of Food five out of five stars. Everyone will benefit from reading this book.

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The Heart and Soul of Food
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[Gustavo Silva 5]

I just finished reading The Heart and Soul of Food by Dr. Robert Carter III, and I have to say — it was a very thoughtful and eye-opening book. It’s not just about food, but about everything food represents: family, culture, identity, and even healing.

What I liked most is how the author connects food to deeper emotions and memories. It made me reflect on my own habits and the way food plays a role in our lives beyond just nutrition. The writing feels genuine and full of passion, which made the reading experience really pleasant.

Some parts were a bit slower for me, but overall, the message is strong and meaningful. It’s a book that makes you stop and think — and I really appreciate that.

If you’re someone who enjoys stories that mix personal experience with culture and wellness, I think you’ll enjoy this read too.

[Mark Lazarus]

The mystical imagery and rich folklore in the early parts really captured my imagination, though the abrupt shift to urban chaos left me a bit puzzled. I’d be interested in exploring its magical side despite some rough edges.