The $64 Tomato at first glance may seem to be simply a gardening book. However, once you take a glance inside, youll find William Alexanders story a funny and insightful tale of the authors ongoing attempt to gain a modicum of control over his fate in Alexanders case aptly represented by his own backyard garden. Tomato is as much about the struggle of a man with his nature, as man against nature. Whether trying to outsmart an alpha groundhog (which Alexander, with an appropriate, if not appreciative, nod to a formidable opponent, names SuperChuck), or contending with bizarre contractors(one of whom bears a striking resemblance to the actor Christopher Walken) or reassuring his wife and kids of his sanity after wandering through his garden in January, Alexander keeps us asking Is it really right to be so entertained by someones angst? and Why am I laughing out loud when he is hurting the most?. In between all of this, we learn fascinating facts about the food we usually take for granted. For instance, Alexander informs us the tomato originated in Central America with the Aztecs, was hauled off to Europe by Cortez and the conquistadors, returned 300 years later to the New World with the colonists, and was finally promoted to culinary prominence by none other then Thomas Jefferson. The $64 Tomato is both a funny and thought-provoking examination of how much emotional upheaval, consternation, and struggle we willingly endure in pursuit of our most cherished pastimes. In Alexanders case, its so called weekend gardening. Whether you are into gardening or just an observer of people and their foibles, The $64 Tomato may not compel you to rush out and buy a hoe and wheelbarrow. But it will undoubtedly leave you thinking about your own favorite obsessions and compulsions in an entirely new light.Read full review
I love this author. This book is both funny and instructive. I also recommend another of his books, "Flirting with French".
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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