Hargreaves, Kenneth. Apples: the Whole Story.

58p. Rose Dog Books. 2011. ISBN 978-1-4349-0573-4. $11.00. Pdf e-Book. ISBN 978-1-4349-4572-3. $6.00. Google e-Book $6.00.

Fruits are an important part of our diets. Everyone has his or her favorite fruit. Apples contain many nutrients and vitamins and come in many tasty varieties. Many Americans would agree that apples are the unofficial “national” fruit. In this brief publication that purports to present “everything you ever wanted to know about apples” (p. v), Hargreaves (Ph.D., Education, Capella University, expected 2012; Master of Education, American InterContinental University; Bachelor of Business Administration, American InterContinental University; owner of Hargreaves Gifts), a retired Navy Chief Culinary Specialist with more than thirty years work experience in the hospitality industry, attempts to set forth the “whole story” about apples. Not trying to create a traditional cookbook (p. v), Hargreaves mainly tells the story of apples from his personal perspective and experiences. In chapters one and two, he describes the history of apples and their many varieties, while in chapter three, the author discusses the life of apples-- how they are grown, harvested, and sold. Throughout his text, but mostly in chapters one and two, Hargreaves includes recipes, stories, and personal thoughts about apples and his life. Including more than thirty recipes, using apples as an ingredient, as well as a selected bibliography, this easy- to- read, enjoyable publication will be of use and interest to mostly general readers. Even though it contains typological and grammatical errors as well as lacks a table of contents, back- of- the- book index, and reproductions, all of which would have enhanced its purpose, this book may be recommended for some public libraries as a secondary resource. Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit Dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team. Availability: Amazon, Rose Dog Bookstore, Google ebookstore