Title: The Acornbar Journey
Author: Narda Lacey Fargotstein
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 979-8-3694-3617-2
Genre: Health / Nutrition
Pages: 256
Reviewer: Ella Vincent
Pacific Book Review
The Acornbar Journey is an intriguing dive into the world of an overlooked possible superfood: acorns. Author Narda Lacey Fargotstein has written a book which will interest readers.
The Acornbar Journey takes a look at the history of acorns and how they have been used and consumed in many cultures. The author notes that indigenous cultures in America and Chinese people have used acorns from oak trees as herbal remedies to treat illnesses in ancient times. Additionally, many European cultures have believed acorns were a source of strength and were even worn around the neck for people to fight premature aging centuries ago.
In addition to the ancient healing uses of acorns, Fargotstein writes about acorns can be healing in modern times in her native Thousand Oaks, California. The author notes how she consumed acorns during her cancer treatment and how they helped her health during her cancer journey. (She also noted that her experience is unique and readers should consult their doctors about how acorns may affect their health.) Fargotstein writes in the text about acorns’ health benefits of having potassium, iron, and vitamins A and E. She also details how she loved the nut so much she wanted to create and sell a packaged brand of local acorn-based cookies, or acornbars.
The Acornbar Journey not only delves into the history of the acorn, but how to treat them by leaching and cold boiling so they can be consumed by a mass consumer base. She writes about how difficult it was to make gluten-free cookies with acorn flour and build a business for a tree nut that isn’t eaten much in America. While the author is an experienced businesswoman, there were many challenges. The book also details the difficulties that her company had in finding the proper acorns for her business while working with her brother as a graphic artist and simultaneously dealing with her mother’s debilitating health issues.
Narda Lacey Fargotstein’s writing is so relatable and well researched. She writes as deftly about the business of selling acorns as the nutritional benefits of the tree nut. The Acornbar Journey is a fascinating combination of part entrepreneurship, memoir, and history lessons. The Acornbar Journey would be best for readers that want to learn about local natural foods and how to add them to their diets. The book would also be best for readers who want to learn about navigating personal and professional obstacles. The Acornbar Journey is a book that will enlighten and entertain readers. Sometimes the healthiest discoveries come from looking back at nature’s original foods.
