The Washington Post

Sunday, August 31

"Feeding kids has always been a challenge, but today's mothers face a myriad of new obstacles, each one as tough as the most finicky child, writes Betsy Block in The Dinner Diaries: nutritionists ("telling us to expand our offerings of fruits and vegetables"), slow-food types ("telling us to eat locally, and in season"), ethicists ("index fingers jabbing in the air as they go on about factory farming"), and "the 'nicer' adults who actually do serve Pop-Tarts for a snack and who don't understand what the fuss is all about." Part memoir, part how-to, the book includes recipes and tips (her No. 1 grocery shopping strategy: "Whenever possible, leave the kids at home"). Block's war stories and chatty tone will likely resonate with many mothers, Block's war stories and chatty tone will likely resonate with many mothers"