Store This, Not That! The Quick and Easy Food Storage Guide was written by Crystal Godfrey and Debbie Kent.
This is a larger book (8-1/2 x 11) but it has a nice binding that allows the book to open fully when you read it. It has an appealing layout and graphic design, though it can get busy at times. The colorful photography and graphics add to the appeal of the book.
Since I write and publish, I tend to see things others don’t. Store This, Not That! has very wide line spacing – almost double spaced. That means there may not be a lot of text on a page, but it also means it’s easy to read. Some title fonts are not easy to read, and the light gray font tends to disappear on a white page or blue background. There are also occasional typographical errors.
Before I continue, let me give you some things to watch for:
• Remember that a lot of the products the authors think are the best are only the best in their opinion. They may not be the best for you or for your budget or for your location.
• Remember that Crystal lives in dry Utah. Storage methods she talks about may not be good in humid climates.
• The price comparisons are good but do your own, too.
The book uses a non-intimidating approach. The authors use a chatty writing style that is sometimes humorous and sometimes frank. They are not intimidated by the popular hype in food storage and preparedness. As they put it on page 8, they can be “stunningly blunt” about some popular food storage foods.
I like how they teach that food storage meals can be “normal,” that food storage helps you save money, and helps you eat better. They are not big proponents of freeze-dried foods nor of dried powders such as peanut butter powder, honey powder, vanilla powder, shortening powder, and others.
Here are some other things I like about this book:
• The use of menu planning and back-up plans.
• They recommend taste-testing before buying large amounts.
• 40% of the book addresses long-term food storage.
• It addresses common anti-grain propagandas.
• Whey milks are discussed.
• Canned food is considered an important part of food storage.
• There are good comparison charts.
• Information on freeze-dried foods is very instructive.
• It doesn’t forget your pets.
Here are some things I don’t like about this book:
• Different climates are not considered.
• Different areas of the country are not considered.
• 2/3 of the recipes have the fresh ingredients first with the shelf stable substitute in parentheses. Food storage recipes should encourage the use of storage foods first.
• Most of the baking recipes use powdered eggs.
• There is an anti-red wheat sentiment.
• There are a LOT of opinions, and they lull you into thinking they are facts.
• Online support ceased less than 4 years after publication.
• There is no spiritual basis for what is being taught and encouraged.
Would I recommend this book? In spite of what I don’t like about it, I would recommend it, especially for those new to food storage. Even those who have experience can learn something from it. Just remember that their websites and other resources are no longer active and the book is full of opinions though most are good opinions.
For a more detailed review, go to my Book Reviews.
