A Square Meal

For most Americans today, it's difficult to imagine how overwhelming it was to feed a struggling nation during the Great Depression years, which included the drought known as the Dust Bowl. Narrator Susan Ericksen's clear diction and subtle level of drama add spark to this history of the American diet between the two World Wars. Her varied pacing and lively phrasing help listeners connect to diverse experiences such as failing farms, President Roosevelt's White House menus, and life as a hobo. A SQUARE MEAL examines the sociopolitical complexities of helping the needy and includes period recipes, budgets, and nutritional science. This well-researched history is chock-full of information, making it a good choice for commuters and others who tend to listen to audiobooks in short, digestible portions. C.B.L. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine