When Author Michael T. Compton purchased a home and an adjoining plot of land in rural upstate New York, he became determined to build a garden and cultivate an assortment of organic vegetables. Similar to so many others, this author caught on quickly to a clean eating, superfood, healthy alternative lifestyle that genuinely needs to be shared with more readers. To be perfectly honest, this book was not the content that I was expecting to find, but somehow it was intrinsically so much more than I had anticipated. Michael T. Compton offers genuine narrative which details his personal encounters and reflections of beginning a small vegetable gardening and expanding to offer his home-grown vegetables to local farmer's markets and restaurants.

The author repeatedly refers to himself as a "vegetable snob" and with excellent reason-- as the reader I believe this is because he is illustrating a valuable point, he is explaining to his readers that vegetables are so much more appealing and encompassing than the limited selection that the general American population once grew tired of. When he details how many nutrients like minerals and vitamins are found in vegetables, he offers vivid examples and recipes and scenarios from his recollections of growing and sharing his own vegetables. He offers a brief history of how people have changed their eating habits by referencing genuine people who have genuine connections to his work and research.

Michael T. Compton describes himself as ""A Pescetarian Presbyterian" then proceeds to explain his own personal view of vegetables and healthy eating habits. He refers back to his knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and offers scenarios of how vegetables can cure so many human limitations and health conditions. As a M.D., he is a wonderful example of how medical professionals can look beyond the limits of pharmacology and see the person as a whole, integral organism.

I highly recommend reading the reflections and recollections found in Veggie Smarts. There are so many recipes found within the narrative that the author has taken the time to share with readers, to help impart the valuable information he has gleaned from his many encounters and research.

A delightful look at both the history and benefits of vegetables!

Definitely for those who like to read non-fiction to gain insight and information about things that most people do not know.

Perfect for someone who loves to garden and grow their own food.

Michael T Compton clearly loves vegetables and does a fabulous job sharing that love with the world in this book. I never would assume a book about vegetables would be so enthusiastic but it is! A wonderful read.

The only thing I did not like about this book was the title, I think that it is too of the moment and will age the book and its sales in the future. Otherwise I loved the book, the authors love of vegetables shines out from every page making this book a joy to read.

In Eight on My Plate, Dr. Michael Compton combines his expertise in nutrition with a love for farming to take us on an insightful journey through the world of vegetables. With a deep dive into the eight major families of vegetables—ranging from Brassicas and Alliums to Nightshades and Cucurbits—Compton provides a refreshing, science-backed approach to incorporating these healthy foods into our diets. As a former city dweller who traded his fast-paced urban life for an organic farm in the Hudson Valley, Compton shares not only his scientific knowledge but also the joys and struggles of organic farming. His personal journey is an inspiring testament to the rewards of reconnecting with nature and growing your own food.

What makes this book especially engaging is Compton’s balance of scientific facts, practical farming tips, and humorous anecdotes. From explaining why onions make us cry to revealing the surprising reason beets turn our pee pink, he brings lightheartedness and intrigue to every chapter. His exploration of the history of the land and the farmers who worked it before him adds a layer of depth to the book. As you follow his adventure in building a thriving organic farm, you’ll feel encouraged to reflect on your own relationship with vegetables and maybe even feel inspired to plant a garden of your own. This is a celebration of good food, healthy living, and the joy of growing and savoring vegetables.

A really easy to follow story about many of the foods we eat on a daily basis. And the author’s relationship with them.

Veggie Smarts, by Michael T. Compton, a passionate farmer who also happens to be a an expert in nutrition provides insightful and fun facts in addtion to a healthy approach to eating veggies on a daily basis.

There is so much joyful knowledge in this book! Michael Compton cannot help but imbue his book with his love for vegetables, both growing them and eating them. His inspiration to eat more mindfully, and with the wisdom he so expertly dispenses, leaps off the page.

Dr. Michael Compton, a passionate farmer and vegetable enthusiast, has crafted a book, Veggie Smarts, that not only highlights the nutritional powerhouse of veggies but also celebrates the rich history of the land they come from. His approach is both scientific and soulful, making it a delightful read for those looking to enhance and understand their daily diet. I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this treasure of a book, one that I will return to often!

this was a very informative book, especially to me who is still exploring the world of vegetables and incorporating them into my diet!

Such an uplifting book! Michael enthusiasm for vegetables just oozes from the pages. I raced through the pages

I can imagine many different people will enjoy this.

As an experienced gardener, I found new information but if you're just starting to grow vegetables you'll be inspired too. It's also the story of buying a house and creating a garden, that then grows into a business supplying the neighbourhood.

It s also for those who would like to eat more healthily, Michael introduces us to different families of vegetables. It explains as a super taster (someone who finds bitter foods hard to swallow) I am ok with spinach but not broccoli!

This book is interesting, enlightening, entertaining, humorous (at times) and more read! The author has a conversational writing style yet delves into many topics of growing food, health, and lifestyle. I loved hearing about his old farmhouse and the history it has. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

3.5 rating. I was expecting more from this book. It was much more technical and written like a biography, history lesson and informational about vegetables. I really was hoping for some colorful pictures to keep the reader interested. Some of the praise said it was humorous and delightful, but it didn’t feel like that for me. I’m sure others may love this informational text, but it wasn’t for me

I really enjoyed this read as it has a lot of useful information that I will personally be able to add to my wealth of knowledge and my journey of eating more veggies in my diet.

A few things that stuck out for me are:
- We all know that we should eat more vegetables
- Eight on a plate holds promise that lower the risk of things such as being overweight, pre diabetic, type 2 diabetes etc.
- Let food be thy medicine and medicine by thy food.

The definition of being veggie smart is: Having a thorough understanding of vegetables so that meals will be more delicious + health will be more optimized.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC.

This book has an engaging readable style, the author describes how they set up a large vegetable garden / farm, and by dividing vegetables into 8 "families" explains how / why they grow vegetables from each of these groups. There are lots of useful tips and some recipe outlines which are very tempting.

I have an allotment and I'm always keen to try new and unusual varieties and got a lot of ideas from this book. I’m now planning a large seed order!

I think this book would be enjoyed by any keen vegetable grower or eater.

Overall, the book was great and looks tasty! I did really enjoy it. Thank you for this advance reading copy!

A great book on healthy eating, with lots of vegetables there are no worries about fat and this book promotes health. I enjoyed the story of how his farm began. I ordered a lot of vegetables from my online supplier in response to the book. I am not yet ready to grow my own, not yet anyway.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.