Oranges

Author: John McPhee
Stars: 4
Review by: Mary NK

This McPhee classic not only made me hungry for all kinds of exotic fruits, but also reminded me how captivating great investigative nonfiction is. Peopled with unique characters - like the scientist who discovered how to make frozen OJ, and the meteorologist who accurately predicts dangerous frosts for specific hills and fields - Oranges is also chock full of fascinating factoids about a fruit that turns out to be WAY more complex than I ever dreamed. Their trademark color, I learned, is caused by specific night temperatures and has nothing whatever to do with ripeness. Moreover, most orange trees are grafted onto stronger lemon tree roots; so it is possible to design a tree that bears oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits and other related citrus. Read this tasty treat with a tall pitcher with - you guessed it - OJ. Then sample any McPhee gems you missed. I heartily recommend Control of Nature as a reminder of why, exactly, that is NOT possible.