The Imus Ranch: Cooking for Kids and Cowboys

Deirdre Imus' book works at every level - a beautful story that captures in words and pictures the challenges these kids face and the miracles that happen at Imus Ranch, a coffee table book of Imus Ranch and the Southwest that is gorgeous in its own right, and finally scrumptious recipes for those who are trying to eat healthy and live longer. The heart and soul of this book are the kids with cancer and other terrible diseases who frequent Imus Ranch. For those of us who have had cancer and/or the privilege of working with kids with cancer, we know that there is a very, very thin line between feeling hopeful and feeling hopeless. Far too often, cancer patients - sick of being sick - throw in the towel prematurely, even when they have some prospect for being cured. This touching book and story - reflecting their experiences at Imus Ranch - gives them the courage to keep on keeping on, reflecting both their challenge and the hope of Imus Ranch. Having carried a group of kids from Georgia with cancer to Imus Ranch in 2002, I can attest to this being a life-changing experience for many of these kids. It is also a beautiful book with spectacular photography and engaging narrative that shares their stories and experiences at Imus Ranch, and an extra bonus to know that 100% of the proceeds goes to Imus Ranch and supporting its ongoing important work.

for once, a cookbook and lifstyle book that doesn't cram its philosophy down your throat. A great program that changes the lives of hundreds of kids. deirdre imus did a beautiful job and giving 100% of the money to the ranch...a public foundation, should serve as a guide for other people who tell us they are donating a "portion"of the proceeds from their books. I loved it.

Well, I unabashedly admit that I'm a fan of Imus and thoroughly enjoy his morning show; it is addictive as is his eccentric humor. And, although Don is controversial and scathing at times, his quest and cause at the Imus Ranch is impressive and authentic. Moreover and perhaps most importanly, Don is quick to remind us that 100% of the proceeds of his products (and this book) go to the Imus Ranch (for those unfamiliar, the Imus Ranch hosts pediatric cancer patients, those with blood-borne diseases, and young family members of those patients). The Ranch is a working cattle ranch, similar to Don's childhood roots, devoted entirely to these kids and allowing them to have this unusual and exhilarating experience. The Imus Ranch is the backdrop and inspiration for Deidre's (Don's wife) new book, THE IMUS RANCH: COOKING FOR KIDS AND COWBOYS. The book is impeccably adorned with outstanding photographs, stories, and letters from those kids who have attended a session at the Ranch. The book includes over 100 recipes afforded those participants while staying at the Ranch and, although it is vegetarian fare, most recipes provide dairy and meat substitute options. As a result, this book will appeal to a wide audience. And, if you're not buying it for any other reason than to read about the Ranch, its roots, and its purpose, you'll have gone a long way to help the kids continue to fight the good fight.As an aside, on his radio/TV show, Don has humorously ranted on one particular picture in the book. The picture reflects the rusticly-adorned living area of the main house including a chess board in the foreground. The first thing Don noted was that the Queen was on the wrong square! Although he made the necessary changes and requested the picture be retaken, he has capitalized on the mistake by declaring that anyone fortunate enough to have purchased one of those books with the Queen in the incorrect position will have a collectors item. A great book, a great cause. Buy it and enjoy!