I was expecting to love this book. The subject interests me. For me though this was incredibly dry. It was not fun to read. Some previous library patron had dogeared page 35 and apparently hadn’t read on, and I completely understand. My difficulty with the book might have been due to my mood though. I’m struggling to find the “right, page turner” and this was simply not it. It took me a long time to read. This book covers 26 different plants and how they were used medicinally by Ashkenazi Jews in the Pale of Settlement/historically. Interesting map of the Pale’s towns, and I always love maps in books. It does seem thorough though I somehow wanted more. It does seem to be well researched. I did learn some things though I suspect I won’t remember much of what I read. I guess I don’t regret reading it, even though it wasn’t that enjoyable a read for me. For most readers I think this might work better as an owned reference book rather than a book to read cover to cover. I did find myself skimming at times. 2-1/2 stars, rounded up. ( )