Most of what's written about the White House "gardens" says little about vegetables and fruit. Instead, we read about flowers and trees, which is interesting, but not especially satisfying for gardeners enamored with edibles. That is but one of many reasons to read Michelle Obama's book, American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America (Crown Publishers, $30). Some may think this project was cooked up by political strategists. Maybe, but the book is actually decently written and fun to read — even if, like me, you're a little weary of the sermons about fresh and local.