For those of you who have dabbled in or tried a raw foods diet, what were your experiences?

I have been experimenting with this way of eating for almost 4 years, and i have gone through several stages (the natural hygiene stage, the “superfoods” stage, the mostly-fruit stage) and am not interested in eating this way 100% of the time, even though I have heard that this is how the most benefits accumulate. I am wondering for those who have tried it or researched it: what books influenced you? what were some of your experiences? what were your impressions of this way of eating?

DISCLAIMER: For those who just want to be contrary and tell me how useless raw foods are and how stupid it is to eat this way, or other discouraging remarks, DON’T BOTHER. You will be promptly flagged and ignored. This is not the question you need to be spreading your negativity on. Go and rant on Craigslist or something.