What should we have for dinner?
-- from the Introduction to The Onmivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan.
Air-conditioned, orderless, illuminated by buzzing florescent tubes, the American supermarket doesn't present itself as having very much to do with Nature.
-- from the first chapter, "The Plant: Corn's Conquest."
Although it was enormously popular, I put off reading this because I feared political polemic over unbiased information.
But I am on a tear with food books now that I am on a Food Freedom campaign, so when I saw the audiobook at my library, I snatched it.
I am still in the first section on how corn has come to dominate America's food supply. It is fascinating! I'll reserve judgment on the political issues until I finish the book. So far, nothing is overtly political, so it is easy to keep an open mind.
THOUGHTS AND NOTES
This book inspired my former brother-in-law, Curt Ellis, to make the charming and quirky King Corn documentary.
This book, so far, has inspired me to stop by one of my favorite local markets, Sheridan Fruit Company, and buy some local, grass-fed lamb chops for the grill last night. Delish!
WEEKEND COOKING
I have been reading food books because I am on a Food Freedom kick, which you can like on Facebook, or follow on twitter.
This counts as one of my books for the Foodie's Reading Challenge, hosted by Margot at Joyfully Retired.
I've read In Defense of Food and The Botany of Desire, but not this one. Let us know what you think!
ReplyDeleteI've seen this one but didn't know what it was about. I'll have to see if my library has it and try to squeeze it in with my other reading.
ReplyDeleteI have never had lamb. Friends of ours were actually grilling it for lunch today and invited us over. Tempting but Hubby is working on bids and I am supposed to be working on sweeping the deck and shampooing carpets... but really am reading these weekend cooking blogs and planning dinner ;)
ReplyDeleteAn important book, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteThis has been on my TBR list, thanks for the nudge.
ReplyDeleteMy sister recently read (or was it a documentary she watched?) "Forks over Knives," another food freedom type book. She recommended that to my TBR as well.
This was a great audiobook! It got me started on a slew of other food books.
ReplyDeleteI've read both this and In Defense of Food...I like his books; will be looking for your review :)
ReplyDeleteI know I already told you I love this book, but I'm really excited that you are listening to the audio - that's how I read it too!
ReplyDelete