The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals

Comment: There are no words to describe how much I enjoyed this book! Pollan makes learning about our many food systems fun and interesting. I never thought I would enjoy reading about the origins of meat, giving that I have been a vegetarian for most of my life. Now I know what to tell people when they ask me why I don't eat at McDonald's or why I choose to be a vegetarian. Bravo Michael!

Comment: Michael Pollan has put together a fantastic view of the industrial food complex. His experiences in the Iowa corn fields, contrasted by his time spent on an organic farm, make for a very thought-provoking story. After reading The Omnivore's Dilemma, grocery shopping will never be the same. Engaging from the get-go, this eye opening book is a must read.

Comment: This is shipped to my college so quick. it takes about two days from my ordering date till I actually got it.

Comment: This is a truly marvellous book - a must read for anybody interested in knowing more about what they eat, where it originally came from and how it got to their plates. The sheer breadth of topics discussed is mind-boggling. The perils of modern industrial food production. The smokescreens behind which these dangers are hidden and those which we choose not to see. Until, of course, a salmonella infection hits us. The wastages involved in this process. Are big organic companies truly organic? How food "grown" on a small scale, in harmony with nature, is probably the best solution. On the scalability of these methods. What it takes to prepare a meal from scratch - yes, really really scratch. And, much more.

There is no ranting, no speculation. Just cold, incisive analysis. Pollan's clarity of thought, elegant writing style and above all, his drive to keep asking questions until he gets to the root of the matter makes this book special.

Comment: Before I read this book, I thought I was eating smart...but this well researched, fascinating look at the food industry really opened my eyes in a big way. I will never eat or look at food the same way again. What's more, because you know so much about the food you put in your mouth, it is MUCH easier to make healthy choices. You will have a laundry list of incentives behind why you should avoid processed or fast food that is much more convincing than the issue of "dieting" or "calorie counting." If you are a parent, I especially believe you have a responsibility to educate yourself so you can help your kids avoid the obesity epidemic that has gripped their generation.