If you had told me some years ago that this would be the book that I would recommend most often, I would have said you were crazy.I supposed I was ripe for The Omnivore's Dilemma when I picked it up; I love food, love to cook, love to eat. But I was in a stage where I was starting to view food beyond its biological necessity and capacity to provide pleasure. Curiosity spurred me.
What was I putting in my mouth and in my son's mouth?
Where did it come from?
What were the unseen costs incurred in its journey to my table?
This book answers all those questions and then some in uncomfortable, sometimes horrifying detail.
It sounds simple enough: Michael Pollan traces the origins of four meals: a fast food combo, a meal made with supermarket products labeled "organic" (there's a reason why "organic" is in quotes because it doesn't mean what you think it means), a meal made with ingredients from a sustainable farm, and a meal made from scratch - as in the guy hunts a wild boar, gathers wild mushrooms, and tries to harvest sea salt - scratch.
You find out how almost everything consumed has some form of corn in it, even unlikely products you don't eat, like batteries. Pollan takes you behind the shocking scenes of large-scale cattle and produce farming - prepare to be disgusted.
For most of the book, I felt that I never want to eat again, but then Pollan does something miraculous. By the time you finish the final course, you fall in love with food all over again. Pollan reminds you that food, in its simple and natural state, is a celebration.
How did I change? I grew as a consumer, as an eater. I heightened my awareness and gained knowledge and a newfound appreciation for what I ate. Because of that book, I modified my habits of consumption - not radically, but enough so that I know I am making a bit of difference.
Has a book ever revolutionized your way of thinking so that you changed an aspect of your lifestyle?
How much simpler it was when we grew our own stuff and just went out and hunted
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fascinating book, though I'm a bit scared of what I might discover inside it. One of the nice things about keeping kosher is knowing that I'm protected from eating anything really gross, especially when it comes to meat. Though I'm sure a lot of foods that I eat are much more unhealthy than I believe them to be. So it probably would be a good idea for me to read this book.
ReplyDeleteI usually stay away from books like these when I'm craving bad food. Heh. Seriously, I've seen this author around and it really does sound like a fascinating book.
ReplyDelete... but then again... I hate to cook. Might make me hate it more.... Na, not possible. ;D
Don't be surprised if I show up at your table with my fork in my hand. :D
btw... Thanks for putting up the button for the giveaway! <3!
Blodeuedd - Simpler in a way but harder too, I think.
ReplyDeleteSimcha - You probably have nothing to worry about. Many suspect foodstuffs are automatically excluded due to not being kosher.
Melissa (Books and Things) - You are always welcome at my table!
Hey there... you gave me a great idea to put into my Summer Fun Event on My Reading List. So, I've done a post just like this... and mentioned your blog in my post. Also, if you'd like to know which books did change my life... take a look. There's more fiction books than non-fiction books. :)
ReplyDeleteFAST FOOD NATION is good, as well as the movie FOOD, INC. (though some of the scenes are stomach-churning). Given that Monsanto is such a dominant player in the industry it doesn't surprise me that OMNIVORE would note how much corn products infiltrate food and non-comestibles.
ReplyDeleteI've heard good things about this book and will look for a copy at my library. Thanks for the reminder!
Batteries??? No wonder they say ignorance is bliss. LOL
ReplyDeleteBut yes, it does sound very interesting. I bet I'd be horrified for a day then forget about it. :)
Oh, I've really not read any books that changed my ways. Other than more aware of nature I think. But that was something buried in me from years ago.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing to read. Thank you for sharing this!
Mozette - Thank you for mentioning me in your post! Ideas I've read about in books have inspired me so much.
ReplyDeleteKathryn - Food, Inc. is a great companion movie to Omnivore and Fast Food Nation...and again, makes you not want to eat for a very long time.
Missie - Corn in batteries is one of the less shocking things, actually. It gets much grosser.
Melissa (My World) - Perhaps this will be the book that will change your life??
I've been planning to read this book for years. I understand it highlights Polyface Farms, which is only about 30 miles from where I live. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me that I want to read this one! I am so much more focused on the food I'm putting into my mouth now that Gage has started eating real food. I need to read this one ASAP.
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