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Adult Books - Nonfiction - Customs & Holidays
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The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals.
Pollan, Michael (author).
Apr. 2006. 434p. Penguin, hardcover, $26.95 (1-59420-082-3). 394.1.
REVIEW.
First published April 1, 2006 (Booklist).
Humans were clearly designed to eat all manner of meats, vegetables, fruits, and grains. But, as Pollan points out, America’s farmers have succeeded so wildly that today’s fundamental agricultural issue has become how to deal sensibly with overproduction. The result of this surfeit of grain is behemoth corn processors, who have commoditized the Aztecs’ sacred grain and developed ways to separate corn into products wholly removed from its original kernels. This excess food and Americans’ wealth and rapid-paced lifestyles now yield supersized portions of less-than-nutritious eatables. Pollan contrasts the technologically driven life on an Iowa corn farm’s feedlots with the thriving organic farm movement supplying retailers such as Whole Foods. Pollan also addresses issues of vegetarianism and flesh eating, hunting for game, and foraging for mushrooms. Throughout, he takes care to consider all sides of issues, and he avoids jingoistic answers. Although much of this subject has been treated elsewhere, Pollan’s easy writing style and unique approach freshen this contemporary debate. — Mark Knoblauch
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Features That Discuss This Work:
1. At Length With... : Bill McKibben
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