READ THIS: The Omnivore's Dilemma

I have a reading problem. Some people devour Twinkies, I devour books. It became such a problem while I was traveling in SE Asia, that I actually had to choose between 3 meals a day, or a new book.

With 18 books read, in 2 months, none under 500 pages, the answer is obvious... I chose books. Seeing as this isn't high school, I'll leave the nerd defense behind, and simply say that people who don't read, are often horribly boring and have terrible spelling and punctuation. Now, I must admit that when it comes to books I vary rarely discriminate, I'll pretty much read anything. I don't stick to a particular genre, nor am I hugely loyal to any author. However, the one and only recurring trend on my bookshelf seems to be "The Controversial." I like books that get people talking, that fill my head with random facts, and that can basically hold their own in an educated conversation. You'll never get an interview if your recently read book list begins with "Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea." Thus without further adieu please allow me to introduce to you "The Omnivore's Dilemma."

Written by investigative journalist Michael Pollan, TOD attacks the nagging question of "What should we have for dinner?" From this simple question Pollan takes us through the social, ethical, and environmental impact of our food choices, describing in vivid, often horrifying detail, how our food gets from its source, to our plate.  It may be an unexpected, and not very pretty truth, but it's one that every eater should know. 

Every time you go into a grocery store, whether it be Whole Foods, or Safeway, the choices you make on what foods to buy and how to spend your dollar, cast a vote. We have choices, but we are often unsure of what they are. Pollan's book, gives a clear, unbiased, non text-book-like look at what our choices are and how they effect the earth. You will not finish the book a converted Vegan, nor will you leave with the same blind confidence you once had in Organics. However, you will hopefully gain an educated opinion on where your food comes from and what you are actually putting into your mouth.

If you think that buying organic, being vegetarian, and shopping at Choices is casting the right vote..this book is for you.

If you think that eating meat, buying what's cheapest, and enjoying bananas in February is casting the right vote...this book is also for you.