I’ve been hearing about The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan for quite some time now, so I finally picked up a copy at the library.
The basic premise is that Michael takes us through his experience of four different meals ranging from a drive-through meal at McDonalds to a meal he hunted and foraged for himself. In between he experiences meals from “big organic” like Whole Foods Market and small organic from the likes of Joel Salatin.
Let’s just say that I diverge from Mr. Pollan’s world-view in regards to human origins and natural history. I am very much a believer in intelligent design. Michael spends a fair amount of time speculating about how our ancient history affects how we eat today. We also diverge in our political leanings, but I won’t go into that. These small differences are not enough to stop me from recommending this book. It is a profoundly thought provoking book that I believe anyone who eats should read.
Mr. Pollan doesn’t just sit down to these meals, he examines where the food comes from. He traces the McDonalds meal all the way back to a corn field in Iowa. He discovers that in fact a McDonalds hamburger is 52% corn, chicken mcnuggets are 56% corn, and a soft drink is 100% corn.
This book has strongly impacted Whole Foods Market’s stock prices. It sparked a continuing Internet discussion between Michael Pollan and Whole Foods’ CEO John Mackey. Pollan does not portray Whole Foods in the most positive light, however I think is portrayal is mostly fair. On the other hand, John Mackey’s responses and subsequent actions have truly impressed me. He is a very impressive man and while Whole Foods is not perfect, it is the most powerful positive force in the food industry today.
Pollan does not simply examine our multiple food chains, he waxes philosophical. He shares the thoughts that go through his mind as he slaughters chickens, hunts wild boar, and drives a tractor through a field of corn. His thoughts give the book a rich flavor and provoke serious thought.
This book does not give us answers. It does not tell you what to eat. It shows us the big picture and gives us a place to start when thinking about food. It produces more questions than answers. But before you can find the answer, you have to know the question.
That’s the guy that wrote the Power Steer article I have on my blog, also thought provoking and very influential in my ideas concerning meat. Sounds like I would also differ with him on many of the same issues, but also sounds like a book worth reading.
Like you say, they’re not perfect, but I am very excited to be moving back to a town where there’s a Whole Foods Market. It certainly provides more options than I have currently. And really, can you find perfection anywhere? Just a thought.
Thanks for the book recommendation.
Melissa of http://wholelife.wordpress.com
After reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma, our mostly vegan roomates loosened up quite a bit about the dairy products. They’re now making (and eating) the mac-n-cheese recipe from Harvest Eating.
Melissa,
That article looks like a nearly exact copy of a chapter from The Omnivore’s Dilemma. My guess is he compiled a number of one-shot articles like this into his book.