The Omnivore's Dilemma

The Omnivore's Dilemma

Juvenile nonfiction
"Before I began working on this book, I never gave much thought
to where my food came from. I didn't spend much time worrying about
what I should and shouldn't eat. Food came from the supermarket and
as long as it tasted good, I ate it." Michael Pollen, author of The
Omnivore's Dilemma: The Secrets Behind What You Eat (I chose the
young readers edition; there is also an adult version) was in for a
rude awakening. Trips to a potato growing place using a pesticide so
toxic the spuds must be stored six months before they are edible and a
feedlot of cows standing in their own manure gave him the revelation
that the burger and fries happy meal might not be so happy. Studying
about food made him face what he calls the omnivore's dilemma. Unlike
obligatory carnivores like Joey cat, humans are omnivores. What
should we eat? In today's world where most of us are quite far from
the origins of our food and much "food" is created by very unnatural
methods this can be a perplexing question.
Pollen investigates four food chains: Industrial, Industrial
Organic, Local Sustainable, and Hunter-Gatherer. Since each path ends
with a meal, he works each path of investigation around a typical
meal. There is a lot of information packed into this volume.
Pictures, charts, and other visuals are very well integrated. This is
why, even though this book is designed for kids, I feel comfortable
recommending it to chemistry challenged adults like myself. It would
make a really awesome family read together.
If you really want to know just what lurks on the shelves of the
supermarket either the adult or the juvenile version of The Omnivore's
Dilemma is a great way to start learning.
On a personal note, Orono Community Garden is now starting up. YOWZA!
A great big shout out goes out to John and Shelley Jemison and garden
dog Mika who will once again run the show and the motley crew
(including yours truly) through which they will work miracles.
Julia Emily Hathaway


Sent from my iPod