Michael Pollan

Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan
This book reads more like a suspense novel than a nonfiction book. I couldn’t put it down. Everything you ever wanted – or more likely, didn’t want – to know about the food you eat. Update note: His newest book is In Defense of Food. It’s terrific.

Post Script: Omnivore's Dilemma was released in April of 2006. I read it shortly after that, sitting on the back porch, letting my end of school year work pile up all around me because I simply couldn't put the book down. I knew I should have waited for my summer break, but this was as much a page turner as any mystery I have ever read. Not only did it change my life, I'm pretty sure he changed the world with this book. There are a great many themes about food and food production that have become part of our modern consciousness that can be traced to this book.

In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
A follow up to The Omnivore’s Dilemma and just as good. the premise of the book is summed up in his quip, "Eat food, mostly plants, not too much." That seems obvious enough until one realizes that there is startlingly widespread confusion about what food actually is. And that is precisely what the book is all about.