mthoard's review against another edition
3.0
I heard the author speak on one of my favorite food podcasts and I became very excited about this book. However, I was initially very disappointed. I had expected it to be a history of how humans eat, how it has changed, and why it changed. Immediately, I was thrown off by the author's accusatory tone. While I do believe she did not mean to single out the individual reader, nor make the reader feel guilty about their personal food choices (and blames everyone but the reader, from the government to large food companies), that's still what happened, I felt defensive. I truly believe that Bee wants us to eat in a world without guilt, where the healthy choice is the easiest choice and the most satisfing choice. Nevertheless, beyond the first two chapters, I found the book easier to read; I felt less attacked. As a result, I was able to reflect upon the way I eat, the good and the bad, and resolve to make simple changes.
If I had done better research before hand, I might have chosen to read "Consider the Fork" by this author instead. "The Way We Eat Now" isn't simply a history of food with facts and statistics, but instead a passionate and opinionated book about a global food crisis, with a fairly optimistic outlook, albeit with some statistics. However, the biggest compliment that I will give to Bee is that she considers food to be nourishing physically as well as mentally. Food should make one happy, and she doesn't condone all unhealthy foods. I found that my own personal views towards food in many ways aligned very closely with hers.
If I had done better research before hand, I might have chosen to read "Consider the Fork" by this author instead. "The Way We Eat Now" isn't simply a history of food with facts and statistics, but instead a passionate and opinionated book about a global food crisis, with a fairly optimistic outlook, albeit with some statistics. However, the biggest compliment that I will give to Bee is that she considers food to be nourishing physically as well as mentally. Food should make one happy, and she doesn't condone all unhealthy foods. I found that my own personal views towards food in many ways aligned very closely with hers.
tomususan's review against another edition
5.0
Comprehensive book about nutrition, social issues, impact of food industry on economy in micro and macro scale.
Great read very informative and entertaining.
4,5/5
Great read very informative and entertaining.
4,5/5
ptaradactyl's review against another edition
Could not do it. I agree that there are many, many things wrong with the food system today, but I couldn’t handle the lamenting and nostalgia.
I realize that my food patterns fall outside national norms, and I grew up with gardens, canning and freezing. It’s not something I want to do, let alone dedicate more time to preparing meals.
I realize that my food patterns fall outside national norms, and I grew up with gardens, canning and freezing. It’s not something I want to do, let alone dedicate more time to preparing meals.
dreamsinfiction's review
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Really informative read - will definitely be more conscious of my eating habits from now on and try not to snack and drink sugary drinks.
missjeann's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
jennycn__'s review
4.0
A fascinating book that is packed with information about the way people across the world have and do eat. What’s refreshing about Bee Wilson’s books is that she doesn’t espouse faddy diet rules but an approach to eating that takes in the complexities of food production and availability with a healthy dose of common sense — both for individuals and what societies (government policy and manufacturers) could do to improve food for *everyone* and not just those with higher incomes. In this very complicated world of weight, wellness and food this is breath of fresh air.
hayleymunro's review
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder and Fatphobia