booksandbarbara's review
informative
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
This was supposed to just be a quick listen for while I did the housework, but it rather quickly snatched my attention.
It's a really well researched peice, one I'm glad I've come across, and the fact Michael decided to self experiment so he could relay the information from his own experience was something to admire, because I myself are in a caffein chokehold and could never.
I absolutely loved hearing about everything to do with tea and coffee, both the good and the bad, the history, the culture, the science, and the traditions from around the world.
I highly recommend people give this a try and then follow it up with Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, another book I've listened to that's actually incredible and related to this work.
Although I will say, as much as the first half gripped my attention, that wasn't much the case by the second half, mainly because there was talk of said other book, and it's one I've already read so I zoned out a little.
It's still an incredible listen, though.
It's a really well researched peice, one I'm glad I've come across, and the fact Michael decided to self experiment so he could relay the information from his own experience was something to admire, because I myself are in a caffein chokehold and could never.
I absolutely loved hearing about everything to do with tea and coffee, both the good and the bad, the history, the culture, the science, and the traditions from around the world.
I highly recommend people give this a try and then follow it up with Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, another book I've listened to that's actually incredible and related to this work.
Although I will say, as much as the first half gripped my attention, that wasn't much the case by the second half, mainly because there was talk of said other book, and it's one I've already read so I zoned out a little.
It's still an incredible listen, though.
spooderman's review
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Addiction, Slavery, Medical content, Excrement, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Colonisation, Ableism, and Mental illness
Minor: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Child death, Cancer, Child abuse, War, Pandemic/Epidemic, Animal death, Cannibalism, Death, Vomit, Sexism, Self harm, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, Chronic illness, Trafficking, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Classism, and Suicidal thoughts
andystone's review
3.0
Love anything that Pollan writes, and this was no different. The content would be more interesting if he dove in deeper on the history, the cultural impact or the future of coffee. If you haven’t read Pendergrast’s Uncommon Grounds, then this will feel a little more new for you.
jschmidt10's review
4.0
Fun listen about coffee, it’s addictive nature and a man who gives it up for research. Looking forward to my next cup!
msmithr's review
3.0
Super fast Audible. I’m a lover of all things Michael Pollan and coffee, so this was a must listen. And, I am very happy to still be drinking coffee afterward! Man - everything Pollan does is just quality.
dorisxdw's review
3.0
This was a very thought-provoking audiobook on the history of caffeine and the effect is has on our daily lives. The authors own journey of quitting coffee during the writitng process was interesting to follow and made for nice breaks between all the facts and figures. Ironically I'm typing this with a cup of coffee right next to me but listeneing to this has definitely made me more aware of my own relationship to caffeine, although I don't think I'll be quitting it anytime soon.