eric_conrad's review against another edition
4.0
Very informative. A fascinating book about the history and current fragile existence of the banana that most people in the United States eat.
12roxy's review against another edition
3.0
This important story is awkwardly written and poorly edited.
mrsbond's review against another edition
4.0
Detailed and interesting look at the past, present and future of bananas. Surprised by the level of involvement of banana companies in South American government; even more surprised by US involvement on behalf of the banana companies. Provides some insight into the efforts by researchers to develop a banana that would be capable of replacing the Cavendish, which is plagued by disease. Brief discussion on genetically modified foods (author believes this may be the only way to save the banana).
kbratten's review against another edition
3.0
Who knows anything about bananas? This book is more interesting than many other based on one subject. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes bananas, because you can never eat another one again without thinking about something learned in the book.
brynpemery's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.0
I’m a fan of micro histories and this was interesting, but definitely more journalistic than historical. I felt the different components of the book could have been better woven together, and it bothered me how often the author used “we” when discussing the US and Western Europe. More diverse perspectives would have been helpful. And I’d be interested in an update, 15 years later, about how some of the Panama disease mitigation techniques have continued to develop.
aprilmay11's review against another edition
3.0
Wars have been fought over bananas. And what an interesting history. I love bananas and so grateful for all the hard work.
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
4.0
I like single-topic books whether it is the Pencil or Salt or Cod or apparently the Banana. You never know what you are going to learn - like the fact that the banana sold in the US changed about 1970 from one type completely to another type, and might do so again. Or that the US banana companies - specifically Chiquita and Dole were essentially evil and completely supported by the US government which was also evil. This book was a quick read, though a bit light. So perhaps more like a 3.5 than a 4.