megea's review against another edition
5.0
The author adds a wrinkle to our thoughts about domestication by arguing that plants have selected for a preference for their qualities in humans, leading to their cultivation, ensuring their survival. Rather than us manipulating the traits of our crops, we've been manipulated by them!
Though I disagree with this premise (you can never determine an evolutionary reason for something, and it's hardly parsimonious to think of organisms acting as agents of selection on our perceptions of them (and how does this translate to fitness?), leading to us selecting for desirable traits in those organisms), I loved tracing the history of 4 important plants (apple, potato, tulip, marijuana) and their interactions with humans.
Though I disagree with this premise (you can never determine an evolutionary reason for something, and it's hardly parsimonious to think of organisms acting as agents of selection on our perceptions of them (and how does this translate to fitness?), leading to us selecting for desirable traits in those organisms), I loved tracing the history of 4 important plants (apple, potato, tulip, marijuana) and their interactions with humans.
mollywithcurls's review against another edition
5.0
A fascinating intersection of plant biology, society, ethics and science.
sgorr's review against another edition
4.0
This is the book that emerged before the Michael Pollan fad hit and before reading Pollan's books became almost synonymous with never ever wanting to need to eat again. Ever.
While I found it occasionally a bit slow and a bit dry, Pollan had me enraptured with the history of the apple and of the genetically engineered potato. The difference between the two chapters is that the first section on the apple left me filled full of knowledge, things I never knew and was now desperate to share. The http://www.goodreads.com/review/edit/13839#final chapter discussing the potato showed hints of the new more food-oriented Pollan as my newfound knowledge left me wishing I could just absorb energy from the sun and didn't need to eat. I felt guilty, but in a good, environmentally conscious kind of way.
That's actually why I rate the book so highly: it changed the way I think. I feel I simply can't go back to looking at things the way I used to and really, isn't that the point of books? To change you in some way?
I'm looking forward to reading more of Pollan and I applaud his efforts in this first early book.
While I found it occasionally a bit slow and a bit dry, Pollan had me enraptured with the history of the apple and of the genetically engineered potato. The difference between the two chapters is that the first section on the apple left me filled full of knowledge, things I never knew and was now desperate to share. The http://www.goodreads.com/review/edit/13839#final chapter discussing the potato showed hints of the new more food-oriented Pollan as my newfound knowledge left me wishing I could just absorb energy from the sun and didn't need to eat. I felt guilty, but in a good, environmentally conscious kind of way.
That's actually why I rate the book so highly: it changed the way I think. I feel I simply can't go back to looking at things the way I used to and really, isn't that the point of books? To change you in some way?
I'm looking forward to reading more of Pollan and I applaud his efforts in this first early book.
kristidurbs's review against another edition
4.0
It took me a while to finish this one. Not as immediately engrossing as Omnivore's Dilemma, but even so, definitely thought-provoking in its own right. Pollan gives the reader a unique view into the world of plants. Through his personal experience and reflection, he makes the case for biodiversity while heightening an awareness and appreciation for the world of plants.
georginaflorence's review against another edition
2.0
Baffled with how you can write an entire portion of a book about the war on drugs and cannabis and NOT mention a single time or even acknowledge the creation of the war on drugs to control the black body and continue enslavement through the prison system. Sounds like the war on drugs just made him nervous to grow his own weed and that’s the extent of it.
wirewrappedlily's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
cricci's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
An interesting perspective on how plants and humans play an active role in co-evolution. Pollan poses thought-provoking questions allowing the reader (listener) to ponder the answers with his own well-researched information. I came away feeling more empowered to make nutritional decisions and felt more informed about the food I eat. At the same time, it left me with a lot to think about. I also now really want to try growing potatoes in my garden next year!