Book Log 2009 #57: The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan

Starting with the familiar question of what to have for dinner, Pollan follows what he sees as the three main ways people feed themselves today: industrial farming, organic (or "organic") farming, and hunting/gathering. In each way, he examines how each foodway shapes the way we live, from the profusion of corn products in prepared foods to the ways in which companies promote "organic" food that hardly seems worthy of the label.

The dilemma is not only figuring out what to eat, but figuring out what is best to eat when balancing out all concerns. The industrial process results in cheap and plentiful food that doesn't quite nourish the body (or the soul), while more intensive processes may result in food that is better tasting and more nutritious (but at a price). He even questions being an omnivore at all, spending a little time considering vegetarianism (including a longish discourse on the ethics of eating other animals, which confirms that I am an incorrigible speciesist).

I like the approach of this book better than that of Fast Food Nation and its ilk, as it's less sensationalistic and more thoughtful about the impacts of every choice we make regarding food. It's also often a fun read, as Pollan gets to visit farms, hunt for game and mushrooms, and meet some very interesting people. Highly recommended.