Book Review – The Omnivore’s Dilemma
Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.
These are the 3 overarching rules Michael Pollan uses to answer the simple question that every human (omnivore) on this planet faces: "what to make for dinner". Now, these 3 rules are seemingly self explanatory enough that the reader could them at face value and go on with their merry way, but at this novel quickly reveals, there is a much much complicated and in depth definition behind what these 3 steps are, which are vital in understanding the Omnivore's Dilemma. During his culinary adventures from farm to table Pollan leaves no stone unturned in providing the reader an understanding of North American's current relationship to food and how important it is that we revolutionize it. In fact, Pollan doesn't just turn over each stone in his analysis but he lets you see each face of of those stones as he goes.
I absolutely adored the level of detail that Pollan provides in his analysis of modern day food chain. It seems as though every time a question would start to formulate in mind or my natural tendency to devil's advocacy would begin to stir Pollan managed to provide a point of view to match it, answer it and weave it into his greater points all at once. His levle of detail is well thought out and very much necessary to tackle such a seemingly simple topic. From the sun, to the dirt and all way up to the plate and table that we consume it on Pollan covers each step in what it means to grow, harvest and consume food. At times it may seem a little drawn out or dry to go into such meticiculous detail on something as simple as a slice of bread, but it is that very reason that he is covering it and why we need to understand such a simple but essential part of our lives. We are far too detached these days from the health, the economy, the manufacturing, the workers and the farms that are all implicated in our chain of food.
Now, there are a variety of medical, environmental, financial and political matters that Pollan brings up in this novel that I could write entire pages on, but before I make this post even longer, the piece that struck a personal cord with me is the social relationship (or lack there of) that we as North Americans have to food. In this industrialized age of efficiency food no longer holds the same esteem it once did with our ancestors. The meal no longer represents a medium with which to share our heritage, our stories, our experiences and our community. Instead, it has been shuffled into the same lanes of efficiency, homogeney and mass production that so many of our other aspects of life have found themselves. Much like the cars we lock ourselves into day in and day out food is looked upon as a means of fuel for our bodies and less a thing to share and enjoy together. This is one of the biggest reasons I feel it is so necessary that we change this perception of food.
In my younger days of travel throughout Europe I was always amazed by the relationship Europeans had with food. It wasn't just the quality and variety of food that intrigued me, but it was the social relationship that Europeans have to it. Almost every meal was a affair unto itself to behold and rejoice in. I'm sure you could ask any North American and they would say something similar about the Europeans (or Asian nations) relation to food, and it's probably the reason they love to travel - to have an opportunity to dip into that experience and that shared culture over food. But why leave that experience behind in the varied countries of Europe? Why can't we build our own relationships to food - one that is more tighty knit with its production and consumption? This is the source for my personal love of this novel. Aside from the myriad of other reasons to read this novel, if you too have ever found yourself taken by another culture's relationship to food then you should this novel and find out too.
First Time Manifesto. Long Time Eater.
I recently had the pleasure to go on a week long vacation to the beautiful country of Mexico. Beside the mandatory sun bathing, swimming and boogie boarding I looked at this vacation as an opportunity to pick up a new book.The first author that popped into my head has been recommended to me several times: Michael Pollan. With my ever increasing interest in food, sustainability, cooking and food culture I was giddy at the thought of reading one of the foremost authors on these very subjects. The first book I chose to delve into was In Defense of Food.
This was my first venture into any Michael Pollan writing and it was definitely an experience to remember. Reading the back cover of the novel there was a quote from one literary critique that kept coming back to me throughout the entire novel; he referred to Pollan as "biting". I don't think that could ring any more true in the sense of the word. Pollan has a sharp, bold faced approach to his writing that could easily be described as "biting" or even a little arrogant. At first this was a little off putting as it came off a little bit preachy. The picture he painted about North America's horrendous state of health almost gave me a sense of hopelessness. But as I read on in the novel I found it was rare that his aggressive stance was ever unfounded. In fact, I had to remind myself that this stance is rightfully necessary considering how dire this situation in North America can be. Above all else, I found Pollan to be a brilliant, succinct author who makes a stand and backs it with well researched and thought out arguments.
Another thought that comes to mind is that perhaps this isn't specific to Pollan's writing style, but rather the kind of determination that is needed and expressed when writing a manifesto (I've never read one prior to this). Pollan isn't just presenting some random diet fad or a check list of how to eat, he's doing something much better. Rather than show us 'what' to do Pollan is giving us a set of 'tools' and 'guidelines' with which to live by. He's outlining how we as North Americans are currently relate to food with little to show for it health wise. Then he contrasts it against other cultures in the world and how we "used to" eat. It's eye opening.
Food is a very integral part of our life and even prior to reading this book I could agree with Pollan that North American society has taken this relationship triangle between humans, food and the land for granted. It's seems appropriate that I read this novel on a vacation because almost every trip I've taken outside North America I've admired how other cultures put a much greater emphasis on food and how its shared in their respective cultures.
I continue to find a beauty and joy in the links that exist between humans, food and the land so I can't wait to pick up more novels by mister Pollan. Next up: The Omnivore's Dilemma.