Michael Pollan Books

Michael Pollan is a prominent American journalist and a professor at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. His other works include In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto (2008) and The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-Eye View of the World (2001).

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1
 Books: The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan

The Omnivore's Dilemma

Michael Pollan
A Natural History of Four Meals
4.4 (117 ratings)
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What's The Omnivore's Dilemma about?

We face an overwhelming abundance of choices when it comes to what we eat. Should you opt for the local, grass-fed beef, or save time and money with cheap chicken nuggets? Organic asparagus shipped from Argentina, or kale picked from your neighbor’s garden? The Omnivore’s Dilemma examines how food in America is produced today and what alternatives to those production methods are available.

Who should read The Omnivore's Dilemma?

  • Anyone thinking about changing their eating habits – whether by becoming a vegetarian, switching to organic produce or trying their hand at hunting, gathering or growing their own food
  • Anyone interested in sustainability, food policy or food politics

2
 Books: In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan

In Defense of Food

Michael Pollan
An Eater’s Manifesto
4.5 (107 ratings)
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What's In Defense of Food about?

In Defense of Food is a close examination of the rise of nutritionism in our culture, and a historical account of the industrialization of food. An expert in food ecology, author Michael Pollan takes a look at the way in which the food industry shifted our dietary focus from “food” to “nutrients,” and thus narrowed the objective of eating to one of maintaining physical health – a goal it did not accomplish.

Who should read In Defense of Food?

  • Anyone concerned about his or her diet and health, and looking to improve them
  • Anyone interested in the actual impact of nutritionism on our physical health
  • Anyone seeking alternatives to the Western diet

3
 Books: The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan

The Botany of Desire

Michael Pollan
A Plant’s-Eye View of the World
4.3 (84 ratings)
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What's The Botany of Desire about?

The Botany of Desire (2001) explores the complex and fascinating relationship between humans and plants. In these blinks, we’ll see how plants manipulate humans by taking advantage of our four basic desires for sweetness, beauty, intoxication and control, and how, in turn, we help plants reproduce and even grow stronger.

Who should read The Botany of Desire?

  • Gardeners curious about our relationship with plants
  • People interested in botany
  • All readers with an interest in anthropology

4
 Books: Cooked by Michael Pollan

Cooked

Michael Pollan
A Natural History of Transformation
4.4 (43 ratings)
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What's Cooked about?

Cooked (2013) details the history of humanity’s relationship with cooking, baking and fermentation. These blinks explain how cooking became an essential aspect of being human while exploring the varied techniques people have tried and perfected to turn nature’s bounty into a delicious, nutritious meal.

Who should read Cooked?

  • People interested in culinary history
  • Foodies eager to understand why we cook they way we do
  • Fans of brewing, pickling or other fermented foods

5
 Books: How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan

How to Change Your Mind

Michael Pollan
What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence
4.4 (345 ratings)
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What's How to Change Your Mind about?

How to Change Your Mind (2018) is a fascinating account of one man’s exploration of the psychedelic drug world. Author Michael Pollan takes readers along for the ride as he learns first-hand about the positive aspects of psychedelic drugs, including the healing and restorative effects they can have on people suffering from depression and addiction. Readers will also hear from neuroscientists to learn exactly what is happening in the brain during a psychedelic trip.

Who should read How to Change Your Mind?

  • Psychologists and therapists
  • Depressive people and addicts
  • Spiritual seekers

6
 Books: This Is Your Mind on Plants by Michael Pollan

This Is Your Mind on Plants

Michael Pollan
4.3 (312 ratings)
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What's This Is Your Mind on Plants about?

This Is Your Mind on Plants (2021) is a vivid, intricate probe into the history, chemistry, and effects of three plant-derived drugs: opium, caffeine, and mescaline. These substances – a sedative, a stimulant, and a hallucinogen – represent a large part of the human experience with drugs. It’s time to shed new light on how they’ve shaped our histories, cultures, and minds.

Who should read This Is Your Mind on Plants?

  • Psychonauts and introspective thinkers
  • Botanists, plant lovers, and science geeks
  • Anyone interested in the history of the US war on drugs and its effects

7
 Books: Food Rules by Michael Pollan

Food Rules

Michael Pollan

What's Food Rules about?

Food Rules by Michael Pollan is a concise and practical guide that offers 64 straightforward rules for healthy eating. Drawing on the wisdom of different cultures and food traditions, Pollan provides simple and memorable guidelines to help us navigate the complexities of modern diets. It encourages us to eat real food, avoid processed foods, and adopt a more mindful approach to our meals.

Who should read Food Rules?

  • Individuals seeking practical guidelines for healthy eating habits
  • People who want to understand the cultural and historical context of food and nutrition
  • Readers looking for a short, easy-to-digest book on food-related topics

8
 Books: A Place of My Own by Michael Pollan

A Place of My Own

Michael Pollan

What's A Place of My Own about?

A Place of My Own by Michael Pollan delves into the author's personal journey to build a small structure in his backyard. Through this process, Pollan explores the history, philosophy, and practical aspects of architecture and construction. It offers a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and their built environment.

Who should read A Place of My Own?

  • Individuals interested in architecture, construction, and DIY projects

  • Readers looking for a personal exploration of the relationship between humans and their built environment

  • Those who enjoy Michael Pollan's writing style and his ability to blend personal narrative with in-depth research