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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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