Books I’ve Finished Recently

Botany of Desire
by Michael Pollan

An interesting look into how plants have ensured their own survival through the ages by cultivating traits that are desirable to humans, who in turn, propagate these plants on a massive scale throughout the world. The subjects are the Apple, the Tulip, the Potato, and Marijuana. Each fascinate me in different ways, so I enjoyed his insight and analysis. For such a short book it’s very informative.

 
The Omnivore’s Dilemma
by Michael Pollan

This is Pollan’s most recent book. Basically, he spent serveral years tracing various aspects of the food supply chain in the U.S. and outlines the results of 4 meals: Industrial, pasture, organic, and hunter-gatherer. Although he was a bit unfair in his critique of the Whole Foods Market chain, for the most part this is a good book that is well worth a read.

 
The Long Emergency
by James Howard Kunstler

If any book has had a profound impact on my life, it’s probably this one. I don’t quite subscribe to the doom-and-gloom scenario that Kunstler paints here but most of what he writes is based on hard facts, science, and reputable sources. To sum it up: When oil prices get much higher, we’re all pretty much fucked. The signs are already appearing, but most people aren’t paying attention. Hello! The world oil supply is on a decline — as in, we’re running out, right now. Better start preparing. My plans for the near future have changed quite a bit since I read this book (more on that later).

Kunstler also maintains a somewhat funny (if in a dark way) blog called Clusterfuck Nation. Keep an eye on that one.