No table of contents?!?!?

Unacceptable that they should, in this day and age, publish an audiobook without a table of contents!!!

10 people found this helpful

Another great book from Pollan

This book explores two subjects that I have not given much thought to and one that I think about constantly.

The material is interesting, peppered with interviews and read as only an author can read their book.

For me, the chapter on caffeine seemed quite light, likely because I have already researched coffee a fair bit. (I would like to point out that although Pollen makes the point that growers make barely any money, the process from bean to cup accounts for a lot of different costs, and if the café is charging a sensible premium then the costs to get the coffee to you do make up 98%< of the cost and are warranted.)

Additionally I feel like, although Pollan points out the difference between cultural appropriation and the use of peyote (diminishing supply for native Americans). The use of the term is self reinforcing its use in culture - cultures have borrowed and changed each others customs for melania and the current narrative that this is a bad thing only serves to demonise those who a bad actor wishes to dispense with.

3 people found this helpful

Interesting, but not as good as How to change your mind

I’ve very much enjoyed Michael Pollan’s books and this is a great read too - or great reading by the author I should say. It’s a nice accompaniment to his previous book, How to Change Your Mind, which I highly recommend. However, a bit shorter, a bit lighter, it just wasn’t as deep or good. One chapter being a previously published article, was this a bit of a rushed book through the pandemic? It seems like it. Worth reading but I feel there was more in the author.

2 people found this helpful

Brilliant

I had difficulty at the beginning of the book
I thought I might even return it, I lost interest but my friend who read it said to pull through a little more and I was very happy that I did

1 person found this helpful

A gentle, humane ride

What a pleasure it is to spend several hours in Michael Pollan’s company as he walks us through the history and impact of these fascinating plants. The writing is excellent, as usual. I could have listened to many more minutes.

1 person found this helpful

great book

another great book from Pollan. The book is in 3 sections opium, caffine, mescaline. These are the only subjects of the book but explored in depth with the usual Pollan story telling making it easy to read / listen to.

1 person found this helpful

Not very scientific

Very American perspective, especially about legal implications of possession. Very little insights about impact on nervous system and homeostasis.

Humour in neuroscience

Great story telling - bringing science to life (and sometimes the spiritual 'beyond'). Loved this book. Thank you.

Absolutely Loved - funny, intriguing and informative

Open minded and nuanced dive into three different plants and our relationships. Especially regarding the mix of cultural heritage, political and economical interests and individual lives.
Loved the authors narration and pacing and can’t wait to listen to his other books.

Interesting and enjoyable

I enjoyed this book, and found it educational, as I have also with his other books.
I found the stories interesting and entertaining too.