I was aware of some of the information in this book – namely that fast food is unhealthy and probably contributing to obesity in this country and, increasingly, abroad. But there was so much more here. For example, it’s not just that foods are fatty, but there are other, far more serious health risks with some foods: deadly pathogens that are spread by poor conditions and pure stupidity in meat packing plants, and which the government has no power nor apparent desire to control. People die of food poisoning, especially small children, and for more often than I’d imagined. Oh, and let’s not forget the threat of Mad Cow disease. Again, no one is insisting on taking steps that could really prevent the spread of this disease – why would they? It might add a few cents to the cost of a hamburger.

The book also discusses abuses of workers throughout the industry, and how the government (particularly Republicans) have chosen greed over public interest when “legislating” (and I use the term very loosely) the industry. That to me, is actually the most disgusting thing in this book. Well, maybe it’s tied with the way that sellers of fast/junk foods are buying their way into public schools, where they have a captive audience of impressionable minds – provided by our government, no less – to brainwash into buying their unhealthy products.

I’d already cut out most fast food from my diet and that of my seven-yead-old son (we haven’t eaten at a McDonalds since I can’t remember when), but I think I’m going to take it further now, and stop eating not only fast food, but also beef and probably chicken and pork, as well. (I’m already mostly vegetarian so it’s not a big leap, but still. This sure gave me some added incentive).

I’d recommend this book to everyone. Well, everyone who eats food, anyway. ;)

Good information, but really dry.

So many people had recommended Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser that I bought the audiobook on Audible.com and listened to all 9 hours. I have mixed opinions about it. On the one hand Schlosser does a wonderful job describing the history of the fast food industry with terrific case studies of McDonalds and Carl’s Jr. Visionary entrepreneurs brought America efficiently prepared meals at prices low enough to make the food affordable to all. Schlosser also expertly delves into the the structure and participants of the entire industry, from the meatpackers and potato farmers to the franchisees and corporate marketeers. The research effort that went into this book are well deserving of praise. I was especially bothered to learn about how in-bed fast-food marketers have become with our public schools, with the schools pimping junk food to students in order to raise revenue. It is shameful that we are trading off the health of our children for the tax dollars that should be going into our schools.



On the other hand, and perhaps this is a result of my listening to a narrator read the book rather than reading it myself, I found that Schlosser often sensationalized many parts of the book when the facts could well stand on their own. Schlosser comes across as partisan anti-Republican and in most cases, anti-business. He identifies a “victim” and magnifies their position, rather than give balance by providing insight into the fuller story. As a political moderate, an MBA, and a businesswoman, I was annoyed with the tired “big bad corporate American” position that Schlosser took throughout much of the book. Perhaps it was the narrator with an overly dramatic tone. Whatever it was, the book was often annoying and I could only handle listening to so much at a time. Don’t get me wrong; everyone should read this book. The facts revealed are important for all of us to know to make better public policy decisions. The message of this book is more important than its tone.

This was probably the wrong book to read after starting the Atkins Diet again…

Unsanitary conditions at the meat-packing plant and ecoli bacteria are not good for my appetite.

Read this a week after seeing Super Size Me! Great combination, and a good, hard and fast introduction into food politics. Excellent book!

Kind of know what I was getting with this one, but always like to have my mentalities backed up with some research. A fairly quick read.

This is a must-read. Schlosser examines the way the fast food industry has changed our world. Fast Food Nation looks at the economic, political, social, environmental and health issues that have been raised, and the conclusions he draws aren’t pretty.

Completed November, 2002

I think I’m going to become a vegetarian.

This book has changed the way I look at the entire prepared food industry. More than just a critique of fast food, it documents the processes behind the “malling” of America (and the world). Compelling reading.