The subject is too serious for such a shallow treatment. I think I learned some interesting things, e.g.,

* in Korea, dogs are pets and meat. The breed determines the function
* Ag-gag laws are directed not only at punishing undercover filming, but also at limiting public pronouncements (kind of like gun-gag laws).
* All those worries about making sure that vegetarians get a complete protein at every meal were unfounded. Our bodies can manage to combine our amino acids as appropriate.
* .... ( )

An introspective look at the way that meat affects our past, present, and future.

This turned out to be a lot different than what I had imagined this book to be about. And that's a good thing. Marta Zaraska is very adept at providing an in depth look at the history of meat in our culture, and not just it's positive and negative effects in our world today. There's a lot of scientific fact behind her writing, which helps emphasize her point. However, I would be curious to learn more about the sources she used, simply out of curiosity.

Don't be turned off from this is you love meat. I like to eat meat, and frankly there wasn't any startling revelations for me after reading this book, as I already try to eat less meat in my daily life. I don't see myself going completely vegetarian any time soon, I am aware of the health effects that too much meat (really, too much of anything. Even water!) has on the human body. This book may not be for everyone, especially those who are particularly "meathooked," as in they can't enjoy a meal if it doesn't have that quintessential umami taste. But try reading (or listening) to this anyway. You might learn something new. ( )

This is a very interesting read.

I won this book on the goodreads giveaway. ( )

Finding a book that is both entertaining and educational is a joy! Ms. Zaraska has done very thorough research and been meticulous in her citations, leaving no doubts about whether this is fact or just the opinion of someone with an agenda. She covers all aspects of the title subject in an easy to understand way, explaining the science so anyone can understand. She manages to do this in such a subtle manner you never suspect you are being taught a thing. Very, very readable and I highly recommend this book. If you are a Mary Roach fan, you are sure to enjoy this also. ( )