book discussion
topic: In Defense of Food vs The Omnivore's Dilemma?
I've heard good things and am thinking of reading this book. However, if I'm only going to read one of Michael Pollan's books should I read this one or The Omnivore's Dilemma (which I've also heard good things about)?
i've read The Omnivore's Dilemma which was excellent but haven't read In Defense of Food. from what I've gathered In Defense carries on where Dilemma left off so I would probably start with The Omnivore's Dilemma if I were you.
I just finished In Defense of Food, and I read The Omnivore's Dilemma twice last year. If you're only going to read one, I would suggest TOD. IDOF was a well written and interesting book, but TOD painted a fuller picture of the social and environmental facets of eating.
I have read all his books but the one about gardening. My favorite has been The Botany of Desire, just for the novel approach he takes on the relationship between humans and plants. However, that book is not as topical to current trendy food debates and movements, which he is great at writing about.
hands down omnivore's dilemma. in defense of food was mostly a side note to omnivore, was much shorter, strained, and seemed more like an afterthought than a full fledged book. omnivore was a really good book that starts your internal debate almost right away.
I'm reading the Omnivore's Dilemma, and it makes me weep for yet another story of corporate greed at the expense of everything. If I hadn't stopped eating meat about a month ago anyway, I would have after chapter 3 of this book.

