Questions About The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals

by Michael Pollan (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

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Answered Questions (2)

Is this a book my 11 year old needs to be reading??

Claire When I was 11, I read a lot of nonfiction on cannibalism (some social/ritual, some survival situations) and doomed endeavors (think polar expeditions,…moreWhen I was 11, I read a lot of nonfiction on cannibalism (some social/ritual, some survival situations) and doomed endeavors (think polar expeditions, shipwrecks, mountain climbing) and I was a very sensitive child. Despite this combination of temperament and nonfiction horror stories, I had nightmares only about the SyFy original movies I watched with my father and various stressful social situations. I think most kids can handle this.
If you worry what your kid is reading, read it too, and talk about it with them. (My dad liked science and history so I bounced a lot of what I read off of him.) Don't make it a problem until it becomes a problem. If they read this and spout food facts for a few months, or even become a vegetarian - as one person here worried - fine and dandy. If they read this and start breaking down in tears whenever they see farm animals, then address it and monitor reading more closely. (less)

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Is this a good Book Club choice?

Sarah-beth It is good in that it promoted a lot of discussion. However the first part is pretty hard to get through and around half of the people in our book clu…moreIt is good in that it promoted a lot of discussion. However the first part is pretty hard to get through and around half of the people in our book club didn't finish it.(less)

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