
Corn — and its derivative products — will never taste the same again. From an investigation of the industrial-food system (high-fructose corn-syrup galore!) to a skeptical take on the 21st century organic movement (itself largely industrialized), Michael Pollan guides readers through the politics and evolution of the American diet. The Omnivore’s Dilemma spurred a national conversation about eating and the journey of food from farm to plate — or to Happy Meal box, as the case may be. One has to wonder if Michelle Obama would have chosen to plant a White House garden had it not been for Pollan and the huge influence he’s had on chefs, consumers and the culture of American eating.