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Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern…
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Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World (edition 2020)

by Michael Pollan (Author), Michael Pollan (Narrator), Audible Original (Publisher)

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25313105,359 (3.69)20
Michael Pollan, known for his best-selling nonfiction audio, including The Omnivores Dilemma and How to Change Your Mind, conceived and wrote Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World as an Audible Original. In this controversial and exciting listen, Pollan explores caffeine's power as the most-used drug in the world - and the only one we give to children (in soda pop) as a treat. Pollan takes us on a journey through the history of the drug, which was first discovered in a small part of East Africa and within a century became an addiction affecting most of the human species. Caffeine, it turns out, has changed the course of human history - won and lost wars, changed politics, dominated economies. What's more, the author shows that the Industrial Revolution would have been impossible without it. The science of how the drug has evolved to addict us is no less fascinating. And caffeine has done all these things while hiding in plain sight! Percolated with Michael Pollan's unique ability to entertain, inform, and perform, Caffeine is essential listening in a world where an estimated two billion cups of coffee are consumed every day.… (more)
Member:Kristelh
Title:Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World
Authors:Michael Pollan (Author)
Other authors:Michael Pollan (Narrator), Audible Original (Publisher)
Info:Audible Original (2020)
Collections:Your library
Rating:****
Tags:Audible, caffeine, food, nonfiction, science, kmh

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Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World by Michael Pollan

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When I started listening to this audiobook, Caffeine, by Michael Pollan, I was a bit worried I was going to be left feeling guilty about my caffeine consumption. Which, by the way, I don’t think I overly consume caffeine. I don’t label myself as addicted to caffeine. That’s my subjective opinion anyway. 😛 I rarely drink coffee as I prefer tea. I do consume an energy drink from time to time too. Although, to be honest, I have learned my lessons from postponing my caffeine intake to lunchtime. That is my physical dependence to caffeine.

Okay, back to reviewing this audiobook. One impact this book has obviously had is that I am now analyzing my relationship with caffeine. Pollan bravely abstains from caffeine while researching and writing this book. This is about the time I got worried that I was going to be judged for my caffeine intake. (Geez, I got defensive quickly!) Don’t fear future readers of this book, it’s not about judging people’s love of caffeine.

Pollan tells the interesting history of caffeine. He talks about the plant and how we have changed its use over time. He addresses the science of caffeine and the impact it has on our bodies. Weaved within all of the history and science, Pollan shares updates on his abstention from caffeine. It doesn’t sound all that fun to me. I appreciate his willingness to experiment and report on his discoveries. I especially enjoyed the portions of the book that address the culture of consuming caffeine.

As I previously mentioned, I love tea. I have explored tea bags, loose leaf tea, a multitude of flavors/seasons, and various caffeine levels. In the picture above is only one part of my tea collection. I enjoy the process of making tea. I have developed rituals and am thoughtful of the time available to steep different types of teas. I have no desire to unhinge my relationship with caffeine, and thankfully, Pollan understands.

This short audiobook is informative and fun! I acquired this audiobook through my Audible membership. This is an Audible Original that is available “Only From Audible.”

I have photos and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog ( )
  NatalieRiley | Jan 20, 2024 |
Coffee or black tea? I’m the latter and I enjoyed very much the history of caffeine and all about its good and bad effects on mankind. The author and I don’t share the same political points of view, but how fascinating that caffeine had a massive role to play in the advancements in math and science as caffeine was introduced right before the subjects flourished. The point: caffeine gave humans the ability to focus like never before. ( )
  KarenMonsen | Nov 15, 2023 |
This was another piece for my bingo board Non-Fiction reads, and it was an intensely interesting look at the caffeine-drug-drinks the greater share the world is addicted to and how/why people don't notice, as well as how much has been made off of making sure it stayed that way, holding a complete sway over people's bodies and their piocketbooks. ( )
  wanderlustlover | Dec 26, 2022 |
I’ve enjoyed all that I’ve read/listened of Pollan’s. He does a great job of weaving the historic with the modern, and conveying the scientific in layman’s terms. ( )
  jimgosailing | Nov 18, 2021 |
An fun little audio book. Pollan is relatable and enjoyable to listen to. ( )
  jcoleman3307 | Oct 7, 2021 |
Showing 1-5 of 13 (next | show all)
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Michael Pollan, known for his best-selling nonfiction audio, including The Omnivores Dilemma and How to Change Your Mind, conceived and wrote Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World as an Audible Original. In this controversial and exciting listen, Pollan explores caffeine's power as the most-used drug in the world - and the only one we give to children (in soda pop) as a treat. Pollan takes us on a journey through the history of the drug, which was first discovered in a small part of East Africa and within a century became an addiction affecting most of the human species. Caffeine, it turns out, has changed the course of human history - won and lost wars, changed politics, dominated economies. What's more, the author shows that the Industrial Revolution would have been impossible without it. The science of how the drug has evolved to addict us is no less fascinating. And caffeine has done all these things while hiding in plain sight! Percolated with Michael Pollan's unique ability to entertain, inform, and perform, Caffeine is essential listening in a world where an estimated two billion cups of coffee are consumed every day.

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