Caffeine

4.5 stars.

As a caffeine junkie, I found this audiobook delightful.

Michael Pollan is amusing when he explores the rise of coffee in the 16th century and the proliferation of coffee houses in Europe that likely spurred the French Revolution and the movement towards democracy in other countries (interesting tidbit: coffee was the beverage of choice in Britain, long before tea).

The beans as cognitive enhancers necessitated the Industrial Revolution's creation of the “coffee break'', alongside the brew's reputation as fuel for intellectual, creative, and — at times — revolutionary pursuits.

Caffeine addiction is investigated, ironically by the author himself going without his daily java throughout the duration of writing the book (how brave of him!) and talking to experts about the benefits and dangers of coffee.

This short audiobook is superbly engaging, interweaving the author's personal experience of going cold turkey with. history, facts, and opinions.

Best listened to with a hot, steaming mug of, what else? — coffee .

Meh.

A relatively short exploration of my favorite chemical compound. Typical of Michael Pollan's work, I found this to be super-interesting and filled with insight into the history of caffeine. My main criticism is that it was short! I guess not every book needs to go on and on, though.