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Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal
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Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal
Author: Eric Schlosser

Book Information
Publisher: Perennial
Book Type: Paperback
Rating:

ISBN-13: 9780060938451 - ISBN-10: 0060938455
Publication Date: 1/2002
Pages: 400


Other Versions of this Book: Paperback, Hardcover, Audio Cassette (Abridged), Audio CD (Abridged), Hardcover

Book Description:

Fast food has hastened the malling of our landscape, widened the chasm between rich and poor, fueled an epidemic of obesity, and propelled American cultural imperialism abroad. That's a lengthy list of charges, but here Eric Schlosser makes them stick with an artful mix of first-rate reportage, wry wit, and careful reasoning.

Schlosser's myth-shattering survey stretches from California's subdivisions where the business was born to the industrial corridor along the New Jersey Turnpike where many fast food's flavors are concocted. Along the way, he unearths a trove of fascinating, unsettling truths -- from the unholy alliance between fast food and Hollywood to the seismic changes the industry has wrought in food production, popular culture, and even real estate. He also uncovers the fast food chains' disturbing efforts to reel in the youngest, most susceptible consumers even while they hone their institutionalized exploitation of teenagers and minorities.


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Top Member Book Reviews

Joshua D. (montereyjosh) wrote on 5/29/2007...

11 member(s) found this review helpful.

Great read. It's "The Jungle" for the late 20th / early 21st century. This book has spawned many other looks into the fast food craze along with the movie "Super Size Me" and another great book, "The China Study". They made a film adaptation to this book that I thought was awful. The book is much more engaging. For those that thought it was dry, well, I've plowed through a lot of text books that almost burned my eyes out, so this book kept my interest throughout. I too, have not eaten fast food since 2003, when I read this book. Over four years ago now. Worth reading!

C C. (calen) wrote on 12/26/2006...

8 member(s) found this review helpful.

This book is not for everyone. When I received it as a wishlisted book I skimmed it, questioned it, looked up some editorial reviews (where some reviewers believe some of the facts are skewed) and sent it on to the next person in queue. I would have preferred a book that was more balanced and not leaning toward one specific political side--not to mention the fact that I couldn't get past the slaughter stories.

Jolene W. (farmgirl) wrote on 6/1/2007...

7 member(s) found this review helpful.

Interesting if skewed book. It was recommended to me as an "eye opener" but from my place in life as a small farmer, I saw it as a one-sided, sensation seeking work. It caused me to check out a few facts and it created much discussion in my home and for that I think that it is definatly worth a read. Just don't believe everything you read. Not everything about the food industry is evil. Much, which is where the changes need to be made, but not all.

Nicole M. (fuzzylolipop) wrote on 3/6/2007...

6 member(s) found this review helpful.

Written by Eric Schlosser, noted for his journalistic work on NPR, he does an amazing job at uncovering the hidden truths about our food system in the United States, its lack of regulation and safety measures, and how fast food is the cumulation of this food epidemic. You'll never look at hamburger or a food recall the same way again. Our government, with legislation and enforcement heavily based on powerful lobbyists, has done a fantastic job at putting the public at ease to think they are in control. However, you will quickly discover that we are barely a half-step away from Sinclair's Chicago meatpacking horrors depicted in "The Jungle". This book is one not to miss!

Cecilia J. (MissC) wrote on 1/10/2007...

5 member(s) found this review helpful.

It had some interesting points in it. But it was a bit of a dry read, in my opinion.

Emily K. (EmmaK) wrote on 5/14/2007...

4 member(s) found this review helpful.

I am sure this was a good book to read but I simply could not get past the first section. I found it to be very dry and read too much like a textbook.

Wendy F. (mysticmom) wrote on 1/2/2007...

4 member(s) found this review helpful.

Well researched and well written. This book is about much more than fast food -- it's about how American culture has changed over the past 50 years or so. A fascinating read.

Jennifer S. (Lethargic) wrote on 11/21/2006...

4 member(s) found this review helpful.

Really interesting stuff, even if not entirely lovely. Author really gets your attention and the feel of how the fast food market is run.

Nancy V. (NancyV) wrote on 10/30/2006...

4 member(s) found this review helpful.

A great book. Unfortunately, the people who eat a lot of fast food will probably never read it and they should. You'll never look at
take-out food the same again!

Rachel J. (bibliosopher) wrote on 10/12/2006...

3 member(s) found this review helpful.

Gut-roiling reading, but necessary. It makes you rethink your supermarket purchases, that's for sure.


Please Rate these Book Reviews

Jessica B. wrote on 11/18/2009...


Frighteningly eye-opening. A must read.

Joyce H. (jhambright) wrote on 7/25/2009...


A good book for a business class or if you are looking to become vegetarian as it shows the worst side of most meat companies and how they come up with the meat in most of your meals.disgusting and graphic.

Megan C. (rambleon) wrote on 5/27/2009...


While Schlosser is a talented journalist, he certainly slants things in the direction he desires. The facts and statistics are massaged and presented specifically to boost his arguments (but then again, who doesn't do that?). It is a frustrating read for anyone supportive of agribusiness or economic progress, and is very liberally biased.

Mimi W. (citygirl) wrote on 2/14/2007...


Must-read! It will change your life for the better.

Cristin S. (BookEmDano) wrote on 11/4/2006...


National best seller about our fast food industry.

Christina F. wrote on 6/5/2006...


Very informative book revealing the truth about the food we often eat and feed our children.

Kerry B. (kera108) wrote on 5/23/2006...


Historically relevant.

Taber B. wrote on 5/21/2006...


A very informative, well-written look at the fast food industry in America. You will look at the industry in a whole new way.

Jennifer C. (Jenisthecuteone) wrote on 4/5/2006...


Great book. Quite enlightening!

Liz R. (lizzbabe) wrote on 4/2/2006...


Lots of interesting tidbits not only about the fast-food industry but the globalization of society.


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