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Caffeine

How Caffeine Created the Modern World

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Caffeine

Written by: Michael Pollan
Narrated by: Michael Pollan
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About this listen

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.

©2019 Michael Pollan (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC. Food & Wine Social Sciences Inspiring Modern Fiction
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What an enjoyable listen, telling a story, describing this drug we are every so reliant upon. While I learned little from this book, a majority of which can be surmised in CGP Grey's 4 minute YouTube video on the subject, I do find it uniquely addresses our relationship as a society and individuals. As well, the authors experience of giving up caffeine for several months is laudable and incredibly interesting, interspersed with the profound history of the bean/leaf. This will definitely become a frequent re-listen

A simple diversion

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He is a great writer, and I love that he performs it for the audio version. You won't be disappointed. I recommended your favorite style of coffee or tea, throwing on your head phones, getting to some chores and having a listen! that's what I did :)

an excellent listen

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As always he takes a subject we spend little time reflecting on and presents it in the context of our lives exploring the impact in both creating and sustaining our world.

Fascinating

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An enlightening book about even innocent addictions.
Many use this drug to survive our capitalist society and most couldn’t compete in it without it

History teaches many lessons

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It has a few fun ideas but is not particularly thorough or informative. An easy and pleasant listen.

Light, fun, superficial

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A fascinating look at how a ubiquitous drug has shaped the world! You'll never look at a cup of coffee the same way and might even think twice about your java habit : )

Full of Gems

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Every coffee drinker should listen to this. Brief history of coffee and caffeine, what coffee does to your mind, body and sleep. Why it’s addictive etc

A greater appreciation for coffee and caffeine

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This was an entertaining, informative and thought-provoking little read. I might have to make a few adjustments to my coffee habit!

Enjoyable!

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I has a good naration and story, verry cool to learn about coffee/tea’s history !

Good book, makes you realise things…

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Absolutely refreshing and creative unique way to share advice, tips, facts, history, psychology, study, science, culture, considerations, health, adversity, acceptance, humour and the reality of a personal and our societal journey with Caffeine-

*far more engaging, entertaining and educational than expected!

I will be purchasing a hard cover copy, to read again, highlighting my favourite passages and share with others!

Caffeine

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