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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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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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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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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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