I don't think I'm the intended market for the book

What made the experience of listening to The Third Plate the most enjoyable?

There are some interesting aspects to the book, like learning about how cows can sense healthier grass, and the author's detailed explanations of how and why organic goods are tastier (something I never really believed, although I support organic/sustainable agriculture anyway).

Who was your favorite character and why?

The author. He tells personal stories along the way of finding answers to his questions.

Did Dan Barber do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

I suppose. Kinda neutral on this one.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not really. I believe the author is sincere in his quest, but not being a foodie, farmer, or even gardener, I found myself spacing out a lot of the time.

Any additional comments?

I read reviews that compared this book to Omnivore's Dilemma. It's an apt comparison, but I would add that if OD was the equivalent of a "Food 101" course, then Third Plate is like a senior seminar. It's quite a step up in terms of depth, in my opinion, and probably best for people with established deep interest in farming or cooking in gourmet restaurants. I'm sure it's an amazing book for it's target market, but I'm just casually trying to learn more about biology. The author is clearly very knowledgeable on the topic and I would encourage anyone that fits the above description to give this a read.

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Good Information - Well Told

If you could sum up The Third Plate in three words, what would they be?

Know Your Food

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Third Plate?

I am so happy to read a book about food that starts with a discussion of the quality of the soil, the presence of indigenous plants, shrubs and trees as forage for animals, and the criteria of flavor as the most important quality of food. This is an important book and is also informative and entertaining.

Which scene was your favorite?

I especially enjoyed his description of the Glass Onion cafe and its menu.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not really since this is non-fiction. Must say that the degradation of American food sometimes makes me cry and any discussion of Round Up Ready seed always makes me cry. Barber discusses the age old tradition of seed saving and how important that is to the very essence of farming and what blasphemy it is for a chemical company to patent seeds that they couldn't possibly 'own'.

Any additional comments?

The chef/writer is probably not the best reader for this book. His narrations becomes a little dull at times whereas a professional could enliven the text more. Also, I wish non-fiction work such as this could come with a bibliography in pdf for download. Barber refers to many other books and articles; many of them I would like to read.

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12 people found this helpful

This is what a paradigm shift feels like.

Well researched and thoughtfully presented. This book is a blueprint for an intelligent food production discussion as we try to recover from consequences of current agriculture policy.

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7 people found this helpful

What we'll be eating in 2025

Good overview of what is next in the world of sustainable food. Also, a close look at how some very talented folks raise animals/grow food that tastes great, and improves the environment at the same time.

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My New Favorite Book!!

What made the experience of listening to The Third Plate the most enjoyable?

I became interested in this book after watching a Ted Talk by Dan Barber talking about Foie Gras. In the talk as in this book he focuses on the interdependence of species with nature and the soil and the great tasting food.

I highly recommend.

What other book might you compare The Third Plate to and why?

The Ominvore's Dilemma

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Such a, surprise, really enjoyed this book

This was a terrific book to listen to. As a food grower and a food eater and someone who's trying to live more consciously on this earth I learned a tremendous amount from the author. He goes into such depth and detail traveling all around the world providing history and depth of experience that made this a really enlightening listen. I would put this book at the top of any list of book on food and farming, maybe even the best so far. A terrific story teller with a tremendous depth of knowledge around food and soil and offering many directions for more sustainable eating

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3 people found this helpful

Thought provoking

Loved it. This book has made me rethink everything I eat and do. Enough story telling to keep you engagef

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I love this book.

Would you listen to The Third Plate again? Why?

I have listened to the Third Plate again and again. I hear something new each time.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Dan's visit to Spain has me planning and saving so I can make the trip!

Any additional comments?

This book and Dan's view has opened many doors and sparked ideas that I have acted upon. I consider myself a self educated foodie and Dan has given me inspreation and showed that there is so much more to learn. Dan, thanks for this book.

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The book needed more editing and advisement

In an ill conceived effort to make a point about sustainable agriculture, this book mixed too much psuedoscience with science leaving it hard to tell where one starts and the other behind. The conclusions drawn from even the science are often wildly overgeneralized. The author's work also suffers terribly from observation bias. This book might have been a fine book if (a) the author would have sprung for a professional narrator, and (b) the author had either stuck to an experiential approach (and not tried to blunder about with science) or had called in a few scientists who was more critical about his views to challenge the science he uses to support his claims so that his point would be better supported in the end product. This book also could have done with some better editing; the contents of this time could have been said in much less time with much less repeating without sacrificing the author's penchants for flowery, dramatic illustrative language. what this book accomplishes in almost a dozen hours at normal speed on Audible could've been done much more convincingly, scientifically, beautifully, and succinctly in under six hours.

[I am in support of Earth friendly sustainable agriculture. I was not expecting to end up leaving a critical rating and a lukewarm review on a book that I agree with the overarching points on.]

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Well worth the read! Better than I expected!

I didn't realize this book would be about farming sustainability, not did I realize I'd be interested in a topic, BUT WOW! For any chef and food lover alike, I highly recommend this book!

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