"Chew on this: everything you don't want to.."

[Estonian Dancer]

I am dipping my dancing feet into the realm of non-fiction now.....

Has anyone read this book, which is highly engaging and has an enormous amount of factual information about how our food is processed and made?
I have only browsed it so far, but I think this book would be a great title to support children/young teens who are doing course work projects relating to healthy eating, obesity, society and issues courses, etc.

I know it is almost a spin on the film Supersize me....but I think it is an interesting information book for children and teens.

Could it be Sibert material?

[Interested Reader]

Thanks for bringing up this title. I will try to find a copy to read. (I'm pretty sure our library has a few copies in circulation.)

[Mary]

This expose of the fast-food industry is a very quick read and would be easy to booktalk and ‘sell’ to upper elementary level and middle school students. The conversational style and accessible format of the book is perfect. I was impressed with the documentation throughout the book as well as the comprehensive endnotes.

As an adaptation of the adult title Fast Food Nation, which was published several years ago, is this book eligible for the Sibert? It has been updated, but the terms of the Sibert Award state that there “are no limitations as to the character of the book except that it be original work.” What constitutes an ‘original work?’ Is an adaptation eligible?

This is certainly a conversation-inducing book! In spite of my reservations about eligibility, I think it should be added to our Mock Sibert list.

[Jessie Voors]

I just finished "Chew On This" which says something in and of itself. I very rarely finish nonfiction but this one kept my attention. There were a few things in it though that were maybe not necessary, like a chapter on a teenager undergoing gastric bypass surgery, it flowed, but it could have been just a mention in the book. I liked that it was targeted to younger kids who probably wouldn't normally be exposed to the bad side of McDonalds. But I'm not sure it's the best nonfiction this year.

~Jessie

[Estonian Dancer]

I just finished "Chew On This" ....I have been busy lately.

I agree that the book is a quick read and is written to read at a fast pace. I like that Schlosser and Wilson write the book with children and teens always anticipated as readers.

Some of the factual information IS extreme (such as the gastric bypasses for 16-year olds, the explanations of working conditions in slaughterhouses, the mammoth growth of the potato and fries industry) but I really enjoyed this expose of OUR Western culture and its effects on individuals and the whole of society.
I think this book would be a fascinating high school "whole-school read", because it lends itself so wonderfully in a cross-curricular arena.
Teachers and students of society/world issues, business, marketing, religion, foods and nutrition (ie. home economics), geography as well as English and science classes could use this book in the classroom.
THAT is exciting!
YEEHAH! A [glow=red,2,300] real [/glow]gem in the realm of NON-FICTION!

[Mandy]

The information presented in Chew On This has caused me to give more thought to what (and where) I eat. I wonder if it has this same effect on teens and children... the book is certainly compelling and full of well-supported, factual information.

However, at some points it seemed that the authors were presenting a rather biased view of the fast food industry. For example, from the book I got the impression that Ray Kroc was an almost-evil man will ill intentions. I think a more realistic view would be that he was a very shrewd business man whose goal was to build a successful company.

I did appreciate the positive aspects of a couple fast food restaurants that are pointed out near the end of the book.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the fast food industry hasn't caused a lot of problems in our nation. I just think that information is more credible when it is presented in an impartial way.

Anyone have thoughts on this?

[Estonian Dancer]

I really think this book is written to present information about the fast food industry in an impartial way. The history of this industry is portrayed accurately and in a historical context right from the beginning, with an aim to show the truth of why this industry has thrived and its roots.

I was fascinated by the fact that Kroc (great name for him!) was not a chef or a nutritionist or a cook....he just wanted to make some money. His idea (from what I remember reading) of opening these restaurants was to make a fortune, and in turn, he was serving a gap in the market (it was the first time in history in the USA that families to could afford to go regularly to eat a restaurant).
I was also amazed about the explanation of the way the fast food industry was organized in practice.... we have all observed the industry in action, and Schlosser shares the history of the assembly line production influence on fast food production. I thought that was great!
There are soooooo many contractions within this giant industry, yet I think Schlosser does a great job to write clearly and accurately without losing his grip on the topic and making it a well rounded book that links to many areas of everyday life (science, religion, society and culture, health, marketing, business, family life).
I have to say, I do not like the cover of this book--it looks too silly for my tastes (the white cover with the "ill" looking drink and a burger with bulging dialated eyes. I would prefer a more realistic looking cover for this book.

[Estonian Dancer]

I'm lovin' it!! ;D

www.puffin.co.uk/static/cs/uk/15/minisites/chewonthis/pdfs/ChewonthisNotes.pdf

www.chewonthis.org.uk/