This is a super interesting book that discusses the coevolution of human beings and four plants: apples, tulips, cannabis, and potatoes. The basic hypothesis is that, in appealing to human desires (sweetness, beauty, intoxication, food), some plants have found a very effective evolutionary strategy. It makes you wonder who exactly is using whom.

So, if you ever wanna feel like a glorified bee, read this book and find out why consciousness has nothing to do w/it.

Also, I just stared Mr. Pollan’s next book: The Omnivore’s Dilemna. Right now, corn is freaking me the eff out.

Just finished reading this book. It’s by Tom Standage, Business Editor at The Economist. He traces the (surprisingly profound) impact six beverages have had on world history. The beverages are beer, wine, distilled spirits, coffee, tea, and Coca-Cola.

Recommended if you ever wanted to know how beer became the impetus for human civilization, how coffee prompted the Enlightenment, or why drinking rum helped Britain become the world’s dominant naval power.

Easy, interesting read.