English language
Published Jan. 25, 2023 by PublicAffairs.
The book busts a lot of myths about the neo-liberal approach to economics, showing how protectionism and forcing other less economically developed countries to trade "freely" allowed the dominant economies to take the lead. The whimsical comparison with foods gives it a lighter vibe to quite deep topics.
The author thought he had a smart idea and ran with it. But it actually was not a good one 🥲
Picked this up expecting a book on food systems. It was not that.
While it contains many charming personal anecdotes about specific foods, as well as historical vignettes about those food items, those are primarily used as metaphors to address economic topics. E.g. you assume at your peril that an item without a "spicy" icon on a sichuan restaurant menu does not contain chili peppers -- and nor should you assume that care work does not matter just because it is not paid.
Overall, an entertaining taster menu of critiques and alternatives to the free-trade/free-market hegemony of contemporary economic practice, though you'll need to look elsewhere for a deep dive into any of the topics covered.
