In a kind of a meandering, relaxed writing style, [a: Michael Pollan|2121|Michael Pollan|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1366396171p2/2121.jpg] tells the tale of apples, tulips, cannabis, and potatoes and their co-evolution with human desire. Although I agree somewhat with his premise---that plants also influence human desires, not just vice versa---I never found that he fully developed a convincing proof of it. Rather, he just gently threads a tangential narrative about his subjects, as if he were having a conversation with you in his study while looking out the window at his garden. I did enjoy most of it, however, especially the Johnny Appleseed information, though at times I didn't find his narrative especially compelling.
His sections on marijuana and the Monsanto NewLeaf potato reveal that he starts his narrative excursions from the standpoint of moderate conservatism, and he usually ends up slightly on the other side, though still keeping it centrist.
I think he could definitely use a little more fire under his feet in setting out to write a book.