Born With a Junk Food Deficiency

Starred review from March 15, 2012
Freelance reporter and cartoonist Rosenberg takes on both Big Pharma and Big Food in her first book. Although its title is misleading, this expose is a well-written, well-documented, and well-referenced attempt to shine a spotlight on pharmaceutical scare tactics, fabricated research data, media-generated drug hype, and the horrific treatment of farm animals. Rosenberg's sharp, cynical prose and witty cartoons will likely leave readers feeling both betrayed by these industries and stupid for failing to recognize their machinations. Although she reserves her greatest criticism for government agencies, large-scale farming enterprises, and pharmaceutical companies, she makes clear the impact of the ignorance, indifference, and complicity of the American public. VERDICT More technical and less personal than Jonathan Safran Foer's "Eating Animals", this book is nonetheless enlightening and compelling. Rosenberg's work will appeal especially to the health conscious, but any consumer who cares about corporate wrongdoing, the politics of medicine and food, and especially our responsibility for the welfare of animals will want to read it. Highly recommended.--Linda F. Petty, Wimberley, TX

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