Elizabeth R. (esjro) -
We all have to eat, and as implied by the title, how grocery stores operate is a mystery to the public. The Secret Life of Groceries gives the reader a peek behind the curtain by examining several aspects of grocery store operation, as well as profiles of two industry disrupters (Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.)
This book feels more like a collection of essays as opposed to an arching narrative. Chapters focus on a broad range of topics from a small batch condiment producer's struggle with getting her product on retail shelves to slavery on Thai fishing boats. The first chapter about the rise of Trader Joe's jumped around quite a bit, but latter chapters were very readable.
This book does have some overlap in content with Michael Ruhlman's "Grocery" (both authors enjoy sampling at the Fancy Food show), but the latter is more focused. Both are worth a read.
This book feels more like a collection of essays as opposed to an arching narrative. Chapters focus on a broad range of topics from a small batch condiment producer's struggle with getting her product on retail shelves to slavery on Thai fishing boats. The first chapter about the rise of Trader Joe's jumped around quite a bit, but latter chapters were very readable.
This book does have some overlap in content with Michael Ruhlman's "Grocery" (both authors enjoy sampling at the Fancy Food show), but the latter is more focused. Both are worth a read.
