Written by author and activist Michael Pollan, The Omnivore's Dilemma asks the race a fundamental question: what should we, as the human race, have for dinner? The answer, Michael Pollan says, is ultimately very complicated and goes far back into history. However, Pollan ultimately finds that a vegan diet does more harm to the Earth than good and that people should eat what harms the Earth the least (that is, a healthy mixture of meat and plants and not a lot of processed food and corn-based items, which he argues is not especially good for human consumption).
Although the book received very positive reviews upon release, a few notable people did not like the book. Economist Tyler Cowen, for example, wrote that "The problems with Pollan's 'self-financed' meal reflect the major shortcoming of the book: He focuses on what is before his eyes but neglects the macro perspective of the economist. He wants to make the costs of various foods transparent, but this is an unattainable ideal, given the interconnectedness of markets." The New York Times, however, thought differently, calling the book "engrossing" and said that the book is "brimming with ideas." Also, the book was one of The New York Times' ten best books of the year and won the James Beard Award.
