The Secret Life of Groceries: The Dark Miracle of the American Supermarket

This is a fun and excellent book. (I argued with myself about whether to say fun or excellent first.) It answers so many questions and raises so many more. The reader will never look at groceries, or I should say ‘product’, the same way again. Thank you, Mr. Lorr!

I bought this book in the hope, based on the title, that it would be an account of the complex system by which our food gets from source to kitchen. Instead, it's a series of disconnected vignettes about individuals working in some aspect of food production, distribution, and sales. For example it goes into great detail about the founder of Trader Joe's, stopping decades ago when he sold out to the current owners. But the book has nothing on the growth of a few corporations thatown most of the big supermarket chains. The chapter on food distribution is about a female long haul truck driver. Interesting, but only a small slice of the distribution issue. My point is not that i would be satisfied only by a highly technical account. Years ago, I read a book in which the author traced the path by which the steak on his table got there. The gimmick was that he actually bought one cow and arranged to literally follow it (or its body) from ranch to feedlot to slaughterhouse to warehouse to local store. Sadly I can't remember the title or author.)

The backroom of grocery stores. Very interesting. Things you never knew, even tho you grocery shop all the time.

The title’s focus on “Groceries” belies the breadth of understanding of the support of consumerism that is presented. Beginning with the evolution of the grocery store with behind the scenes insights, never have I imagined what goes into the conception, production, distribution, and presentation of items for purchase. Particularly the human element as vital steps or cogs in the supply chain, and the “necessary” yet heartbreaking suffering endured by countless to ensure a continuous supply of goods to be purchased by “good meaning” people as well as the rest of us.

The first two chapters are intriguing, informative, and immersive. However, the author seems to veer off topic, moving from discussing the grocery store experience to the logistics of getting products on the shelf, and then into a critique of cheap food production and imports. The book starts to feel like a collection of loosely connected essays, and it gives the impression that the author might have run out of interview material, resulting in the blending of unrelated subjects just to reach the 250-page mark.Moreover, while the author is clearly confident in their humorous and sarcastic writing style, this confidence sometimes comes across as excessive. The frequent use of humor and sarcasm stretches the narrative unnecessarily, making the book longer than it needs to be. At times, it even becomes difficult to grasp the author’s main point because of the overdone tone. Overall, the book could benefit from tighter focus and a more concise approach.

This book manages to cover a lot of ground and, although sometimes teetering on the edge of getting lost in side stories, always finds its way back. This was a really entertaining read. Personally, I often chafe against the apparent tendency of (investigative) journalism to only look for the bad things and Lorr‘s book also feels like it’s going in that direction at times. I have to admit, though, that the author does a better job at shining a light on different perspectives than most writers in this area do.Anyway, liked it, was entertained, learned some things, didn’t agree with the author on everything, would have wished to see some more information and perspectives at times, but overall not too many complaints.

Well written, author's personal interviews contain evidence of actual interviews.

Benjamin Lorr has written an outstanding book. The food industry is dangerous, dark, and filled with an endless quest for profit that can be soul-crushing. Yet, true gems like Trader Joe shine through. The writer has provided a riveting look at an industry that has provided so much abundance - one that involves massive supply chains and inputs, but mostly remains invisible or taken for granted. This is an excellent book. I couldn't put it down.