Meathooked

The History and Science of Our 2.5-Million-Year Obsession with Meat

By: Marta Zaraska

Narrated by: Emily Durante

Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

One of the great science and health revelations of our time is the danger posed by meat-eating. Every day, it seems, we are warned about the harm producing and consuming meat can do to the environment and our bodies. Many of us have tried to limit how much meat we consume, and many of us have tried to give it up altogether. But it is not easy to resist the smoky, cured, barbecued, and fried delights that tempt us.

What makes us crave animal protein, and what makes it so hard to give up? And if consuming meat is truly unhealthy for human beings, why didn't evolution turn us all into vegetarians in the first place?

In Meathooked, science writer Marta Zaraska explores what she calls the "meat puzzle": our love of meat, despite its harmful effects. Zaraska takes us on a witty tour of meat cultures around the word, stopping in India's unusual steakhouses, animal sacrifices at temples in Benin, and labs in the Netherlands that grow meat in petri dishes. From the power of evolution to the influence of the meat lobby, and from our genetic makeup to the traditions of our foremothers, she reveals the interplay of forces that keep us hooked on animal protein.

©2016 Marta Zaraska (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A well-researched, refreshingly optimistic look at a serious issue, free of ideological preconceptions." ( Kirkus)

Multifaceted attraction for Meat

From nutritional amino acids, to social higher class beliefs , with a few interesting links relating to sexual success, I enjoyed learning from this wide analysis of our omnivore habits going back to our Hunter-Gatherer Ancestors. Methinks the author forgot to mention the reference to Genesis where even Jéhovah preferred the aroma of Abel’s grilled meat to Cain’s veggies! Lest we forget, the Big Boss created us humans in HIS IMAGE, including his Hubris and Oversized Ego !

it is balanced

not really a preachy. maybe a couple spots. overall a lot of good information.
I do not recall where there was a discussion on historically why nations that got strong seemed to be meat eaters driving this idea meat eating makes a population stronger.

Robot voice but interesting story

This was an absolutely fascinating "read." If not for the monotonous narration, I would have been fully captivated. I'm intrigued by the research and theory, and I look forward to listening again.

Fantastic, a great eye opener!

This is a must read for anyone who loves or is interested in food. Factual yet entertaining, informative and thought provoking. I now have a better understanding of food driving behaviors and preferences.

A very interesting book on why we crave meat.

Very well researched book with lots of anecdotes. the authored managed to bring a wealth of research findings without making it overbearing and boring.

Fascinating, informative, and the perfect length

I was HIGHLY pleased with this book. I say this after reading a lot of books in the meat consumption/factory-farming space.

This book is comprehensive, loaded with tons of interesting, direct facts but gets the job done without inundating us with tangential facts.

I recommend listening to the audible version while reading the hard copy with it. The tone and narration are spot on. I was highly impressed by this author. I will write her to thank her.

Not meaty enough.

I was entertaining for awhile but then droned about meat like it was some type of protein opioid.

Anti Meat Hammer looking for nails

I thought I could get over anti-meat bias in the introduction by just ignoring it. After four chapters it's clear that the author's social guilt (on everything) needs to be satisfied by identifying everything as a problem with red meat.