I really enjoyed this, although I wish it would have gone a bit deeper. Some of the narration was a bit off off for me as well, but overall I thought it was a good introductory book to the way food has moved across the globe.

Thanks to NetGalley, HighBridge Audio and University of California Press for the ALC!

Thank you netgalley for an advanced ARC of this as an audiobook

Reading this and listening to the history of food was an interesting read and made me appreciate food a bit more then I did previously, I honestly didn't think a book could do that but this did. This was also nicely wrote and kept my attention throughout, I have always loved history and learning what I learnt about food in this book shows me more about our history (to know the future u meed to know the past) I have always believed this saying.

This was a very knowledgeable book, and I had to read it in strides because some information and history was really just over my head or needed a lot of focus and/or interest from the reader. That being said, it really is interesting combining food with history. It’s a very niche genre, but well-done for what it is. I love cultures and I love food, so I really wanted to focus and learn. The audiobook was read by one of the authors, and he does a decent job, although his inflection with humor was a bit grating on the nerves. Maybe he tried too hard? I can’t describe it, but it was enough to have to stop listening and/or fast forward sometimes. Other than that, I’d say if these topics are of interest to you then this audiobook is a good choice. Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Such a cool read that examines one of the things in life that binds all humans: food! I learned so much about culture and food through this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

2/5 stars. it... wasn't earth-shattering for me.

this was quite a high-level summary of the history of food across various cultures, discussing topics such as the origins of certain dishes and ingredients, how they proliferated or originated in different places at the same time, and the cultural implications of certain dishes. to me, it felt more like a collection of fun facts about random foods as opposed to a unified book.

i received an ARC of the audiobook edition in exchange for an an honest review.

I found Ways of Eating to be an incredibly interesting journey through food, history, agriculture, culture, and politics. I listened to the audio production presented by the authors which made it easy to feel their passion for their work which is incredibly well researched. If you have an interest that isn’t necessarily academic, this book is well worth picking up. I managed to listen to the entire book in one day and found it to be very digestible in this manner…ha.

I was expecting a lot of cultural anthropology but it was more high level history of food and foodways than exploration of current culture. Still good for that, and does a particularly interesting job looking at colonialism, imperialism, and the migration of food and food customs across culture. Very well written but not quite was I was anticipating.

Although the premise of the audiobook sounded really interesting, the book didn’t keep me hooked. It took me sometime to finish the audiobook, probably because the narration was very slow and some of the chapters were too long in my opinion. Other chapters thought were enjoyable and very informative. Overall it was an interesting book.

Educational and deeply fascinating. Explores humanity's use of and advancements in food culture throughout time and various geographical locations. Wurgaft is not afraid to address the fact that societies would not be where they are if not for the colonization and imperialism of numerous civilizations. Overall a great read that provides unique insights into our biggest commonality as humans—eating! YUM!

If I had one nit-pick, Mr. Wurgaft, for the love of pearl, please let me teach you how to pronounce Vietnamese foods!

Thank you RB Media and NetGalley for the eARC!

"Ways of Eating: A Nourishing Journey through Food, History, and Culture" by Benjamin Aldes Wurgaft, Merry White - An Engrossing Culinary Exploration

The audiobook "Ways of Eating" presents a captivating odyssey through the intricate tapestry of food's evolution, as explored by anthropologist Benjamin A. Wurgaft and historian Merry I. White. From the roots of agriculture to the modern discourse on culinary authenticity, this volume introduces listeners to a world of food history and anthropology, offering a captivating lens into the relationships between culture, society, and the foods we consume.

Narrated by the authors themselves, this audiobook immerses listeners in a vibrant journey across millennia, illustrating the interconnectedness of food consumption, cuisine, and cultural identity. Wurgaft and White skillfully weave engaging narratives, transporting audiences through the narratives of Panamanian coffee growers, medieval women beer makers, and Japanese knife forgers. The exploration extends from the Venetian spice trade to the Columbian Exchange, from Roman garum to Vietnamese nớc chấm, painting a rich panorama of global food history and anthropology.

Throughout the narrative, the audiobook adeptly navigates the influence of migration, politics, and societal dynamics on our culinary habits, urging listeners to trace these social forces from the plate to the kitchen, the factory, and the field.

Personally, I found "Ways of Eating" a profound and engrossing auditory experience. The authors' storytelling prowess breathes life into historical and cultural anecdotes, offering fresh insights into humanity's deep-rooted relationship with food. While devouring this audiobook in a single sitting might not allow for comprehensive absorption of its wealth of information, the clarity of narration, even at varied speeds, ensures accessibility and retention.

Divided into sections for easy reference, this audiobook serves as a valuable resource, allowing listeners to revisit specific topics or information of interest. However, be forewarned: this culinary expedition might trigger intense cravings or stir up a yearning for a comforting cup of tea!

In my estimation, "Ways of Eating" stands as a five-star treasure trove, combining educational depth with captivating storytelling, offering a profound exploration of humanity's shared yet diverse culinary heritage.

A sincere thank you to NetGalley and authors Benjamin Aldes Wurgaft and Merry I. White for the opportunity to explore the captivating journey within "Ways of Eating." Your profound insights into food's role in shaping our history, culture, and identities have made a lasting impression. It's been a privilege experiencing this illuminating auditory expedition celebrating our diverse culinary heritage.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author.

This book is so interesting. The authors paint a scene of interconnectivity between all food consumption, cuisine, agriculture, ingredients and meals and various nutrition related customs, explaining origins and changes and moves and history in a way that feels so active and close even when it's millennia in the past. It's given me a new understanding of how much humans have influenced and modified the growth of different plants and animals, how flavours and ingredients have travelled across the Earth and how cultural identity includes food, amongst other things.

I listened to the whole thing in one day, which yes isn't the best way to comprehend and process all the information it contains, but I am reading it casually rather than for academia. That said, everything is perfectly explained so that the audio format doesn't make the content any less comprehensible, and the narration is clear at speed 0.5x to 2x, which makes it a great resource even if you have to actually retain everything you're learning.
The book is split into sections that make it easy to go back and find a specific topic or information you want to relisten to.


Warning though, many parts of this book will likely make you hungry or crave a cup of tea.

Thank you NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the opportunity to listen this ARC. The physical version of this book is published by University of California Press.