Rating: 
Summary: Yecchh- Eat More Vegetables
Review: First of all, I was surprised by the scope of Schlosser's indictment of the fast food industry: I expected a harangue against the health implications about eating fast food, and maybe an aside about the shoddy way in which workers in the industry are treated, both at the restaurants and behind the scenes (e.g., at slaughterhouses). Schlosser presented so much more to think about, including questionable marketing campaigns targeted at children; the hammering home of American culinary culture upon unwilling customers abroad (including a fast food joint placed obscenely close to the Dachau concentration camp); the monopolistic practices of mega-corporations which are driving small ranchers and potato growers out of the business; and the efforts on the part of fast food management to discourage unionization and creativity among its workforce. The book was educational not only in terms of presenting the big picture, but also in terms of the data provided: research was clearly done, not to mention cited extensively. Schlosser seems to have paid his dues on the front lines as well, having visited slaughterhouses, potato fields and processing plants, farms, and countless restaurants. Interview excerpts abound, providing faces to accompany the facts. In many ways, that is where the real information lies: for example, canvassing the opinion of many teenagers working at fast food restaurants leads Schlosser to the logical conclusion that, all other concerns aside (e.g., regarding E. Coli, mad cow disease, atherosclerosis, etc.), the quality and purity of your fast food has a lot (too much!) to do with how much the employees like their manager (that is, how likely they are to sabotage your meal). I was impressed, too, with how Schlosser ended this book by offering suggestions about not only what needs to be done in terms of the big picture, but also what individuals can do (including (obviously) not eating the stuff). After reading this, I wondered how it is that more people don't get sick after eating this stuff. Obviously our immune systems are pretty robust, although the long terms effects of fast food diets seem to manifest new symptoms daily. There is a lot to be afraid of in this book, should the reader choose to accept all of it as truth, and it is an effective tool to influence people away from the cheeseburger and fries, and towards the salad bar or homemade turkey sandwich. The only criticism I had of the book was that Schlosser unfairly blamed everything on the Republicans. Politics inevitably enter the fast food arena, but the evils of this industry are due to both sides. It seems like Schlosser uses the information he has harvested to take digs at the right wherever he can, often in an anomalous fashion. As another reviewer put it well, "Last time I checked we had a Democrat President from 1992 to 2000."
Rating: 
Summary: A brilliant, critical overview of the Fast Food industry.
Review: No, he's not trying to make you a vegetarian, but Eric Schlosser will make you think twice about stopping at the golden arches or one of their clones for that burger. I'm a former vegetarian and am happy now being an omnivore. However, I'll never step foot in a McDonalds again after reading this book. The financial, health-related and social implications of what the fast food industry (and factory farming industry) are doing to the citizens of the United States - and very well the world - are frightening and nauseating. Eric Schlosser's well-researched and footnoted journalism cracks the junk-food industry wide open.
Rating:
Summary: Very enlightening
Review: FFN is the best book I've read in years, and I read at least a few books each month. I was deeply impressed by the writing style and the depth of the author's analysis. After reading it, I am in awe to learn that the author still eats meat. THAT disappoints me, because eating meat (any meat) supports the horrors (for both workers and animals) that the Mr. Schlosser so impressively details. Tolstoy said that vegetarianism is the taproot of humanitarianism, because we all have a choice to make, each time we sit down to eat--cruelty or compassion; mercy or misery. Schlosser details this choice, and then falls short himself. The book is still brilliant.
Rating:
Summary: Frightening Exploration of Fast Food
Review: This book was a true eye opener. I've always known that fast food was bad for you health and have never been a big fast food patron, however, the levels that this book explores in what the fast food industry or "concept" is doing to society is amazing. There are chapters of this book that are hard to read, but it's important. It ends with the best advice, vote with your wallet.
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Summary: You will never look at processed food the same ever again!!
Review: Eric Schlosser has cut to the core of the fast food industry with an explosive account from every angle. His hold no punches style reveals the underside of an industry which seems to hold profits ahead of anything else. I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever eaten in a fast food restaurant and then challenge them to remain neutral in their feelings towards this industry. His description of what goes on in the meat packing plants, the impact on communities of the fast food restaurants, history of the industry and the associated food processors and suppliers is enlightening. His use of stories about real people was particularly helpful in understanding the impacts on lives and our culture. Mr Schlosser's style is an easy read with a detailed bibliography. I found it difficult to put it down once I began.
Rating:
Summary: A jaw-dropping account
Review: Fast Food Nation is a jarring experience. I wasn't quite prepared for the grotesque accounts of the slaughterhouses, yet what shocked me most is the power that these companies hold over American society. This book is a very thorough look at the Fast Food Industry from all angles and how it effects everyone. It is obvious that Mr. Schlosser put many years of research and heart into writing this book. If this book does not make you re-consider your own consumption habits, I would read it again. One of the best books I've read.
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Summary: If you thought Microsoft carried a big stick, read this book
Review: This is an absolutely fascinating book on many levels. First, it's pretty disgusting to see what we're putting into our bodies when we eat fast food. I, for one, have a problem with feces being part of my Big Mac. But well beyond the whole food issue are the economic and political ramifications of what the fast food industry has done to this country. How butchers, once a highly skilled and well paid profession, are now at practically minimum wage, completely un-skilled, and in the most dangerous profession around. The fast food industry's battle (and winning) to keep the country's minimum wage down down down is particulary interesting The power of these companies is stunning. The political manipulation involved, the blatant disregard for human life (check out the chapter on slaughterhouses), the abuse of employees, the list goes on and on. I'm done with Fast Food. There is no way I can parse it out so that it's morally okay to do anymore.
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Summary: THE GREASING OF AMERICA
Review: When I was a child walking the two blocks up the street to the local White Castle and slurping down some "sliders" was almost like a gourmet treat. As a teenager cruising down to the Golden Arches or Steak and Shake was a daily ritual. Then a short stint working behind the counter, paper hat on head, suggesting fries and a shake "to go with that." As Fast Food Nation suggests, fast food has been an intregal part of a lot of people's lives. But is it safe? The E-Coli outbreak in the Northwest brought that question to the forefront of the news. Now there is a new spectre on the horizon, fatal, invincible, can't be killed by cooking, Mad Cow Disease. Probably caused by improperly fed cattle. Shortcuts paid for at our expense. Then there is the more immediate issue of the "Grease Slaves." Immigrant workers that work sometimes 100 + hours a week at these horrible jobs and send the money back to their respective countries. I think these multi billion corporations are where the tabacco companies were at 20 years ago...so ingrained in our culture that they thnk themselves invincible. They make billions, but at what cost? Fast Food Nation may be the "Inedible Any Speed" of our time. I would also highly recommend "Out To Lunch" by Walt Crocker. A unique, personel account of some 20+ years in the business.
Rating:
Summary: Eye opener
Review: I enjoyed this book for the little details that are inserted along the way. I was surprised by many of the nuggets of information in there such as which menu items are most profitable, and most fattening. The answers may surprise you. This book covers a wide variety of topics around the fast food industry from New Jersey chemists developing flavors to the murder rate among late night restaurant employees. I found it thorough and fascinating, without ever degenerating into an anti-fast food rant. I will never look at a TV burger ad the same way again.
Rating:
Summary: a Must Read
Review: have not yet read it. just found out about it accidently while seeking something else. The subject matter is of great importance to me. How do I communicate with author, Eric Schlosser about something relating to subject that he may find very important. Am definitely going to get book itself. Review was most intriguing.
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