SLOW COOKED

A memoir from the distinguished food policy expert and public health advocate.

Nestle (b. 1936), the author of Food Politics, Safe Food, What To Eat, and other important books about the often shady mechanics of the food industry, began her chosen career late in life. Attempting to conform to social norms, she quit college and married when she was 19. Ten years later, divorced with two children, she decided to resume her undergraduate studies. She became a professor in biology and nutrition science and served as a nutrition adviser for the Department of Health and Human Services, but she still felt unfulfilled. Although she had a “vegetable epiphany” during summer camp as a child, her life-changing career moment didn’t arrive until she was hired by New York University in 1988. “Until NYU hired me,” she writes, “I had never thought about what kind of work I might want to do if I had choices,” and she began her career as “a critical analyst of the food industry.” The negative tone of the first half of the book, in which Nestle describes her “bleak” childhood and the challenges she faced during early adulthood, makes for tedious reading. However, as the author shows how she found her calling, her passion translates to the page. She clearly relishes the fact that her position at NYU afforded her the ability to write more freely about topics that interested her. Another life-changing event was the release of Food Politics, which Nestle published at age 66. Upon publication, she received numerous invitations to write articles and attend conferences to share her expertise. The author also discusses her interactions and friendships with influential members of the food community, including Julia Child and Alice Waters. On the whole, Nestle effectively addresses a wide range of topics related to her impressive career in food politics and nutrition science.

An impassioned reminder to never stop pursuing your interests.