Where to Start with Consumed

Begin with Aja Barber's groundbreaking 'Consumed: Building a Better Relationship with Your Food, with Less Waste in the Age of Excess.' This accessible, deeply personal exploration sets the stage for further reading on sustainability, consumerism, and the complexities of modern eating habits.

Who these books are for

Aja Barber's 'Consumed' is a groundbreaking work that redefines the conversation around sustainability, consumerism, and the complex relationships we have with food. By weaving together personal anecdotes, industry insights, and thought-provoking critiques, Barber creates a compelling narrative that challenges readers to reexamine their daily habits and the systems that shape them. This book serves as the perfect starting point for anyone eager to delve into these timely and impactful topics.

The collection

  1. Consumed The Need for Collective Change: Colonialism, Climate Change, and Consumerism

    In Consumed, Aja Barber issues a compelling call to arms against the destructive forces of consumerism, colonialism, and climate change. By exposing the systemic injustices and environmental devastation behind the production of "stuff," Barber challenges readers to confront their own complicity and re-think the status quo. This illuminating guide empowers individuals to reclaim their agency and become active, conscious citizens rather than mindless consumers, ultimately sparking a collective shift towards a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.

    Buy on Bookshop.org

  2. American Bulk Essays on Excess

    In this incisive and deeply personal collection, Emily Mester adeptly reframes the everyday rituals of consumption as a window into the human experience, peeling back the layers of our relationships with stuff and identity. With humor, vulnerability, and piercing insight, she navigates the contradictions and ironies of modern life, from the thrill of Costco hauls to the relics of family dysfunction in an Iowa hoard. A striking debut that offers a fresh lens on our obsession with abundance and the search for meaning in a consumer culture.

    Buy on Bookshop.org

  3. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You A Remix of the National Book Award-Winning Stamped from the Beginning

    From the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning, Jason Reynolds offers a vital exploration of racism and antiracism tailored for teens, weaving a gripping narrative with Ibram Kendi's groundbreaking research. In this potent and provocative #1 New York Times bestseller, discover how racist ideas have shaped America and how to identify and combat them in the here and now - a crucial step towards building a more equitable future.

    Buy on Bookshop.org

  4. The Delectable Negro Human Consumption and Homoeroticism Within Us Slave Culture

    Uncover the shocking, long-suppressed connections between race, sexuality, and consumption in 19th century America through Vincent Woodard's groundbreaking study, The Delectable Negro. By scrutinizing slave narratives, runaway ads, and other rarely-studied materials, Woodard exposes how enslaved men's bodies were fetishized and consumed, both literally and figuratively, by their white owners – and the profound homoeroticism that underpinned this toxic dynamic. Through this meticulously researched work, Woodard sheds new light on the brutal, dehumanizing realities of slavery, and the ongoing struggle for language to articulate the violence and hunger that Black men endured.

    Buy on Bookshop.org

  5. The Design of Everyday Things

    Unlock the secrets to crafting products that effortlessly delight users! In this groundbreaking guide, renowned design expert Don Norman dives into the psychology of user experience, exposing common pitfalls and prescribing ingenious solutions. From intuitive interfaces to feedback-rich designs, "The Design of Everyday Things" illuminates the path to products that resonate with us on a deeper, more satisfying level. A must-read for anyone seeking to revolutionize the way we interact with the world around us.

    Buy on Bookshop.org

  6. Oversharing Anytime Snacks, Everyday Dinners, and Cooking for Company

    Get ready to be charmed by Cortney LaCorte's debut cookbook, Oversharing. This mouthwatering guide to cooking is equal parts comfort food, cocktail glamour, and laugh-out-loud relatability. With playful chapters for every meal and moment, you'll learn to elevate even the simplest dishes into special occasions. Whether you're whipping up a Weak-Night Dinner or hosting a dinner party to impress, Cort's flavor-forward recipes and practical kitchen wisdom will inspire you to cook with confidence and share your creations with abandon. With Oversharing, you'll find a new best friend in the kitchen, and your social media feeds will be flooded with deliciously overshared moments to envy.

    Buy on Bookshop.org

  7. Undrowned Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals

    "Join Alexis Pauline Gumbs on a revelatory journey through the ocean's depths to uncover revolutionary lessons from marine mammals. Weaving together poetry, naturalist observation, and ancestral wisdom, Undrowned offers an innovative blueprint for social change rooted in the subversive power of queer, fierce, and protective creatures thriving in the face of ecological crisis. Immerse yourself in this transformative meditation and emerge with a fresh perspective for envisioning a more just world from the depths of the sea."

    Buy on Bookshop.org

  8. Cribsheet A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool

    In her New York Times bestseller Cribsheet, economist and mom Emily Oster provides a data-driven guide to navigating the early years of parenting with confidence and calm. Oster debunks myths and overwrought advice on breastfeeding, sleep training, potty training, and more, empowering parents to think critically and make the best decisions for their unique families. With its accessible mix of science and humor, Cribsheet is a must-read for any parent seeking a rational, compassionate approach to parenting from birth to preschool.

    Buy on Bookshop.org

  9. Tiny Experiments How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World

    Discover a revolutionary approach to goals, creativity, and living authentically in a goal-obsessed world. Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a neuroscientist and entrepreneur, presents the transformative power of "tiny experiments" to replace linear thinking with a circular model of growth. Through simple yet meaningful tests, you'll break free from limiting beliefs, make smarter decisions, and pursue your most authentic ambitions. This guide will inspire you to reawaken your curiosity, drive, and purpose, leading to a more fulfilling life of self-discovery and contribution.

    Buy on Bookshop.org

  10. The Culture Map Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business

    Master global business communication with The Culture Map, your indispensable guide to navigating cultural differences. From deciphering hierarchies to understanding direct vs. indirect styles, Erin Meyer's field-tested insights equip you with the tools to work harmoniously across borders. A must-read for business leaders to bridge the subtle yet crucial divides between nations.

    Buy on Bookshop.org

Frequently asked questions

What is 'Consumed' about?
Aja Barber's memoir explores her journey to a more sustainable, waste-conscious lifestyle through a deep examination of the food industry and consumer culture.
Is 'Consumed' a dense, academic read?
No, Barber's engaging storytelling and accessible prose make 'Consumed' an enjoyable, easy-to-digest read for a general audience.
What other books should I read after 'Consumed'?
Consider pairing 'Consumed' with other titles that delve into sustainability, consumerism, and food culture, such as 'American Bulk', 'Stamped', 'Undrowned', or 'The Delectable Negro'.