The Hacking of the American Mind: The Science Behind the Corporate Takeover of Our Bodies and Brains

I wondered whether to give this book just 4 stars. I'm reviewing it for a UK audience, and parts of the book are mainly or entirely for a US audience. (Specifically, where it discusses US Health Insurance; and describes the relationships between the US government and major companies and lobby organisations, and the resulting laws). It doesn't hide the fact that it is partly US-based; see the title.I've given it 5 stars because those parts are a relatively small part of the book, and in some cases, it is possible to detect a similar influence of major companies and lobby organisations in the UK. And the rest of the book deserves 5 stars for a UK audience. (Or for any country where the environment favours cortisol and dopamine at the expense of serotonin!)As would be expected from this author, it (rightly) condemns over-use of sugar! But those parts are a minority of the book, which is mostly a much broader analysis and criticism of the cynical manipulation of our emotions for corporate profit and political votes.The book is easy to read, while being science-rich with over 30 pages of citations at the end. The last 4 chapters are a search for improvement: Connect, Contribute, Cope, Cook. It is a sad condemnation of our environment that those chapters are necessary, rather than simply being taken for granted, as earlier generations probably did.We can individually try to protect ourselves, after learning from this book what is being done to us. It is harder to see that the tide will be turned at national levels, but this book will at least provide some ammunition.

So the premise of the book is conflation of ideas of pleasure and happiness. Somewhat ironically the book is very pleasurable to read and yet it might bring some folks to happiness if the practice some withstraint in their eating habits - which requires folks to get sufficient pleasure out of food without driving into the excesses seemingly dictated by modern living. My daughter is a nutritionist so will be looking for the expert review from her - so far the concepts seem plausible and causal rather than a passing fad with no science to back the idea up.

Bought on advice as a present for someone else and seems to be going down well so far.

Dr. Robert Lustig has done it again - and even better than previously. For lack of a better word, he’s my hero. Through studies with him I not only lost half of my body weight (from 96kg to 48kg), I’m healthier than ever. This book is a perfect mix of science and data, as well as a sparkling delivery device for the most compelling knowledge. I, for one, refuse to be a victim of Big Food and Big Pharma. Only shame is that all those poor souls out there who need really really REALY need this book won’t understand it, any of it. But, hey, you can’t say we haven’t tried. Love this book, Rob!

I'm sure the reviews for this book already speak for themselves. It really is amazing.In many respects, the ultimate goal we are all working towards in our lives is to be happy. In the Hacking of the American Mind, Robert Lustig describe the science behind this. What more could you want?Since reading this book, I've reflected a lot of my life choices and brought a healthier balance between happiness and pleasure into my life. I've also been able to share insights with others, so they too can lead happier lives.

Really enjoyed this book. Will be reading it over again. Title doesn’t do it justice as it really has a lot of info abou health and why society is getting ill.

Insightful and detailed with a compelling set of recommendations as to how to free yourself from the traps our Big Food, Big Media and Big Pharma culture and society have set for us. Highly recommend!

hmmm. Interesting ideas in here - which may work in life, and some of which I will experiment with - e.g. that short-term pleasures actually reduce capacity for deeper contentment. However following up references (e.g. the key serotonin section in chapter 7) does not give a strong picture of the underlying science being robust, particularly on serotonin linkage with human contentment. Other references are 10+ years old. I suspect modern scientists would be very 'iffy' about this book.

Wow! I ended up returning the book because I purchased its version on audible.com and it works better for me as I put it as a background soundtrack to accompany me through my life. It's absolutely amazing. Brave Robert Lustig!

Excelente libro para pensar y reflexionar.

Everybody Must Read this book..to Know about what is Difference between Happiness And Pleasure

For myself this book was great to read and gave me a big insite into things that i knew all my lifeBut now black in white

Otimo