The Botany of Desire

The Botany of Desire is in my opinion an 80/20 book. 80% boring and only 20% interesting. The argument of "are they controlling us, or are we controlling them?" In regards to our relationship with plants is a fascinating one. Don't get me wrong, this is a good book! But there are parts where the author just kind of harps on a specific topic for pages and pages in a very Stephen King kind of way that I personally can't stand. I don't think there is ever a reason to talk about John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed for 40+ pages when there are other angles and studies to discuss in regards to apples and grafting. However, my favorite Desire was definitely Intoxication and the discoveries of Marijuana. Specifically how the drug war actually backfired and made marijuana stronger than it was previously due to pushing growers indoors, thus learning how to create hybrid strands. Also, the Monsanto argument is in here as well which was scary, yet intriguing! I garden, which is why I was dead set on reading this book, unfortunately I wasn't big on how it read in some areas. It felt more like a science book at points instead of something I was reading for fun. The desires referenced are: The Apple (sweetness), the Tulip (beauty), Marijuana (intoxication), and The Potato (control). Check it out and decide on a score to give it yourself!

9/10