Book Blog #145: A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage

Title: A History of the World in 6 Glasses
Author: Tom Standage
# of pages: 311 (paperback)
Genre: Nonfiction, History
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Synopsis: Throughout human history, certain drinks have done much more than just quench thirst. As Tom Standage relates with authority and charm, six of them have had a surprisingly pervasive influence on the course of history, becoming the defining drink during a pivotal historical period.

A History of the World in 6 Glasses tells the story of humanity from the Stone Age to the 21st century through the lens of beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and cola.

For Tom Standage, each drink is a kind of technology, a catalyst for advancing culture by which he demonstrates the intricate interplay of different civilizations. You may never look at your favorite drink the same way again.
Review: This isn't a book I would read for fun.

Someone had told me that I would enjoy the book because it had a plot line. When she said that, I thought she meant that there would be a protagonist and somehow learn about these six glasses through his or her story. But it's purely informational.

I only realized it after I read a discussion question, but it this book is very European centered. For tea, there could have been more focus on the Asian countries for the tea section other than how to related to Europe.

It's not the hardest book to read, and it shouldn't have taken as long to read as it did. But it fails to engage the reader. Standage could have done better. Not recommended for recreational reading.