Everything but the Coffee by Bryant Simon

"Learning about America from Starbucks" - Simon, a professor at Temple University, analyzes the meteoric rise and rapid decline of Starbucks, what it says about the American consumer and culture, and the reality behind the corporate myths created and promoted by the company. Although I never was a regular customer of Starbucks, I did consider it a treat to buy a skinny mocha latte on occasion. After reading this book, I will think twice before spending the money (and consuming the calories) on products that we have been led to believe help make the world a better place by saving the environment and supporting independent farmers in third-world countries. Starbucks means well but it is all about corporate profit, not about helping anyone but the owners or stockholders. Interesting read, a little too academic at times but certainly worth the time.

FYI, I didn't say I would NEVER buy another Starbucks beverage (I am rather fond of their chocolate banana vivanno) but I will be a better informed consumer and may opt to purchase from a locally-owned company (CC's Coffee House) instead.