COD: a Biography of the Fish that Changed the World - Book Review

Kliatt, Nov, 2002 by Sunnie Grant

Mark Kurlansky. 1997/2002. Read by Richard M. Davidson. 6 tapes. 7.5 hrs. New Millennium Audio. 1-59007-245-6. $34.95 Cardboard; author, reader, plot notes. JSA*

This exceptional set of tapes chronicles the history of a simple fish, incorporating elements of aquaculture, world history, food culture, folklore, fashion, economics, word origins, and recipes dating back to the 14th century, as well as myriad uses for cod. The author has taken an unusual multidimensional approach that flows easily from one aspect to another, integrates each element, and educates the listener in a through, refreshing, and highly entertaining manner. Listeners will be awed at how the existence of this one creature has had such an impact on such a diversity of seemingly unrelated elements, and at how the author combines them into a scrumptious "chowder" for the mind. Junior high school students may be challenged by the length of the audiobook, but can understand all material covered. Sunnie Grant, Alton, NH