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Fizz: How Soda Shook Up the World Paperback – November 1, 2013
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First published November 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 13, 2022
This book was informative and interesting, but really difficult to understand due to its baffling presentation.
The first third is chronological up to the 20th Century, which works nicely. Then it's divided into chapters loosely centered around themes. This is fine when the themes make sense, but often times it just feels like a bunch of random information jammed together. This is best exemplified by Chapter 8, "Racists, Eco-Freaks and Cancer Scares," which doesn't really have a coherent narrative outside of those three things all being bad. Then in those chapters the author jumps around seemingly at random, from the 17th Century to 1980, then 1950, then 1900, frequently using the present tense. It was frequently hard to follow.
The first third is chronological up to the 20th Century, which works nicely. Then it's divided into chapters loosely centered around themes. This is fine when the themes make sense, but often times it just feels like a bunch of random information jammed together. This is best exemplified by Chapter 8, "Racists, Eco-Freaks and Cancer Scares," which doesn't really have a coherent narrative outside of those three things all being bad. Then in those chapters the author jumps around seemingly at random, from the 17th Century to 1980, then 1950, then 1900, frequently using the present tense. It was frequently hard to follow.
October 12, 2022
Seldom has a product so utterly unnecessary done so much for so few while doing so much damage to so many. Basically nutritionally void fizzy sweet water -- or, rather, the aggressive marketing of such combined with consumers' willingness to ignore common sense -- has made millionaires of a few and contributed heavily to worsening health and increasing waistlines of the masses.
Don't get me wrong: I've drank my share of the stuff. Practically lived off Pepsi in high school and cherry colas in college.
Back in the early 2000s, I listened to two acquaintances, a chiropractor and a dentist, talk about work. The chiropractor lamented that he was finding signs of osteoporosis, typically considered the disease of post-menopausal women, in high school and college boys. The dentist nodded knowingly and offered up that her big battle with patients was something she called "Mountain Dew Mouth." What did these two things have in common? When the respective medical providers quizzed their patients on health habits, they found those with dissolving bones and teeth shared one thing in common: a heavy consumption of soda. Neither doctor thought it was a coincidence.
About this same time, I became uncomfortably aware of a high rate of diabetes on both sides of my family. Unconvinced that artificial sweeteners are really any better for us, I decided to wean myself off of colas. I think I had my next-to-last Pepsi sometime in early 2000. I had my last one a couple years later. At a function where my only options were Pepsi, grape Kool-aid, or some water of questionable purity/cleanliness, I decided the Pepsi was probably the least dangerous. You know what? It tasted like crap. Well, it tasted like it always had, but my brain no longer processed that taste as pleasurable. It was just cloyingly sweet and...well...nasty. These days, on the rare occasion I want something fizzy, I'm happy with a San Pelligrino or Perrier lime. I still like a good, strong ginger beer, but about 6 ounces -- which is the size of the original Coca-Cola and Pepsi bottles -- is plenty.
All of which is to say I read this book without a dog in the cola wars. Or so I thought. I had no idea how tied into everything sodas companies are. Local politics, world politics, the cold war, the space race, trade agreements, tax laws, anti-trust cases, FDA policies, marketing strategies for tech companies -- Coke and Pepsi have had their sticky high-fructose corn syrup covered fingers in all the pies. And their tactics are not always above board.
It's a fascinating book, beginning with the invention of "fizzy waters" in the 18th century to the advent of energy drinks and convincing Americans our tap water is inferior to their bottled tap water. My only real complaint is that the narrative felt pushed and disjointed in the last couple of chapters, as if some hasty editing were done.
Don't get me wrong: I've drank my share of the stuff. Practically lived off Pepsi in high school and cherry colas in college.
Back in the early 2000s, I listened to two acquaintances, a chiropractor and a dentist, talk about work. The chiropractor lamented that he was finding signs of osteoporosis, typically considered the disease of post-menopausal women, in high school and college boys. The dentist nodded knowingly and offered up that her big battle with patients was something she called "Mountain Dew Mouth." What did these two things have in common? When the respective medical providers quizzed their patients on health habits, they found those with dissolving bones and teeth shared one thing in common: a heavy consumption of soda. Neither doctor thought it was a coincidence.
About this same time, I became uncomfortably aware of a high rate of diabetes on both sides of my family. Unconvinced that artificial sweeteners are really any better for us, I decided to wean myself off of colas. I think I had my next-to-last Pepsi sometime in early 2000. I had my last one a couple years later. At a function where my only options were Pepsi, grape Kool-aid, or some water of questionable purity/cleanliness, I decided the Pepsi was probably the least dangerous. You know what? It tasted like crap. Well, it tasted like it always had, but my brain no longer processed that taste as pleasurable. It was just cloyingly sweet and...well...nasty. These days, on the rare occasion I want something fizzy, I'm happy with a San Pelligrino or Perrier lime. I still like a good, strong ginger beer, but about 6 ounces -- which is the size of the original Coca-Cola and Pepsi bottles -- is plenty.
All of which is to say I read this book without a dog in the cola wars. Or so I thought. I had no idea how tied into everything sodas companies are. Local politics, world politics, the cold war, the space race, trade agreements, tax laws, anti-trust cases, FDA policies, marketing strategies for tech companies -- Coke and Pepsi have had their sticky high-fructose corn syrup covered fingers in all the pies. And their tactics are not always above board.
It's a fascinating book, beginning with the invention of "fizzy waters" in the 18th century to the advent of energy drinks and convincing Americans our tap water is inferior to their bottled tap water. My only real complaint is that the narrative felt pushed and disjointed in the last couple of chapters, as if some hasty editing were done.
August 10, 2020
Well done breakdown into the world of the fountain drink and how Soda has changed the way of life for millions around the world- and no, I'm not being dramatic, haha.
January 18, 2018
Touted first as a drink imbibed with medicinal qualities, soda, and soft drinks as its extension ended up being motor of capitalism, promoting throwaway society and even burning Michael Jackson’s hair, and also, one of the main cause of number one health problem in developed countries: obesity. Throughout the book, we can follow the development of soda as a drink processed in a goat’s bladder, the invention of coca-cola and pepsi, the commercial wars between them, with globalisation being the unintended consequences. Very interesting book, I ended up knowing the namesake of A&W.
January 30, 2017
Really more like 1.5 stars. Way too tediously detailed for me. Guess I don't that care much about soda pop mainstream or small scale. The history could have been much more condensed for my taste.
I skipped around chapters as what I was most interested in is how, what is essentially a non food, evolved into a gigantic business, dominates so much of the world and generates so much profit. The author did delve into that impact over the world.
I skipped around chapters as what I was most interested in is how, what is essentially a non food, evolved into a gigantic business, dominates so much of the world and generates so much profit. The author did delve into that impact over the world.
May 20, 2018
The more you read the more the book ramped up because a lot of this history is stranger than fiction. It was a pretty good blend of origin stories for just about everything you can see in the soda isle today. A lot of it was dense (not technical dense but packed with dates and stuff dense).
June 14, 2024
Donovan chronicles the history of the now-ubiquotous bubbly drink from its discover, through the cola wars, to present day. The details get a little much at times, but the author's narrative keeps things fizzing along. You'll want to open a cold one long before finishing this intersting book!
January 8, 2018
A well-researched and written history about soda that pops and fizzes just like it's subject matter!
November 1, 2018
Really informative and a must read for anyone interested in the beverage business!
February 9, 2019
Very informative and interesting history of soda. Includes the beginnings of carbonated drinks all the way up to current energy drinks. Found myself rereading passages because it was a bit dry.
March 29, 2021
The history side of soda was fascinating
February 9, 2023
found very interesting especially on the intrigue of marketing related to Soda's rise.
May 31, 2023
Really entertaining. Good mix is world history interwoven with the history of about every soda that has ever existed.
August 10, 2023
Far too short
June 1, 2015
Review title: Pop-up book
This is a fast paced trace of carbonated soda pop beverages from their historical roots in mineral waters, ginger beers, and patent medicine concoctions. While Coca-Cola features prominently because of its presence early in the foundation of the industry and its size later, Pepsi, Schweppes, and Dr. Pepper also get coverage for their role in the growth of the industry and the Cola Wars of recent decades.
While cola wars are about money and marketing, pop (the drink as well as the music) has helped win real wars, influence political elections, and bring down the Iron Curtain. The science and technology of carbonating water has uncovered new natural laws and driven core technological innovations that changed the landscape. The business of bottling and selling pop created the franchising model that changed the landscape of American business--and the American landscape.
Donovan surveys the surface of all this territory at a fast clip, so don't expect depth, in a book with just over 200 pages. While Donovan cites an extensive bibliography, it feels like most of the book is based on just a few secondary sources. It is pop history for a fast food world--yeah, the low price and high profit margins of colas, along with the franchising model, enabled the rapid growth of that industry, too.
When I saw this book on my library's new-arrivals shelf near the book on the history of candy that I just reviewed, it was a foregone conclusion that I had to read the two together. Samira Kawash's Candy: A century of panic and pleasure was more satisfying because it has more depth, but each achieves its purpose and delivers fun fast reading. The two stories really intertwine in the most recent decades as nutrition and health concerns have forced each industry to retrench and innovate into new product areas, and as each industry has had to reconsider its roots after decades of massive growth and profits. What are candy and pop after all but food fantasies, edible escapism driven by billion-dollar companies and global influence? Sure we all love to indulge in their products but perhaps it is time to place them in the proper perspective.
Now if you'll excuse me, it is Oscar night, so I have an ice cold diet Mountain Dew and lots of snacks including candy waiting to fuel my night of celebration of the escapism of Hollywood. See, it's all a matter of perspective.
This is a fast paced trace of carbonated soda pop beverages from their historical roots in mineral waters, ginger beers, and patent medicine concoctions. While Coca-Cola features prominently because of its presence early in the foundation of the industry and its size later, Pepsi, Schweppes, and Dr. Pepper also get coverage for their role in the growth of the industry and the Cola Wars of recent decades.
While cola wars are about money and marketing, pop (the drink as well as the music) has helped win real wars, influence political elections, and bring down the Iron Curtain. The science and technology of carbonating water has uncovered new natural laws and driven core technological innovations that changed the landscape. The business of bottling and selling pop created the franchising model that changed the landscape of American business--and the American landscape.
Donovan surveys the surface of all this territory at a fast clip, so don't expect depth, in a book with just over 200 pages. While Donovan cites an extensive bibliography, it feels like most of the book is based on just a few secondary sources. It is pop history for a fast food world--yeah, the low price and high profit margins of colas, along with the franchising model, enabled the rapid growth of that industry, too.
When I saw this book on my library's new-arrivals shelf near the book on the history of candy that I just reviewed, it was a foregone conclusion that I had to read the two together. Samira Kawash's Candy: A century of panic and pleasure was more satisfying because it has more depth, but each achieves its purpose and delivers fun fast reading. The two stories really intertwine in the most recent decades as nutrition and health concerns have forced each industry to retrench and innovate into new product areas, and as each industry has had to reconsider its roots after decades of massive growth and profits. What are candy and pop after all but food fantasies, edible escapism driven by billion-dollar companies and global influence? Sure we all love to indulge in their products but perhaps it is time to place them in the proper perspective.
Now if you'll excuse me, it is Oscar night, so I have an ice cold diet Mountain Dew and lots of snacks including candy waiting to fuel my night of celebration of the escapism of Hollywood. See, it's all a matter of perspective.
March 27, 2016
Fizz: How Soda Shook Up The World is a history of soft drinks. I used to drink that quite a lot, but after I moved to Japan, I switched to tea and water. Much healthier hahahaha. But still, I was curious to find out the history of soft-drinks.
First off, I had no idea that soft drinks started as carbonated water. Apparently there was an idea that it was good with you. Then people added flavourings. For a while, it was like medicine (Coke started off as medicine, for one). Then it was a treat. And now it's an everyday drink. Although come to think of it, when I was a kid, I think coke (with all the bubbles beaten out of it) was occasionally used as a medicine. I think it was for cough?
I thought it was fascinating how far the influence of soft drinks reached. In particular, Coke, Pepsi and politics. It even spilled over into the race into space.
While the book starts in Europe, most of it takes place in America, since that's where soda was adopted most rapidly. After the war, there's a brief excursion into Japan and other countries. But mostly, it's very Western (particularly American) centric. Well... Looking at the subject matter I guess there's no choice.
I've actually read a related book before - Secret Formula by Frederick Allen, which was an extremely interesting and detailed look into the history of Coca-Cola. I remember saying, in my review for the book, that everything unrelated to coke was brought in only when it affected coke. Well, this book is more about the broader picture, and coke is but one of the many companies it talks about. Fizz is more like a broad look into the soda industry, though in the later half, when companies began to form, it seems to focus more on the leading companies.
So depending on what you're in the mood for, I have two books for you.
If you want a general look at how soft drinks took over the world, read Fizz. If you're a Coke person and you want to know more about your favourite company (as well as all the company politics!), read Secret Formula. Both books are interesting and easy to read.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
First off, I had no idea that soft drinks started as carbonated water. Apparently there was an idea that it was good with you. Then people added flavourings. For a while, it was like medicine (Coke started off as medicine, for one). Then it was a treat. And now it's an everyday drink. Although come to think of it, when I was a kid, I think coke (with all the bubbles beaten out of it) was occasionally used as a medicine. I think it was for cough?
I thought it was fascinating how far the influence of soft drinks reached. In particular, Coke, Pepsi and politics. It even spilled over into the race into space.
While the book starts in Europe, most of it takes place in America, since that's where soda was adopted most rapidly. After the war, there's a brief excursion into Japan and other countries. But mostly, it's very Western (particularly American) centric. Well... Looking at the subject matter I guess there's no choice.
I've actually read a related book before - Secret Formula by Frederick Allen, which was an extremely interesting and detailed look into the history of Coca-Cola. I remember saying, in my review for the book, that everything unrelated to coke was brought in only when it affected coke. Well, this book is more about the broader picture, and coke is but one of the many companies it talks about. Fizz is more like a broad look into the soda industry, though in the later half, when companies began to form, it seems to focus more on the leading companies.
So depending on what you're in the mood for, I have two books for you.
If you want a general look at how soft drinks took over the world, read Fizz. If you're a Coke person and you want to know more about your favourite company (as well as all the company politics!), read Secret Formula. Both books are interesting and easy to read.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
January 14, 2014
It can be hard to believe that carbonated or fizzy soda is a relatively new thing but it is. This book will give you chapter and verse about this often addictive type of drink and how it has spread its tentacles around the world in just over a century.
Who would think that fizzy, flavoured water could be such a large economic powerhouse, touching the everyday lives of so many people and, at times, coming under criticism for contributing to expanding waistlines and creating health problems. Carbonated water itself was not new but its commercialisation and development is a textbook example of business development and social change.
This book provides a great, comprehensive and detailed history of carbonated drinks, soda or whatever you wish to call it. The author has carefully balanced the need to provide a detailed, authoritative resource with readability, accessibility and reader engagement. Thus this is a great general book for the curious reader as well as a terrific academic resource for those who need this sort of informational springboard, boosted by a massive section of bibliographic notes and reference resources.
Reviewing a book of this kind is always a difficult task as there is no real measurable metric other than was the individual reader better informed or entertained after reading it. Yes, would be the clear answer in this case and certainly it did get the old grey cells whirring a little afterwards too so one can add "thought provoking" to this book's credit. The book's price (even before discounting) is a great deal for such an interesting read that you don't even need to like soda to enjoy it. For the sheer general knowledge alone it is worth it. It is not a book written by an enthusiastic fan so whether you are an overactive soda consumer, a trenchant critic of soda drinks or something in between you will surely find "Fizz" to be a very filling infusion to your mind.
Who would think that fizzy, flavoured water could be such a large economic powerhouse, touching the everyday lives of so many people and, at times, coming under criticism for contributing to expanding waistlines and creating health problems. Carbonated water itself was not new but its commercialisation and development is a textbook example of business development and social change.
This book provides a great, comprehensive and detailed history of carbonated drinks, soda or whatever you wish to call it. The author has carefully balanced the need to provide a detailed, authoritative resource with readability, accessibility and reader engagement. Thus this is a great general book for the curious reader as well as a terrific academic resource for those who need this sort of informational springboard, boosted by a massive section of bibliographic notes and reference resources.
Reviewing a book of this kind is always a difficult task as there is no real measurable metric other than was the individual reader better informed or entertained after reading it. Yes, would be the clear answer in this case and certainly it did get the old grey cells whirring a little afterwards too so one can add "thought provoking" to this book's credit. The book's price (even before discounting) is a great deal for such an interesting read that you don't even need to like soda to enjoy it. For the sheer general knowledge alone it is worth it. It is not a book written by an enthusiastic fan so whether you are an overactive soda consumer, a trenchant critic of soda drinks or something in between you will surely find "Fizz" to be a very filling infusion to your mind.
April 26, 2014
Comprehensive culinary history of carbonated drinks, largely here in the US but some international treatment, from snake oil to prohibition's root beers - the good and the bad of sugar pop and the latest competition from energy drinks and "health beverages". Not too much vilification of the sweet stuff, more the business, political and cultural history.
Coke vs Pepsi of course, and many small companies all over the country too - and how they've been eaten up or killed off by the bigger businesses. Another success story for franchising, this time as the Coke and Pepsi built regional bottlers for easier distribution of and control over their product.
Extensive reference and bibliography, always appreciated.
-- Ashland Mystery
Coke vs Pepsi of course, and many small companies all over the country too - and how they've been eaten up or killed off by the bigger businesses. Another success story for franchising, this time as the Coke and Pepsi built regional bottlers for easier distribution of and control over their product.
Extensive reference and bibliography, always appreciated.
-- Ashland Mystery
November 7, 2013
I read this as a digital galley from netgalley.
Fizz: How Soda Shook Up the World by Tristan Donovan
I am a Coca-Cola drinker. I've been one all of my life. First the refreshing goodness that is regular Coca-Cola (Classic) and the no-calorie treat that is Diet Coke. This year I may have consumed more coffee than Diet Coke but I'd be surprised if I ever start drinking Pepsi. But I do have a fondness for Dr Pepper and I could probably go on and on about different soft drinks and what I think about them.
see my review at http://cleverbee.org/clever-blog/2013...
Fizz: How Soda Shook Up the World by Tristan Donovan
I am a Coca-Cola drinker. I've been one all of my life. First the refreshing goodness that is regular Coca-Cola (Classic) and the no-calorie treat that is Diet Coke. This year I may have consumed more coffee than Diet Coke but I'd be surprised if I ever start drinking Pepsi. But I do have a fondness for Dr Pepper and I could probably go on and on about different soft drinks and what I think about them.
see my review at http://cleverbee.org/clever-blog/2013...
January 10, 2014
Had not read a cola book in a while, saw this one and thought it would be good for work (Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, Monroe, LA which has a Coke Museum, as well as a historic house, garden and Bible Museum). Purchased two copies to pass among employees and felt I should be the first to read it. Lots of history and trivia pertaining to carbonated drinks, some I will post on our museum's Facebook page over time. While the book dealt with lots of different sodas it is telling that most of the pages dealt with Coke!
January 25, 2021
This book was hard to put down once I picked it up. It covers the full history of soda, carbonated water, and even energy drinks towards the end of the book. Far from focusing on the big two of Coke and Pepsi, we get to learn about dozens of different bottlers, big and small. The history of various containers used for the drinks is presented right alongside, adding another level of intrigue. Many international soda histories are mentioned too. Definitely recommend to anyone looking to dive into the long past of pop.
April 19, 2014
After a somewhat slow start with a technical discussion of making sodas, the narrative picks up momentum and really has some pop to it. Fascinating analysis of how Coca-Cola was the frontrunner in the soda business but continually had to battle rivals ( particularly Pepsi) for dominance in the soft drink market. It has also has a good international flavor to it as they tried to gain a foothold in various foreign countries.
April 23, 2014
Loved this book. Filled with facts and information about soda and its history. Is a bit dense at the beginning as it goes through all early history of the drink, but really picks up steam. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and got so many tidbits out of it, and really enjoyed the info as to the Apple/Pepsi connection!
August 23, 2016
I enjoyed this book, but it is as much a history of marketing as it is a history of soda pop. I hadn't realized how early Pepsi had been trying to incorporate African Americans into its business, that was interesting. I'm hopeful the artisan soda movement takes off like the artisanal beers and (to a certain extent) coffee!
April 13, 2015
Lots of useful information for my history of pharmacy class, as many soidas developed by pharmacists.
Want to read
April 1, 2014Top 5 Science and Nature - PLA
April 14, 2017
Informative, interesting and entertaining. Kept me reading from the first bubble!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews