70 pages • 2 hours read
Marc Aronson, Marina BudhosSugar Changed the World
Nonfiction | Book | YA | Published in 2010A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Sugar Changed the World by Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos explores how the cultivation of sugar has profoundly impacted societies globally in social, economic, and cultural contexts. The book covers the ancient origins of sugar, its spread through trade and conquest, and its role in driving the enslavement of Africans, leading to significant cultural developments and political revolutions, and eventually transitioning to the use of indentured workers and the discovery of alternatives like beet sugar and artificial sweeteners. Slavery and the exploitation of labor appear in this narrative.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Sugar Changed the World by Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos intertwines global history and personal narratives to explore sugar's impact on society. Praised for its engaging writing and thorough research, it sometimes lacks depth in certain topics. It is recommended for those interested in a compelling overview of sugar's complex legacy.
Who Should Read Sugar Changed the World?
A reader who would enjoy Sugar Changed the World by Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos is likely a history enthusiast keen on understanding global socio-economic impacts. They might also enjoy Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond for its similar approach to historical analysis and The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan for its exploration of food's cultural significance.
RecommendedReading Age
12-18yearsBook Details
History: World
History: African
Society: Economics
Society: Colonialism
Values/Ideas: Power & Greed