The Coke Machine: The Dirty Truth Behind the World's Favorite Soft Drink

by Michael Blanding Narrated by George K. Wilson

Overview

Ever since its "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" commercials from the 1970s, Coca-Cola has billed itself as the world's beverage, uniting all colors and cultures in a mutual love of its caramel-sweet sugar water. The formula has worked incredibly well, making it one of the most profitable companies on the planet and Coca-Cola the world's second-most-recognized word after hello. However, as the company expands its reach into both domestic and foreign markets, an increasing number of the world's citizens are finding the taste of Coke more bitter than sweet.



Journalist Michael Blanding's The Coke Machine probes shocking accusations about the company's global impact, including:



-Coca-Cola's history of winning at any cost, even if it meant that its franchisees were making deals with the Nazis and Guatemalan paramilitary squads



-How Coke has harmed children's health and contributed to an obesity epidemic through exclusive soda contracts in schools



-The horrific environmental impact of Coke bottling plants in India and Mexico, where water supplies have been decimated while toxic pollution has escalated



-That Coke bottlers stand accused of conspiring with paramilitaries to threaten, kidnap, and murder union leaders in their bottling plants in Colombia



A disturbing portrait drawn from an award-winning journalist's daring, in-depth research, The Coke Machine is the first comprehensive probe of the company and its secret formula for greed.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Put down your soda, read The Coke Machine, and join the global movement to rein in unaccountable corporations." ---Barbara Ehrenreich, author of Brightsided

Library Journal

In his first book, Boston magazine contributing editor Blanding (www.michaelblanding.com) provides an inside look at the Coca-Cola Company and its international franchises, tracking the company's century-long history and continuing growth, revealing relatively unknown facts about the famous formula and its pioneering creators, and exploring accusations regarding the company's negative global impact. George K. Wilson's (A Dog's Purpose) steady and solid narration sustains listeners' attention throughout this detailed case analysis that follows in the footsteps of The Jungle, Upton Sinclair's classic work of muckraking. Blanding's approach to the story of this important business is tough and unsweet, and he adds many revealing details not covered in Mark Pendergrast's For God, Country, and Coca-Cola or Valerie Bodden's The Story of Coca-Cola. Highly recommended for all business students.—Dale Farris, Groves, TX

JANUARY 2011 - AudioFile

George Wilson’s deep and deliberate voice makes this audiobook highly digestible, even if the details of Coca-Cola’s history are not. Blanding provides a critical look at a company that, despite its pristine image, has a good number skeletons in its closet—skeletons that the company has paid millions of dollars in court fees and settlements to keep under wraps. Wilson keeps to a steady pace and a matter-of-fact tone that doesn’t use histrionics when recounting the company’s bald-faced lies or clear attempts at averting the truth. His delivery of accents flows smoothly, and his use of emphasis and steady projection keeps listeners engaged. L.E. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170865987
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	09/16/2010
Edition description:	Unabridged

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