TWINKIE, DECONSTRUCTED

It's the quintessential snack treat, the subject of myth and legal proceedings. The Twinkie stands for all that is right and, perhaps, wrong with American processed food. The author examines each of the ingredients of the Twinkie, starting from the most common all the way to the unlisted "less than 1 percent" additives, such as color. He also examines where each ingredient comes from. It's a delicious lesson in organic chemistry, world trade, and gastronomic history. Mark Lund narrates with enthusiasm. He warms to the subject, and his tone engages listeners. He could have rendered the book as stale as a Twinkie past its sell-by date. Instead, like his topic, he is bouncy and fresh. R.C.G. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 07]