First published 2018
New York Times bestselling author A.J. Jacobs embarks on a global quest to personally thank each individual who contributed to his daily cup of coffee. His naturally cynical temperament mirrors Larry David more than Tom Hanks, but a challenge from his son propels him forward. The mission takes him from Minnesota iron miners who extract metal for coffee roasters to Colombian farmers who grow the beans to Madison Avenue marketers who caught his attention. Face to face encounters with farmers, chemists, truckers, mechanics, biologists, and goatherds reveal the vast network of people behind every ordinary object. Scientific research validates what Jacobs experiences firsthand. Gratitude improves compassion, heals the body, and fights depression. His journey transforms his outlook and demonstrates how focusing on what goes right instead of what goes wrong can reshape daily life. The book teaches savoring meditation and challenges our culture's emphasis on individual achievement over collective effort.
Genres: science, social-science, business, non-fiction, 21st-century, academic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, personal-journey
Setting: Colombia, Madison Avenue, Minnesota
Period: 21st Century
160 pages · Hardcover · Simon & Schuster/ TED