What Doug is: Reading

I'm using the term "reading" a bit loosely here. I'll be honest, I haven't read a book since my last English Lit class at UCLA many years ago and it's been even longer since I last bought a book. Last week, I finally ordered and bought a book, though it's not really a book.

This Is Why You're Fat: Where Dreams Become Heart Attacks is not so much a book or a recipe guide, but more a food blog published for the (obese) masses. Why would I buy such a book? Over a year ago, one of my photos on Flickr caught the eye of one of the writers of the now defunct food blog known as "This Is Why You're Fat." They asked me if I wanted to include this photo in their upcoming book of the same name. Although they couldn't (wouldn't?) pay for this photo, they promised me a copy of this book, so I obliged. Many months later, the book finally came out and there was my photo on page 18. Great story, right? But I didn't answer the question... why would I buy this book? I asked them a couple times for my free copy, but they never even asked me for a mailing address and I soon discovered that their site is now dead. Since they can't even pay the bills to keep the site afloat, I figured I would never own this book unless I actually go out and get it myself.

The book itself is pretty interesting. You'll be surprised (and appalled) by some of the creations captured in this collection of artery-clogging treats. There's quite a range of delicacies here. Some of these dishes, such as the Snack Stadium, are homemade and include a recipe. Others, such as the Krispy Kreme Milkshake, use existing junk food as ingredients for a grander meal. There is an entire section devoted to bacon and its important role in making any and all foods better.

All in all, this book is a pretty interesting read and I definitely recommend looking through it at some point. The food will disgust you and inspire you at the same time.