Sweet and Low (Abridged): A Family Story Audiobook

" great combo of non-fiction and fiction type story telling, interesting history of artificial sweeteners in usa "

" This could be subtitled "Jewish Families Behaving Badly". Starting off with a diner in Brooklyn, the family business of packing teabags, then sugar, then saccherine grew into a multimillion dollar enterprise. The author delves into the history of sugar from prehistoric times as well as the history of the Cumberland enterprise, makers of Sweet and Low, in the ubiquitous pink packets. The book also traces the history of Mr. Cohen's family from its immigration to New York City to the final fracturing and disenfranchisement of his mother and her offspring from the family fortune. It's an amusing tale, witty, and quite sad when blood relatives become enemies. "

" This is the "hilarious" story of the family of Ben Eisenstat, the founder of Sweet and Low artificial sweetener. If this is "hilarious" I would hate to see the reviews for "Crime and Punishment." The story revolves around the most unlikeable family I have ever read about. The sweetener made a fortune for Ben and his family. His wife, Betty, disinherited the mother and family of the author. The company was infiltrated by criminals. I finished but I never saw anything even remotely humorous or redeeming about the story. I don't even think I'll buy the product any more. "

" If you're an East Coaster, Jewish or come from a dysfunctional family, you will LOVE this book. "

" Interesting book about a Jewish family in Brooklyn. Guy writes well. "

" A wonderful family saga - makes you appreciate your own disfunctional family. Very well written - both funny and smart. "

" Who would have thought there was such a story behind artificial sweetner! "

" I liked this book, I think largely because the family who form the Sweet 'n Low "Empire" were from my old neighborhood in Brooklyn. The story is a bit repetitive but it is fun to read. "

" Great book, learned a lot about the family, sugar, dieting in America and marketing! "

" Interesting biography with more than a little bias. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall in this house. "

" Audio book. Very fascinating history of the Sweet-n-Low company, written by the grandson of the inventor of the product. He was also the reader and just made it fun to listen. "

" Interesting beginning. Gives history of NYC and Brooklyn but then fizzles a bit when discussing the downfall of the company and the introduction of substitute sweetners. "

" As someone who loves family histories, this was a great read for me. I have read one other book by this same author and he is a wonderful writer. I am amazed that he actually wrote all this about his own family. "

" Very difficult to read. Did not finish the book "

" This book will give you great party chatter for weeks. For example: person responsible for pushing the FDA to approve NutraSweet despite conflicting studies? DONALD RUMSFELD. True story. "

" I listened to this, read by the author, as an audio book. Outstanding. All true. Gifted writing. "

" There was a good story in there somewhere and a lot of bad editing. The tidbits about Brooklyn and the sugar (and substitute) industry were great. The family intrigue...not so much. He left out too much and it was alternatively confusing and not interesting. "

" Interesting history of the development of artificial sweeteners. "

" An odd mix of family history/autobiography and history of an industry. "

" I always enjoy a good non-fiction book. What a screwed up family though. Interesting family and corporate America story. "

" Really fun. A little light but gives a fascinating inside look at family-owned businesses and a brief but insightful history of sugar and the rise of the alternative-sugar market, as well as a fun look at Brooklyn in the 20th century and how easily the mafia could take hold of a business. "

" Good, just not captivating enough. I must have put thus book down 4 times to read (and finish) other things. I especially enjoyed the scientific history of artificial sweeteners, including the Hopkins reference. "

" Who would have thought there was such a story behind artificial sweetner! "

" In parts it was interesting, but, over-all I just didn't really care. "

" Last book I read in 2010. Very interesting and a quick read. As the book description reads, it is a good story about a family and the history of artificial sugar. I would recommend this book. "

" I liked this book, I think largely because the family who form the Sweet 'n Low "Empire" were from my old neighborhood in Brooklyn. The story is a bit repetitive but it is fun to read. "

" As someone who loves family histories, this was a great read for me. I have read one other book by this same author and he is a wonderful writer. I am amazed that he actually wrote all this about his own family. "

" Extended Family Drama... I loved reading about it. :) "

" A fun peek into a crazy family tale with a history of artificial sweetener thrown in. "

" Just not into this book... "

" An enthralling tell-all about the founding family of Sweet N Low. Interesting read for slow days at work. "

" Very difficult to read. Did not finish the book "