Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
 Not all sweetness and sugar October 11, 2008
A. Webb
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
Reading any of Mark Thomas's books, articles, or even watching an episode of the television series that preceeded them always leaves me feeling angry, depressed and with a real frustration that I am doing little to make the world a better place. So it was with some trepidation that I finally picked up Belching Out The Devil. I was also concerned that as a conscientious consumer who already avoids Coca-Cola that the book would merely be preaching to the converted (me).
Belching Out The Devil brings you on a journey around the world, tackling the many issues that blacken the Coca-Cola brand; the infringement on workers rights, the environmental impact and drought caused by the bottling plants and the pure disregard that The Coca-Cola Company has for the communities it inhabits. It is an easy read packed with hard hitting facts, humour and pop culture references which help you connect with the author, meaning that he becomes a character in his own book rather than assuming the role of preacher. It is well researched and leaves no hole for Coca-Cola to wiggle through. At all times Coca-Cola are asked to respond to Mark Thomas's allegations and at all times his questions are greeted with frustrating PR spiel, there is a hope that if Coca-Cola learn anything from this book it would be to stop making excuses and actually commit themselves fully to the corporate social responsibility they espouse.
There is no call to action in Belching Out The Devil but it does leave you with the sensation of needing to do something, weather it be a boycott or just awareness raising amongst those you know. Some of the stories contained within are reassuring proof that it is possible for one person to make a difference.
A view into the dark side of the sweet stuff September 29, 2008
Ms. Clair E. Mcmullen (London, England)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
When Mark Thomas digs his teeth into something, it's rarely a comfortable experience, but always an enlightening one. In his search for the story behind one of the world's largest brands, Mark talks to farmers whose wells have dried up, workers sacked for daring to belong to a union, and many other people who have suffered because of Coca Cola and its subsidiaries.
A well researched, well written book that should be on the top of everyone's list. Particularly if, like me, you actually quite like Coke.
problems of sugary caramel water October 3, 2008
Ms. A. Francis (In a box.)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Belching Out the Devil: Global Adventures with Coca-Cola
The author offers a honest and unbiased account of a journey across the globe to find the truth behind coca-cola. The writing style is warm and entertaining packed with interesting facts which bring you to really question what else you could have with your whisky. Belching out the devil offers a clear and concise account of the sociological, economical and political problems coca-cola brings to communities when it sets up business. I will never drink coca-cola ever again, and I hope you wont either.
Bad corporation November 2, 2008
An avid reader
This is an educational and and enjoyable read even though the story is about the blighted lives of people on different continents at the hands of coke.
Mark exposes the staunch anti union attitudes of the company, the damage they cause to the environment and the lies they tell when fingers are pointed at them, not to mention the bully-boy tactics when their grasp on the market is threatened.
It's only sugary water after all.
We need more men Like Mark Thomas November 16, 2008
M. Lee (Slough)
No one else seems to have the cohones of this man, I applaud him, for both his tenacity, but also for his humor in the face of so much global misery, having recently seen his live show as well I have even more admiration for him, buy this book and admire the man that dares to go up against big business and Governments.
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