Cocoa (book)

{{Short description|2018 book by Kristy Leissle}}

{{Italic title}}

{{Infobox book

| author = Kristy Leissle

| isbn = 978-1-509-51316-1

| pub_date = 2018

| publisher = Polity

| image = Cocoa (2018) by Kristy Leissle cover.jpeg

}}

Cocoa is a 2018 book by Kristy Leissle, a lecturer in global studies at the University of Washington Bothell.{{Sfnp|Chapman|2018}}

The book covers cocoa's history, as well as contemporary production, economics, politics, trade, consumption and geography.{{Sfnp|Field|2018}} In Cocoa, Leissle is critical of issues around cocoa including labor exploitation (both within and outside of Africa),{{Sfnp|Neville|2018|p=44}} gender inequalities, the fairness of 'fair trade',{{Sfnp|Field|2018}} market concentration and ignorance regarding Africa's role in cocoa production.{{Sfnp|Neville|2018|p=45}} She is, however, optimistic for a future where farmers are valued.{{Sfnp|Field|2018}} She argues for the environmental and financial benefits of farmers growing flavor cocoa, while saying this production will not grow to a large scale.{{Sfnp|Carr|2020}}

Multiple reviewers commented on the how concise the book was,{{Sfnp|Neville|2018|p=44}}{{Sfnp|Chapman|2018}} to the point where James Field, writing in the magazine Geographical said it became dense at times, although this was balanced well by anecdotes.{{Sfnp|Field|2018}} In his review, Field credited Leissle for recognizing her privileged position in discussing the topic.{{Sfnp|Field|2018}}