I have been following the Go Big Read program, including Chancellor Biddy Martin's Friday guest column on her reasons for the selection of the book, "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto."

Sifting and winnowing is a laudable objective in theory, but let's remember we're giving a public stage to a best-selling author. The "rest of the story" will be drowned out by the diatribe against our food production system, hard working producers and agribusiness who put an amazing array of healthy choices in front of us every day.

I trust that the State Journal, its editorial board and its coverage of the event will be balanced, fair and thoughtful. It's critical the whole story be told, not just the opinion of a few who are selling books.

What is the agenda behind the book selection and the book itself? Do they really care about your food choices, or another animal rights, organic or vegan agenda?

I agree with Martin that the book is "controversial" and needs to be "subjected to contradictory data." Martin's "particular gift to the larger society" needs to be unwrapped with care and a healthy dose of skepticism. It contains opinions that are not based on the science with which UW-Madison has based its reputation.

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