In "Rigged," David Shimer unveils the obscured mechanics of the animal food industry, revealing a complex system designed to manipulate consumer choice and obscure the true cost of meat, dairy, and eggs. Through rigorous research and compelling narrative, Shimer exposes how artificially low prices and deceptive marketing practices are employed to dictate our diet, with profound implications for our health, the environment, and animal welfare. This groundbreaking book peels back the layers of an industry striving to maximize profit at the expense of transparency, laying bare the economic and ethical entanglements that tether us to our plates. Shimer's analysis extends beyond the supermarket aisle to trace the staggering external costs of animal food production, costs not reflected in the price tags of animal products but borne by society at large—amounting to a hidden tax of $414 billion annually. By calculating the real price of meat, dairy, and eggs, including their impact on our health, prosperity, and the planet, "Rigged" challenges us to reconsider the sustainability of our consumption patterns. With a clarion call for reform, Shimer offers not just a critique but a roadmap for how we can reshape the economics of eating for the betterment of all. This is a pivotal read for anyone concerned with the future of food, the welfare of animals, and the health of our planet.