In a very odd way, this was both an encouraging and very depressing book. Firstly, it's depressing because it posits what life on Earth would be like after the human occupation. I don't want any species to go extinct, and that includes humans. However, life on Earth went on a long time without us, and it's a bit encouraging to think that life on Earth could go on a long time after us.

It's the same reason walking with a dog or staring at a sunset over the ocean makes you feel better: it reminds you that you are, in fact, infinitesimally small compared to the world, and that perspective puts your problems in their place.

Weisman explores the effects our buildings, chemicals, structures, and lifestyles will leave upon the ecosystem, and how those systems will (or won't) bounce back, and what changes they will make. It's absolutely fascinating. And (of course) at times, heartrendingly depressing.

My favorite chapter, though, was the one on how quickly Manhattan would bounce back. In fact, for anyone who's interested in that in particular, I'd recommend this fascinating website.