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cascadianrain's reviews
321 reviews
The End of Nature by Bill McKibben
4.0
Written in the late 80's, this is a disturbing book to read as we approach the second decade of the 21st century. Disturbing because so little of our dialogue about climate change has progressed beyond what was being discussed two decades ago. Doubly so because McKibbin's nightmare, that we might delay action for 20 or more years, is precisely the course we have chosen, and the consequences are sure to be all-the-more dire because of it.
Much of this book is dated now... The science, for certain (An Inconvenient Truth is a far better source for more recent research). But on the whole, the book and McKibbin's perspective remains relevant as we, every day, make the choice between action & inaction regarding our impact on what remains of the natural world. This book is a reminder of what we are losing and, sadly, what we have already lost.
Two decades later, it's still worth the read.
Much of this book is dated now... The science, for certain (An Inconvenient Truth is a far better source for more recent research). But on the whole, the book and McKibbin's perspective remains relevant as we, every day, make the choice between action & inaction regarding our impact on what remains of the natural world. This book is a reminder of what we are losing and, sadly, what we have already lost.
Two decades later, it's still worth the read.
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
3.0
Much like The DaVinci Code, I found myself feeling a bit indifferent about this book. It was certainly an entertaining read, and in places I found myself quite engrossed in the story if, for no other reason, then just to find out what the heck was about to happen. That really is the hallmark of a great summer read, and so this story fits that bill.
The quality of the story stops there, however. Like much of Dan Brown's work, this book reads a bit more like a movie script than a novel, and so feels rather hollow in regards to depth of character. Brown is an extremely visual writer, which helps the reader paint a fantastic picture of the scenes the author is describing. The flip side is that one never really cares all that deeply about what happens to the people in the story. They are merely the vessels used for propelling action forward.
But, there's no point in me ragging on the author so much. This book wasn't written to be literature, it was written to be fun... And in that it succeeds.
The quality of the story stops there, however. Like much of Dan Brown's work, this book reads a bit more like a movie script than a novel, and so feels rather hollow in regards to depth of character. Brown is an extremely visual writer, which helps the reader paint a fantastic picture of the scenes the author is describing. The flip side is that one never really cares all that deeply about what happens to the people in the story. They are merely the vessels used for propelling action forward.
But, there's no point in me ragging on the author so much. This book wasn't written to be literature, it was written to be fun... And in that it succeeds.
The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet by Neil deGrasse Tyson
5.0
Part history lesson, part science class, and funny throughout, The Pluto Files is one of those rare non-fiction reads that keeps you gripped and entertained from beginning to end.
Neil deGrasse Tyson is the inheritor of the throne of Carl Sagan, and he fills the role perfectly with his incredible knowledge, brilliant use of language, and charming wit. All of his books are worth the read, but The Pluto Files is a great place for a non-enthusiast to start. Frankly, the book is worth picking up for the children's letters he published inside alone. They'll have you chuckling as Neil effortlessly tells the narrative of the discovery of Pluto and its final fall from planethood.
Well illustrated, carefully annotated, and humorously written, this book is a great way to start exploring your solar system.
Neil deGrasse Tyson is the inheritor of the throne of Carl Sagan, and he fills the role perfectly with his incredible knowledge, brilliant use of language, and charming wit. All of his books are worth the read, but The Pluto Files is a great place for a non-enthusiast to start. Frankly, the book is worth picking up for the children's letters he published inside alone. They'll have you chuckling as Neil effortlessly tells the narrative of the discovery of Pluto and its final fall from planethood.
Well illustrated, carefully annotated, and humorously written, this book is a great way to start exploring your solar system.
Cannibals and Kings: Origins of Cultures by Marvin Harris
5.0
Harris presents an ambitious and compelling thesis regarding the causes of and unconscious motivations behind the development of human societies ancient & modern.
He focuses on the cycle of depletion of resources, intensification, and decline as the most consistent story of humankind since the advent of agriculture. He argues that intensification is a natural reaction to a list of deplorable choices when societies are faced with threats to their way of life, but that intensification is always the wrong choice.
The parallels to our own modern ecological crisis are astounding, and the lessons Harris teaches should be heeded by all (especially those in privileged nations like the US).
He focuses on the cycle of depletion of resources, intensification, and decline as the most consistent story of humankind since the advent of agriculture. He argues that intensification is a natural reaction to a list of deplorable choices when societies are faced with threats to their way of life, but that intensification is always the wrong choice.
The parallels to our own modern ecological crisis are astounding, and the lessons Harris teaches should be heeded by all (especially those in privileged nations like the US).